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Innovating Period Care with Ruby Raut of Wuka In this inspiring episode, Nicole Higgins sits down with Ruby Raut, the founder of Wuka, a sustainable period product brand on a mission to eradicate period shame and combat period poverty. Join us as Ruby shares her journey from a small village in Nepal to leading a game-changing brand in the UK. With insights into funding, product innovation, and the importance of building a community, this episode is packed with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in sustainable solutions. Key Highlights: Product Market Fit How Ruby initially tested the idea and discovered that there was a market need for the product, and how they continue to test and innovate, making period underwear accessible to all. Explore the diverse applications of Wuka's period underwear, from comfort for new moms and women experiencing perimenopause to suitability for children with sensory issues. Community Building & Kickstart Ruby stresses the importance of community, sharing the organic reach and PR strategies that led to their successful Kickstarter campaign, including a pivotal feature on BBC's front page. Getting into retail How product innovation meant they were able to grow their retail presence, currently in stores like Boots, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Ocado and their plans for further expansion. The Growth of the brand How resilience, networking and hiring the right teams has helped move the brand forward Ruby's Advice for Entrepreneurs. Tips and strategies for new product business founders, including starting lean, proving product value, and building a competent team. https://wuka.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/wukawear/ Guest Bio Ruby Raut Ruby, Environmental Scientist and listed in the 2019 Top Women in Femtech, grew up in Nepal, which inspires her work in making menstruation positive, taboo-free and environmentally-friendly. “When studying for my Environmental Science degree, I discovered that more than 200,000 tonnes of tampons and pads were sent to UK landfills every year, contributing to the mounting tide of plastic pollution. This was my ‘lightbulb moment'. I knew something had to change about the way we handled menstruation.” - Ruby Raut, Founder & CEO Ruby grew up in Nepal, where shame about periods was widespread. Nachune is the Nepalese word for period which basically translates as 'untouchable'. When she started her period, she experienced a form of Chapaudi, now illegal in Nepal. During menstruation, she was sent to her aunt's house and wasn't allowed to go out in the sun, look at men, or touch plants - as it was believed that she would kill them - just because she was having a period. Like other girls, she was given old sari rags to use for the bleeding, which happened to be reusable and eco-friendly, but not hygienic. They weren't leak-proof nor comfortable, and didn't work for her when she played sports! When she arrived in the UK, she was astonished by the wide range of menstrual products available on the shelves, but quickly realised that most of them were neither comfortable nor leak-proof, and they certainly were not eco-friendly. So it became Ruby mission to replace plastic-riddled disposable pads & tampons with the world's most comfortable and sustainable period underwear. Host Nicole Higgins The Buyer and retail coach Nicole Higgins Links https://www.instagram.com/thebuyerandretailcoach/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolehigginsuk/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/newsletter-sign-up/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/free-discovery-call/ https://thebuyerandretailcoach.com/blog/ Sponsor Neon Digital Clicks Are you ready to scale your ecommerce store?This episode is brought to you by Neon Digital Clicks, the agency dedicated to helping kids' and family brands achieve explosive growth with high-performing digital marketing campaigns. Neon's new Runway to Results programme is a revolutionary paid-advertising service that will help you understand your brand's true potential and reach the heights of success you dream of. Over the course of 60 days, Neon's expert team will test and optimise your Meta and Google ad accounts to establish your business KPIs and optimum Cost Per Acquisition. At the end of the Runway period, they'll analyse your data to establish what profitable scaling looks like and arm you with knowledge, confidence and a clear plan for the next phase of your growth. If you're ready to elevate your e-commerce game, Neon is the navigator you need on your flight deck. https://runwaytoresults.com/ https://neondigitalclicks.co.uk/
In this latest episode of Brand Growth Heroes, Fiona sits down with the inspirational human being Ruby Raut, the founder and CEO of WUKA (Wake Up, Kick-Ass), to discuss her remarkable story from growing up in Nepal, where menstruation was shrouded in taboo, to creating a brand that is revolutionising the Fem Care category, and giving dignity back to girls and women every month.Ruby's background in environmental science and her passion for sustainability inspired her to create WUKA, a brand offering sustainable, leak-proof period underwear that drives positive change in the Femtech space.Ruby highlights WUKA's incredible milestones, from becoming the first period underwear brand to hit supermarket shelves in the UK to successfully campaigning to remove VAT on these essential products.She opens up about the grit and determination it took to bring her ideas to life, from cleaning toilets at the 2012 Olympics to founding a pioneering company.What we loved learning in this episodeA world-class example of how authentic business purpose can inspire true innovation and customer loyalty.Insights into the process of developing sustainable productsHow focusing on a single SKU instead of a complete range can keep things simple - for you and for your shopperPractical advice for entrepreneurs on overcoming challenges, keeping costs down, and focusing on social impact.Find out today how and why Ruby Raut is reshaping the future of period care for millions.By the way, if you're listening to this on Spotify, you'll find a place where it says ASK A QUESTION.You can ask Fiona a question, and she will be able to answer you. So, if you have any questions about this episode or anything you thought helpful, please let Fiona know!Useful linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-raut-49987b58/WUKA websiteIf this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, don't forget to click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review!You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth. Plus, your small gesture will be truly appreciated.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us across our socials: Brand Growth Heroes on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.Sign up for the latest news and information on the Brand Growth Heroes Accelerator Programme here.Thanks to my Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.
