“I realized that my problem was actually a global pandemic—a silent one that
no one talks about!”
Five years ago, this was the realization struck the founder and CEO of Women’s
Haven, Melesia Adderley, when she became aware that the world of female
sanitary pads had a lot more dimension than anticipated. Each time Aunt Flo
visited, she noticed she was extremely irritated down south. This led to the hunt
for a solution to her problem. This is when she discovered organic pads. So,
what are the other pads made of? she wondered. This breakthrough sent
Adderley on a quest to gain a deeper understanding of her situation. She learned
that many pads that line the shelves of stores contain chemicals and toxins that
cause irritation and even health issues. It was after sharing what she was
experiencing with others that Adderley discovered that many women were
suffering the same problem she was enduring. Adderley’s dismay fueled a
journey that unfolded into today’s Women’s Haven, an all-natural feminine care
brand that focuses on providing women with organic products that are all
natural and chemical free.
She encourages women not to suffer in silence and provides a solution, one that
lines the shelves of countless supermarkets and pharmacies in the Caribbean.
She shared that she sometimes outsells many popular sanitary pad brands,
proving that innovation within any industry can indeed be phenomenal. So, how
does the brand of a wife, homeschooling mother of four, and owner of three
substantial companies leave such a major footprint within the feminine care
products industry?
Find a Real-World Problem, Then Provide the Solution
“I feel that the key is targeting a problem that is in the world and trying to find
the solution to that problem, then bridging that gap by providing something that
people are actually seeking,” Adderley shared.
Adderley’s victory over her personal problem bridged the gap for many women
who were experiencing the same issue. Her products far exceeded all
expectations, as testimonials on her social media pages range from eradicated
irritations to shorter cycles and even numerous pregnancies of women who
before use of the products struggled with conceiving. The countless samples she
gives out always live up to their promise.
“I give away a lot! Most of the time anyone who tries them out always says, ‘I
loved those pads! I need to buy some more!’” Adderley said.
Most women almost always make the switch to Women’s Haven once they
experience the amazing capabilities of the Women’s Haven pads.
Educate, Educate, Educate
Adderley realized that, much like herself, many women did not understand the
root cause of their irritations.
“Education was the biggest thing for us,” she said. “We shared with ladies that,
‘Listen, these products are toxic.’ We shared the proof, and immediately, it sells
itself. That is the great benefit I have had with Women’s Haven, and from there,
everyone uses word of mouth and tells their family and friends.”
Adderley’s confidence in education is proof that knowing your brand’s purpose
and knowing that it will achieve its purpose will lead to more sales—especially
if the product delivers the desired results. “We educate women as to why they
need to make the switch and why they need our products!”
Focus on One Territory at a Time
Adderley is steadfast in her mission to make Women’s Haven pads accessible to
as many women as possible. Her products line the shelves in many major
supermarkets and pharmacies across the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands, The
Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the
Grenadines, Monserrat, Barbados, and Dominica are just some of the countries
where her brand has become popular and dominated the shelves. Her brand is
also sold online in the United States and Canada through her website.
Women’s Haven has done amazingly well, and you may be surprised to learn
that Adderley doesn’t do any distribution, as she is a wholesaler. She gives
exclusive rights to each distributor in each country.
“My goal was to seek out women who shared the same vision I did and give
them autonomy in their own country,” she shared.
Her focus on building an empire of women through her brand’s distribution has
paved the way for the uprising of the many powerful female entrepreneurs who
are the faces of her brand. These strong, unmatched women are distributors and
build the necessary relationships while she remains focused on maintaining a
product that meets the expectations of those who switch to her brand.
Never Give Up
Adderley gave incredible insight into her journey when she shared several
challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur.
“It’s been a huge learning curb, and I’ve had to teach myself. It is hard trying to
make it in this world that is run by Europeans.”
Adderley’s challenges were discouraging and often frustrating, but she
remained steadfast and unwavering in her pursuit.
“A major challenge I had was just not knowing it was possible for someone like
me to be able to manufacture products, build relationships, and have products
that are sold all across the Caribbean all under my own trademark.”
Adderley recalls major hurdles, but through it all, she has remained positive.
“The bottom line is: we don’t necessarily always have all the resources we need
to be successful, but the point is to never give up and to keep trying,” Adderley
said. “Keep trying to find a different way of getting there. Know exactly what
you want, and consistency will help you overcome any challenge!”
She gives much credit to her support system and now enjoys encouraging others
to pursue their goals as well—even if it seems impossible.
For Adderley, her line of organic pads, menstrual cups, wipes, deodorants,
exfoliating scrubs, vaginal wash, yoni detox pearls, and vaginal steaming kits
gives rise to an empire that has an ambition that goes beyond the dollar, one that
is determined to protect the reproductive health of women. She remains
steadfast in her mission and is proof that glass ceilings were meant to be
shattered!