In a recent episode of the Women in Motion podcast, hosted by Lee Kantor, we had the pleasure of hearing from Valerie Emanuel, co-founder of Rif Care, a groundbreaking period care company that’s shaking up the industry with biodegradable products made from hemp fiber. 

The Genesis of Rif Care 

Valerie Emanuel, an environmentalist at heart, has always had a passion for making a difference. Growing up, she participated in beach cleanups and volunteered in parks, activities that instilled in her a deep respect for the environment. This passion eventually led her to found Rif Care, a company that combines her love for the environment with women’s health. 

Rif Care was born out of a realization that there was a significant gap in the market for eco-friendly period products. Valerie noticed that while there were innovations in personal care, there was little focus on the environmental impact of period products. This motivated her to create Rif Care, the first company to make period products from hemp fiber—a material known for its sustainability and versatility. 

Overcoming Challenges 

The journey to bring Rif Care to life wasn’t easy. Valerie shared how she initially faced skepticism from manufacturers who doubted the feasibility of using hemp in period care products. Despite the challenges, Valerie’s determination never wavered. She spent years searching for the right manufacturing partner and eventually found a team in Turkey that could produce the non-woven material needed for her products. This perseverance led to the successful creation of Rif Care’s hemp-based period products, a first in the market. 

Rapid Growth and Success 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Rif Care’s story is how quickly the company gained traction. After launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund the initial production, Rif Care had its first prototype within 60 days. The product was an instant hit among Valerie’s friends and testers, leading to a full launch just ten months after the brand’s inception. 

However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Valerie candidly shared her experiences with crowdfunding, noting that while it was a valuable learning experience, it’s not something she would rush to do again. She emphasized the importance of building a strong email list and setting realistic fundraising goals—advice she wished she had known before starting. 

Building a Brand and Community 

Rif Care’s success can also be attributed to Valerie’s strategic approach to branding and distribution. The company quickly secured a spot in Erewhon, a popular grocery store, and launched it on Amazon within the first 60 days of operation. Despite the lack of a substantial marketing budget, Rif Care managed to steadily increase sales by focusing on community building and customer engagement. 

Valerie also highlighted the importance of being part of the WBEC-West community, which has provided her with invaluable resources and support. The women-owned certification, in particular, has been a significant asset, offering benefits such as waived slotting fees and enhanced visibility on platforms like Amazon. 

Lessons Learned and Future Plans 

Throughout the podcast, Valerie shared the lessons she’s learned along the way, including the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community of founders and continuously testing and refining your marketing strategies. She also spoke about the importance of being authentic and putting yourself out there as the face of your brand, especially in the early stages when resources are limited. 

As for the future, Rif Care is poised for continued growth. With six SKUs currently on the market, including hemp-based pads, tampons, and period underwear, Valerie and her team are committed to expanding their product line while staying true to their mission of sustainability and women’s health. 

Final Thoughts 

Valerie Emanuel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and community. Through Rif Care, she is not only providing women with healthier, more sustainable period care options but also paving the way for future entrepreneurs in the eco-friendly product space. 

To support Rif Care and stay updated on their journey, follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @RifCare or visit their website at RifCare.com. Valerie is also currently raising a bridge round of funding to help the company grow even further, so if you’re interested in investing in a brand that’s making a real difference, now is the time to get involved. 

This post was inspired by the Women in Motion podcast, where Valerie Emanuel shared her incredible journey. Tune in to the full episode for more insights and inspiration. https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/hemp-to-health/ 

About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)    

WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.