Ruby Raut is the incredible founder of Wuka, the game-changing brand making period-proof underwear from sustainable materials. Ruby's journey is nothing short of incredible - from growing up in Nepal and fleeing to London with just 93p in her bank account, to building a globally recognised business. She takes us back to her childhood in Nepal, highlighting the cultural and economic challenges she faced, including the traditional practices surrounding menstruation. We dive deep into topics like the caste system, gender inequality, and the economic impact of periods. Plus, Ruby dishes on her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of sustainability, and the savvy financial moves that made Wuka a success. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one! For more from The Curve:InstagramYouTubeWebsiteTikTokNewsletter Disclaimer: Raising The Curve has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes. Any information provided and serviced described in this website are intended to be of general nature and provide general information only. The opinions expressed by The Curve do not constitute investment advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can your cycle actually be a blessing!? In this NAKD Blend series, you'll hear from three women on how understanding your cycle and taking the shame out of your period leads to greater creativity, performance AND productivity. This is an amazing combo of episodes that share just how empowered you become when you learn your body. 01:45 Renae Fieck on syncing our cycle to work & creativity 06:56 Ruby Raut on removing the shame around menstruation 13:46 Angie Madsen on aligning workouts to our cycle Listen to the full episodes: Episode 105: Natural Competive Advantage (Angie Madsen) Episode 151: Unlock Your Cycle (Renae Fieck)Episode 210: Period Proud (Ruby Raut)
What would a world be like where we didn't have to be discreet about periods? Where all women and girls could be in social and public places without feeling shame or worry during their cycles? Founder of WUKA (wake up and kick ass), Ruby Raut, shares her mission to normalise periods, remove shame and improve menstrual education. This is an eye-opening interview about how subtle and loud messaging around periods stop women from thriving. Listen to change the narrative in women's health. CONNECT WITH WUKAwww.wuka.co.uk | www.wukawear.com Instagram: @wukawear Listen to this next: Episode 121: Unlock Your Cycle JOIN THE FGN Community: www.feelgoodnakd.com Podcast Mentorship : chardetryel.com Feel Good Nakd Book: feelgoodnakd.com/7 steps Host Instagram: @itschardet
Do you like getting down whilst on your period...or avoid it altogether? There are so many benefits to it and we want to know every single one. Well, this week Miri chats to Ruby Raut, founder of WUKA (Wake up, Kick Arse) to find out more. We send over 200,000 tonnes of menstrual products to the landfill every year in the UK alone...cue Ruby who founded her own business of inclusive period pants to catch you when you're in full flow. You can also find us on Twitter & Instagram; @smutdrop @miri_kane @wukawear https://wuka.co.uk/
Ruby Raut, founder of WukaWear period pants joins me this week to talk about how it all started! Wuka which is short for WAKE UP AND KICK ASS is an underwear brand for people who menstruate. The products are leak-proof, soft and use sustainable fabric! We talk about how Wuka started and touch briefly on her journey from Jhapa to London! Wuka website: https://wuka.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wukawear/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/wukawear Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wukawear/ ------ New video every Thursday! ------ Join Lex every week as he speaks to people from different walks of life on Ek Chin with…which loosely translates to “A Moment with…” The weekly conversations are completely unscripted and free-flowing! Tap the play button and get on with the day! ------ Filmed and edited by Kina Hora: https://www.instagram.com/kinahora/?h... Assisted and managed by Wazzy ------ FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP OR PARTNERSHIP REQUEST PLEASE EMAIL VIA THE ABOUT SECTION OR MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. ---- Any unofficial download and publishing of the content from the channel is strictly prohibited and will lead to punitive measures.
