Inspiring Conversations with Virginia Solis Raven Mills Kamerie Crenshaw of Cycle Sisters Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Solis Raven Mills Kamerie Crenshaw

Hi Virginia Solis Raven Mills , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cycle Sisters 🩸 Academy was founded by three moms working in the healthcare field who came together with a shared passion for empowering young girls. While only one of us has a daughter old enough to experience her period, we all saw a need for better education and support around menstrual health. Through our work and personal experiences, we witnessed how confusion and misinformation about periods could affect a girl’s confidence and self-esteem.

The idea for Cycle Sisters Academy was born out of our collective desire to make a difference. We combined our healthcare backgrounds and years of experience working with children and families to create a program that is both educational and supportive. Our mission is to teach girls ages 8-15 about their bodies, how their menstrual cycles work, and how to use menstrual products, all in a fun and approachable way.

What started as an idea grew into a comprehensive program offering workshops, free menstrual products, and even classes for parents to help them guide their daughters. We’ve created a space where girls can learn, ask questions, and build confidence as they navigate this important stage of life. Cycle Sisters Academy is about more than education—it’s about creating a community where girls feel empowered and supported.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to creating Cycle Sisters Academy has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has strengthened our commitment to the mission. One of the biggest hurdles was breaking the stigma around periods. Even in today’s world, conversations about menstrual health can feel uncomfortable for some people. Educating communities and normalizing these discussions has required patience, persistence, and a lot of creativity.

Another challenge was funding. As three moms juggling families, careers, and this new venture, we’ve had to get resourceful. From securing donations for free menstrual products to finding affordable ways to host workshops, we’ve learned how to stretch every dollar while still delivering high-quality, impactful sessions.

Logistics have also been a learning curve. Coordinating schedules, finding accessible venues, and balancing our other responsibilities with running Cycle Sisters Academy has been a challenge. However, we’ve supported each other and kept our focus on the big picture—empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence.

Despite these struggles, seeing the positive impact on the girls we’ve taught has made every challenge worthwhile. Their smiles, questions, and newfound confidence remind us why we started this journey. The bumps in the road have only made us more determined to keep growing and reaching more girls and their families.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Cycle Sisters Academy is a program designed to educate young girls and their parents or guardians about menstrual health in a way that is approachable, inclusive, and empowering. We specialize in teaching girls ages 8-15 about their bodies, how their menstrual cycles work, and the variety of menstrual products available—such as pads, tampons, period panties, and menstrual cups. Our workshops go beyond the basics, covering topics like managing symptoms, acne, and self-care tips, all while creating a safe and supportive environment.

What sets us apart is our inclusive approach. Our workshops are not just for young girls but also for their parents and guardians. We recognize that many girls are raised by grandparents, fathers, uncles, or other caregivers who may not feel fully equipped to guide them through these changes. By including them in our workshops, we ensure that everyone involved has the knowledge and tools to support these young girls confidently and compassionately.

We are most proud of creating a community where the stigma surrounding periods is replaced with understanding and empowerment. Brand-wise, we are committed to making our services accessible, offering free menstrual products and scholarships for families in need, so no girl feels left out due to financial constraints.

We want readers to know that Cycle Sisters Academy is more than a workshop; it’s a movement to create informed, confident, and self-assured young women. Through education, support, and community, we aim to help girls embrace this natural part of life with pride and dignity while ensuring their caregivers are equally informed and empowered to support them.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Our ability to excel in life and work is grounded in our education, professional experience, and the resources that have shaped our understanding of healthcare and anatomy. As college graduates, we have extensively studied the female anatomy during our academic journeys. Through textbooks, lectures, and hands-on training, we gained in-depth knowledge about how the body works, including the menstrual cycle and the changes girls experience during puberty.

Professionally, all three of us have worked in the pediatric department, giving us valuable experience in understanding and supporting the needs of children and their caregivers. Raven is a Registered Nurse (RN), Virginia is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Kamerie is a Medical Assistant as well as a certified CPR instructor. These roles have given us firsthand experience in educating families, providing care, and creating safe, supportive environments for learning and growth.

One particularly impactful resource has been the book “Bringing Up Girls” by Dr. James Dobson, which Kamerie read and shared with the team. The book offered insights into the emotional, physical, and mental development of young girls, helping us refine how we support and educate families through Cycle Sisters Academy.

Our education, professional roles, and the resources we’ve explored—paired with our hands-on experience in pediatrics—make Cycle Sisters Academy a uniquely qualified and compassionate program. We’re not just teaching girls about their bodies; we’re using our expertise to empower them and their caregivers with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate this important phase of life.

Pricing:

• Workshop $25 aged 8-17
• Workshop $30 aged 18 +
• Blossom bag $7

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cyclesistersacademy.com/
• Instagram: @CycleSistersAcademy
• Facebook: Cycle Sisters Academy
• Twitter: Cyclesisterss

Image Credits
Photos by: Terrell K. Porter with Opaque Motion Pictures