ying to get to the bottom of persistent health issues, including recurring vaginal infections. Even though my issues weren’t uncommon, it still felt taboo and shameful to be looking for this kind of help back then. Finally, I met a great doctor who heard me and guided me to the right holistic solutions. I took away three big insights from that experience.  First, all of my symptoms could be traced back to my gut health. Second, boric acid suppositories (a solution I didn’t have awareness of back then) are excellent for supporting vaginal health, but they were expensive and hard to find. Third, so many women’s personal care products, especially the ones for vaginas, contain ingredients that were making my issues even worse. This was life-changing information for me, and I knew that other women needed this as much as I did. We launched our first products in 2016, including the first-ever over-the-counter boric acid suppository, a probiotic to support vaginal health, and a pH-balancing cleanser.  IR: In what ways do you believe Love Wellness fills a white space in the wellness and personal care market?  LB: Since day one, our ingredient standards and deep understanding of women’s bodies have set us apart. The wellness industry chases trends, whether it’s turning supplements into gummies, throwing in a buzzy ingredient, or using a fun fragrance. We found the white space by bucking those trends. We only use clinically studied ingredients. We always exclude sugar and fragrance. We work with doctors to create truly innovative solutions. And customers can feel the difference.  IR: In addition to product categories aimed at aiding gut health and hormonal health, Love Wellness recently launched a line of products specifically for body care. What was the motivation behind this release?  LB: We launched our best-selling debloating supplement, Bye Bye Bloat, in 2018. It was one of the first products on the market to effectively target hormone and food-related bloating. Bye Bye Bloat Body Care is the next frontier in innovative solutions for bloating. The routine makes lymphatic massage accessible for everyone and boosts the benefits of our debloating capsules. This kind of treatment can cost hundreds of dollars at a spa, and now anyone can get the same results at home for less than $3 per massage. We spent two years creating this line, and the results customers are getting are incredible! IR: What type of products are you interested in launching next?  LB: We’re continuing to innovate in the vaginal, gut, and hormonal health categories. Expect some exciting launches from us this year!  IR: What have been the biggest highlights and setbacks you’ve experienced in building the business thus far?  LB: A consistent highlight over the years is hearing testimonials from our customers. So many women are looking for solutions, community, and education, and I’m so proud that we’ve built a platform that provides all three.  IR: What are your top priorities/areas of focus for the brand over the next 12 months?  LB: Keep an eye out as we continue to expand our brand footprint!  IR: Where would you like to see your company in the next five years?  LB: In the next five years, I’d love to be able to offer solutions for women from puberty to menopause.   IR: What is a piece of advice that you wish you would have been able to give to yourself when you were at the beginning of your business journey? LB: I frankly don’t know if I would give my younger self advice, because experiences, good or bad, are meant to be experienced, and it’s the only way that you learn and grow. I wouldn’t go back and do it differently. It’s formed me into who I am today. IR: Let’s do a lightning round. I’m currently feeling… LB: Renewed! I just returned from a much-needed vacation (which believe it or not is rare for me) and I’m excited about everything we’re working on at Love Wellness. IR: What is your approach to work/life balance?  LB: Work-life balance is so important, and as a founder, it can be notoriously difficult. Once I leave the office each day, I try to truly disconnect by engaging in a hobby that I love. Whether it’s reading, gardening on my balcony or going for a walk with my dog Tomato, it’s important to block out time in my day to just be so that I can come back refreshed. IR: Outside of work, I’m passionate about… LB: Gardening! New York is a concrete jungle, but I’m lucky enough to have a balcony where I grow sprouts, microgreens, fruits, vegetables and flowers year-round. It feels like meditation to me, and I’m convinced that nothing tastes better than homegrown food. Further reading: From supplements to skincare: Why wellness brand Swiish is entering beauty