SHOWNOTES My guest for the 35th episode of The Elephant in the Room podcast is Ruby Raut co-founder and CEO of WUKA. Founded in 2017, WUKA is a female-led start up, making the UK's first ever reusable and leak-proof period wear. The business idea came to her while studying environmental science and learning that 200,000 tonnes of tampons and pads end up in landfills in the UK. WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass because the belief is that nothing should hold women back during their period. The mission is to make sustainable lifestyles accessible to everyone, because sustainability should not be a luxury, and periods are not a luxury. Ruby is also determined to break down the continuing stigma around periods. In this episode she speaks about growing up in Nepal, moving to the UK to find her purpose. Her journey to becoming an entrepreneur. We also spoke about
Ruby Raut is the founder and CEO of WUKA, a period pants brand that does good. Ruby grew up in Nepal and was given old sari rags to use as in place of period products, a sustainable but unhygienic alternative to tampons and pads. It was this concept, using reusable materials in place of disposables, that gave Ruby the inspiration to found WUKA.In 2019, Ruby took part in the Vitality 10K with Bryony Gordon's Mental Health Mates and Celebrate You body confidence campaign. The only requirement was that she (along with the rest of the group) had to run the race in WUKA underwear and relatively nothing else!In this episode, Ruby explains how WUKA's Perform range provides a sustainable and leakproof choice for women who run, as well as discussing what it was like to run a 10K in just her underwear! Plus, Emily and Ruby open up the conversation about periods to break taboos and raise awareness of the period pants tax. Sign the petition here.Host: Emily JonesGuest: Ruby Raut (WUKA)Music: Cali by WataboiFind out more about Run Panthera by visiting the website and enter the virtual women's half marathon.
As someone who was known as “the girl who got her period back” for a while, I have never actually addressed periods on my podcast until now. In this two-part episode with WUKA founder Ruby Raut as well as coach, physician and researcher Megan Roche. Ruby was born in Nepal, and shared her experience as a young girl who would got sent to her aunt's house during her period and would not be allowed to talk to any boys or men. That experience internalized a shame in Ruby that she was determined to bring out into the light. Ruby founded WUKA, the UKs first period pants brand, and while I have no affiliation to the brand, I am inspired by Ruby and all she has done to change the conversation and look after our planet (especially as the brand was started in my hometown...which I did not realize till we talked in the interview!). In part 2, Meg and I discuss the logistics of running on a period. Does it help or hinder your running? What period products are options for runners? And most importantly, how do we stop feeling embarrassed about something that 50% of the population goes through every month. I also ask her how the heck ultra-marathoners do it! This episode was long overdue, and I really believe it will be valuable to runners. Take a listen. Ruby Raut Ruby is originally from Nepal and now lives in St. Albans, England (Tina’s hometown). She is the co-founder and CEO of WUKA, the UK’s 1st period underwear brand. Ruby is an environmentalist at heart and is doing her part in making it easier for women to have access to period products that don’t harm our planet. When she was young, Ruby shared about the experience of getting her first period. In Nepal, her mom made her a makeshift pad with an old saris cut into squares. Then she got sent to her aunt’s house and during her period was not allowed to see boys or men, be out in the sun, or leave the house. Ruby shares how the taboo around periods in Nepal is very strong but even after moving to the UK, she realized that even with more access to disposable menstruation products, there was still shame around periods. Ruby saw this as an opportunity to tackle the period taboo and the environmental factor that comes with single-use menstruation products. That’s why WUKA was born– as a sustainable solution to period products and is on a mission to make them accessible to everyone who needs them. Megan Roche As a coach, physician, and researcher, Megan Roche (previously on R4R episode 109) sees many athletes who come talk to her about their menstrual cycle. She shares that the number one thing is taboo. That many athletes have trouble vocalizing what they are experiencing “I've seen that a lot more coaches, especially due to the work by Stacy Sims, who highlights kind of training around the menstrual cycle training, with the menstrual cycle. There are more and more coaches