Today we’d like to introduce you to Leda Toussaint.
Hi Leda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
So all my ladies out there know how finicky our bodies and Lady parts can be. In full transparency, I was dealing with some personal lady part issues that just wouldn’t go away. I tried all different types of feminine hygiene products on the store shelves but NOTHING seemed to work; these products actually made my situation worse! Talk about a shot to my confidence and self-esteem.
So I decided to go on a womb wellness journey; you know, taking a deep dive into detoxing my entire body, including my lady parts. During this detox it came up that I needed to switch to a natural feminine wash. Because I had been burned before by other products (literally and figuratively), I decided to put my scientifically trained mind to work, and I created my own all-natural feminine wash. GNTLE was born.
So yeah. Initially this was a self-serving journey but ultimately, my mess became my message.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road and healing journey DO NOT co-exist. I started this journey with a huge hurdle. Honestly, this hurdle was the indication that this journey of healing and entrepreneurship would not be easy. And I accepted that. I took on the challenge.
I can remember two struggles I had early on. The first one was putting myself out there. Letting my followers know that I had been struggling with my personal feminine health. I remember saying to myself, “Who wants to hear about you and your yeast infections problems?” Listen, doubt, and fear showed up very early on in my journey.
After multiple hypeman talks in the mirror, I did it anyway. Keep in mind that I had not even tried my product yet. I was just being authentic with my story. Letting others know that I was suffering and I created something that I think would help. And you know what? I’ll never forget the response I received. Three women responded to my Instagram story saying they were suffering too and would love to try it with me. OMG!! I was blown away. That moment showed me that I was not on an island by myself. There was a need for what I was about to do.
The second struggle came shortly after the GNTLE inception (pun intended, LOL). Even though there was a market for my natural feminine wash, it was not an easy thing to sell without educating my audience and breaking down taboo ideas about our bodies. I could not assume that all women knew how to properly clean and care for their lady bits; both internally and externally. Hell, I was 31 years old when I finally understood this. And that’s when GNTLE was born.
So I created a weekly live streaming segment that I still have today. Girl Talk Tuesday – a safe space for women to come together to talk all things womanhood. I started by teaching women about our reproductive system and its glory. However, we have now evolved into conversing about the holistic woman – the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual woman in all of us.
In all honesty, my having to educate women slowed down my ability to sell the product. But I’m glad it did. It forced me to stay true to my message. People buy from who they know, like, and trust. I was building trust through my teachings and open candid conversations. Today, I have a loyal customer base because of the value I was able to provide and still do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
GNTLE is an all-natural feminine care company I created myself out of my own personal vulvovaginal issues. I created a gentle and sophisticated feminine wash formula with four simple ingredients that all aid in a woman’s vulva cleansing and healing process. This is actually the first feminine wash of its kind on the market and I’m damn proud of that!
Most feminine hygiene products today use hazardous chemical ingredients that can be harmful to a woman’s vulva and body. Every ingredient in the GNLTE products is natural and hand-selected to bring our customers the safest care possible.
GNTLE natural feminine washes were created to give a triple vulva balancing effect while eliminating odor as well. Combined, the natural ingredients help with balancing the vulva’s natural moisture, balancing the pH, and the good and bad bacteria.
I specialize in helping women with sensitive and high maintenance vulvas embrace their femininity and gain their confidence back through the use of GNTLE products. Some call me the “Vagina Lady.” LOL, I’ll take it! I have helped women with vulvar dermatitis, recurring yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, excessive vaginal sweating, chronic vaginal dryness, and the list goes on.
I’m most proud of the impact GNTLE has made thus far. Selling the product is wonderful but my ultimate goal is to help dismantle the “taboo-ness” around the female body and assist women with becoming more comfortable with their bodies. It’s a win for me when I can change the way a woman thinks about how she cares for herself and her Lady (vulva).
I would love the audience to know that GNTLE is a woman-owned feminine care company that sells all-natural feminine washes in two sizes; 1.7 oz (travel size) and 8.5 oz bottles. If you follow us on Instagram at @gntleladywash, I host a weekly Instagram Live segment called Girl Talk Tuesday at 8 pm EST. I’m always there answering questions about our natural feminine washes.
Lastly, I’m excited to announce that WE ARE ON AMAZON!!! So head over to Amazon and type in “natural feminine wash” and you’ll find us on page one.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Wow. There are so many but here are a few I wish I was told from the beginning.
1. Just start. No of us knows exactly what we are doing. As entrepreneurs, we are figuring everything out as we go. When you’re passionate about what you are doing, the people with the right information ALWAYS SHOW UP.
2. Look to make an impact and not money. Money is currency and it flows with people. When you impact the people, money is inevitable.
3. Trust yourself and your ideas. You don’t need as much validation as you think.
4. Be GNTLE with yourself (pun intended but not lol). As an entrepreneur, you will mess up A LOT. It’s part of the journey. Keep this in the back of your mind, and be kind to yourself.
Pricing:
- Natural Feminine Wash 1.7 oz: $15
- Natural Feminine Wash 8.5 oz: $40
- Natural Feminine Wash Subscription: From $15/month
- Lady Wellness Consultation: $60/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.gntlewash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gntleladywash/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gntleladywash/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0962WYP7Z
Image Credits:
E.Y.E. Imagery Studios
