I work out of my home, which can be an isolating thing, and this is an amazing way to meet other women entrepreneurs so we can compare and contrast our business issues. I am just excited by the number of women in our community who are running their own businesses! -Sarah Zimmerman, saz communications, Terrace BC-
Madeleine Shaw - Lunapads International Products Ltd.
Questioning the status quo has always been a way of life for Madeleine Shaw. In fact it was for that very reason that she says entrepreneurship was a natural fit for her. “I have always been a bit of a contrarian and have had issues with authority in the past, so having my own business really appealed to me,” laughs Shaw.
Shaw was attending university part-time and needed to make an income to support herself that also allowed the flexibility of being able to earn her degree. When that need coincided with her discovery of natural, reusable feminine hygiene products, a business was born!
“I fell in love with the idea of reusable alternatives to disposable pads and tampons and the positive impact they could have on women’s lives and the environment,” says Shaw.
Opened in 1993 and incorporated in 2000, Lunapads has had many changes over the years. What originally started as a store, back when e-commerce was not a viable option, is now mainly internet based and shipping products world-wide.
With Shaw’s success has also come the opportunity for her to give back through Women's Enterprise Centre’s Mentoring Program. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have had too many people in my life who have helped mentor or guide me to be able count them all,” admits Shaw.
“Because of all the support I’ve received I understand how important mentors really are. If we have the opportunity to relate to a successful entrepreneur on a human level, there is an emotional connection that affirms that we too can achieve our goals. If we believe that we can do something, then our chances of being able to achieve it are increased.”
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