just straight out asking athletes and talking about the menstrual cycle as this very early conversation in the coaching process,” Megan says. For example, before starting your period, there’s a phase many people feel tired and bloated. But a lot of athletes know that when you get your period, you're primed and ready for competition. Megan shares that her husband, David, is a coach to many female athletes and creates an open environment about the topic. Because if a coach understands how you're feeling around the menstrual cycle-related to performance it can help them contextualize the importance of it. When it comes to long Ultra races, Megan explains that period blood is just like other bodily fluids. People just have to be prepared for it and understand it’s just another variable on the day. Changing tampons or silicone cups during trail races is part of it. She also says it can be helpful to use a chafing cream such as Squirrel’s Nut Butter as well as packing an extra pair of shorts. Resources: Learn more about WUKA Listen to Megan Roche's podcast, The Happy Runner Thank you to my wonderful sponsor goodr, Generation UCAN, and Momentous for sponsoring this episode of the Running for Real Podcast. I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration of look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect many great organizations who care for our planet deeply. Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair. Thank you Generation UCAN, I have been talking about them for years and my ONLY source for fueling while I am training and racing. And without fail I have had a product of UCAN every day, whether it is a peanut butter chocolate bar or their delicious cookies and cream protein powder. They have even introduced a new super starch granola that has been in the works for quite awhile. It is delicious and just what you need for a little snack. It gives you a steady energy without the sugar, so there are no sugar high or crashes! Use code TINA20 for 20% off of your order. Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep. Go here and use code TINA for 20% off. Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoyed today's episode. To share your thoughts: Leave a note in the comment section below. Join the Running for Real Facebook Group and share your thoughts on the episode (or future guests you would like to hear from) Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews will really help me climb up the iTunes rankings and I promise, I read every single one. Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Ruby and Megan, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.
Ruby Raut on Jazz Shapers with Mishcon de Reya. Jazz Shapers in association with Mishcon de Reya broadcasts every Saturday at 9am, with a repeat on Monday at 5am, just before the Business Breakfast. Presented by broadcaster and Mishcon de Reya's Director of Business Development Elliot Moss, Jazz Shapers shares music from the risk takers, leaders and influencers of jazz, soul and blues, alongside interviews with their equivalent in the business world: entrepreneurs who have defined and shaped business categories and ways of operating, defying convention and have gone on to achieve great success. With more than 900 people, Mishcon de Reya is an independent London-based law firm that serves an international community of clients. In their words: "We appreciate the privilege of sitting alongside our clients as a trusted advisor. Building strong personal connections to our clients and their businesses is important to us. It is for these reasons we say ‘It's business. But it's personal.'
This week I’m joined by Ruby Raut the Founder of Wuka Wear. Wuka wear is the UK’s first-period underwear. Ruby is originally from Nepal where they practised Chhaupadi, a practice that exiled women to period huts while they were on their periods. This has lead Ruby to design and manufacture Wuka wear with no prior experience in fashion or manufacturing.She hopes that the pants will be a part of a broader conversation, but as you’ll hear in this episode, her biggest challenge is creating a business in an industry that’s taboo. The key takeaways from this episode are finding ways to overcome taboo subjects for your brand.How to be successful despite having a business that people won’t publicly share or endorse and how you can get one step closer to being successful.Huge thank you to Ruby from Wuka Wear who is currently fundraising on Kickstarter. Donate to the campaign here. Visit wuka.co.uk to find out more about the campaign, materials and all of the lovely environmental benefits to the pants.You can follow Ruby’s work on Twitter and Instagram @Wukawear.Subscribe on iTunes.Visit wannabepodcast.com to read extended show notes and get freebies.You can follow me @ImiMorgan on Twitter and Instagram.
