Image courtesy of Ms. Moxie's Moon Shop
Most women (and some very supportive men) have been there: It’s that time of the month, so you discreetly grab a box of tampons or pads from the shelf at the pharmacy or grocery store and make a bee line for the self-checkout, avoiding the embarrassment of the cashier seeing your purchase.
Career nurse and entrepreneur Ann Ile is seeking to change the stigma typically associated with menstruation. After all, slightly more than half of the population will deal with it during their lifetime.
“It’s such a taboo subject and it shouldn’t be. I just want a nice place where [women and girls] can come and get educated and have fun,” Ile said.
This summer, she is planning to open a shop at 102 N. Fayette St. called Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop which will focus exclusively on period positivity and feminine hygiene.
The storefront was formerly home to Threadleaf Boutique, which transitioned to an online-based company earlier this year. Alexandria Lighting Supply has popped up there as part of the company's transition to a new space in the West End.
Ile chose the word moxie, which means courage, strength and determination because it set the perfect vibe for her shop. The moon has been traditionally linked with a woman’s monthly cycle.
In addition to selling feminine hygiene products like tampons, pads, cups, and period panties, the shop will sell a variety of items for girls hitting puberty all the way through post-menopausal women. Items will include training bras, first period kits, lubricants, nipple creams, vulva washes and oils, bath bombs, chocolate, heating pads and CBD products.
All items the shop carries will be from women-owned businesses and designed by women. Plus, most products will be either organic, or reusable and sustainable. Brands will include Rosebud, Lola, Tampon Tribe, Lady Suite, Saalt and many others.
“There is so much great stuff out there and I just want to put it all in one beautiful boutique,” said Ile.
The shop will be decorated in the colors pink and white and have cute furniture and a chandelier. It will be the perfect location to host first period parties, for girls who are just starting menstruation, a trend that is popular in Europe and catching on in the United States.
The shop will not be Ile’s first venture into Old Town retail and women empowerment. She founded Lotus Blooms (1017 King St.) as a place where women could explore their sexuality without intimidation, but she sold the business a few years ago, she said.
Ile also wants to use the new shop to give back to the community and support homeless women or women who are incarcerated, who often do not have access to feminine hygiene products.
You can find out more about Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop at the shop’s website and follow them on Instagram @msmoxiesmoonshop.