We're BACK (I'm back) for series 3! Today hear from the amazing Victoria Poon from Alpaca Coffee. They're single origin, South and Central American coffee delivered to your door, 100% plastic free and home compostable packaging. From her base in Peru we chat about launching a business during Covid, how to find the most sustainable packaging and also how to best enjoy your coffee! So grab yours now and take a listen! Order Alpaca Coffee www.alpacacoffee.co.uk Alpaca (the animal!) Covid News https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-alpaca-nanobodies-immunity-research-karolinska-university-sweden-a9589791.html ECO LIFE HACK - Sign the Period Pant Petition… https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/323297 WUKA Period Pants founder Ruby Raut https://podfollow.com/age-of-plastic/episode/b5e504b8c4203faafb7a94fb1b1d05df846db836/view
A monthly podcast talking to inspirational people from the fields of Music, Adventure and Culture. Produced, presented and edited by Vicky Carter. Logo Design by: Hannah Eachus Jingle by: Nicola T Chang
Ruby Raut is the CEO and Co-founder of Wuka Wear. Ruby is a passionate environmental scientist who combines her scientific knowledge and passion for lean startup methodology to solve the problems that surround disposable menstrual products. Highlights: 4.6 million tampons and pads are flushed down the toilet in the UK everyday. The problems around Chaupaddi that is being practised in Nepal. Why period poverty is a huge problem Period pants is a reusable product that needs more publicity. How a Sainsbury community project got Ruby started her entrepreneurial journey. How Ruby created and iterated her prototype The social and environmental impact of Wuka Wear Useful links: Wuka (https://wuka.co.uk/) Time Stamp: [01:30] Solving multiple problems around period [04:00] Problems with lack of proper period. [05:00] Social problems around period in Nepal. [07:40] Period poverty needs to be addressed. [09:30] Benefits of reusable period pants [11:50] How Ruby got started in this sector? [12:00] Women's Environmental Network and discovering the problem [13:00] Creating a period pants prototype [17:00] Why it took Ruby to innovate such a product [22:00] Importance of networking [23:30] Social and environmental impact of Wuka Wear Go to ImpactHustlers.com (https://www.impacthustlers.com/) Visit FastForward 2030 (http://fastforward2030.com/) and Real Changers (https://www.realchangers.com/) Impact Hustlers is hosted by Maiko Schaffrath, connect on Linkedin (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/maikoschaffrath/en) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/maikoschaffrath) This podcast is produced by Podcast Publishing (http://podcastpublishing.help/)
Today here from female entrepreneur, environmental scientist and vegan eco friendly period pant founder Ruby Raut of WUKA https://wuka.co.uk/ Wuka's Plastic Oceans Poster for your work place or school https://wuka.co.uk/pages/plasticoceans Environmental Hack - Smalls For All https://www.smallsforall.org/ https://www.instagram.com/ageofplasticpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/ageofplasticpodcast/ https://www.iamandreafox.co.uk/
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Environment Matters’ new sponsor, WUKA wear. But whilst going from almost nothing to an award winning, successful company in one year, WUKA has still kept hold of its environmental credentials. On this week’s show, Amanda Yorwerth will be talking to WUKA CEO Ruby Raut about the highlights [...]
Local eco- entrepreneur Ruby Raut talks about how teens can now have plastic free periods, and about her ground breaking poster campaign. Plus, Emma Tyres of Plastic Free St.Albans has tips for a plastic free return to school and asks for your your help with their new schools campaign.
Ruby is the CEO and Co-Founder of WUKA Wear. She is a passionate environmental scientist who combines her scientific knowledge and passion for lean startup methodology to solve the problems that surround disposable menstrual products. She was born and brought up in Nepal and with WUKA , she wants to break taboos around period worldwide. This week on Change Making Women we talk to Ruby, who is originally from Nepal about how she developed the idea for Wuka Wear Period Pants and went about testing, developing and launching the product. Listen to the show to hear more about the process of envisioning an innovative product, the environmental imperative for us to get into the habit of using reusable menstrual products, breaking down the stigma and taboos about our bleeding and the importance of addressing period poverty worldwide. Find Wuka Wear at www.wuka.co.uk.
For this episode, I’m joined by Ruby Raut the Founder of Wuka Wear. Wuka wear is environmentally-friendly sustainable period underwear.In today’s episode, Ruby and I discuss Chhaupadi a practice in Nepal that exiled women to period huts when they were on their periods.We cover how the poor conditions around periods ultimately led to Ruby- who studied Environmental science to design and manufacture Wuka wear with no prior experience in fashion or manufacturing.In this episode, you will learn the critical elements in the manufacturing of a garment. How to turn your childhood experiences into a business and how to find advisors and mentors when you have no experience. Enjoy!Huge thank you to Ruby from Wuka Wear who just reached their fundraising on Kickstarter.You can still donate and help them reach their stretch target by visiting wuka.co.ukYou can follow Ruby’s work on Twitter and Instagram @Wukawear.Be sure to get your brand and marketing questions in for our next Ask Prisca episode. To submit your questions wannabepodcast.com and hit Ask Prisca or email wb@shoutoutnetwork.co.uk.This podcast is created by the ShoutOut Network. SON Save up to 25% on central London recording studios by visiting shoutoutnetwork.co.ukSubscribe on iTunes and share this episode with a friend who might be interested in fashion design and manufacturing.Follow WannaBe @WannaBepodcast on Twitter and InstagramVisit wannabepodcast.com to read extended show notes and get freebies.You can follow me @ImiMorgan on Twitter and Instagram. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy