The Million Dollar Podcast interviews Thomas and Anabelle
In this episode of The Million Dollar Podcast, host Ramneek Wayne sits down with Thomas and Anabelle, co-founders of Femme Organic, who delve into their transformative journey from Melbourne’s lockdowns to pioneering a revolutionary period care brand. With an unwavering focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and transparency, Femme Organic has redefined period care with innovative products that prioritize both the environment and the needs of menstruators.
They share the origins of Femme Organic during the strict lockdowns, where limited options on supermarket shelves sparked the idea to create 100% organic cotton products that are free from harmful chemicals and biodegradable within months. Despite challenges such as navigating the world of manufacturing, perfecting their product, and establishing their brand, Thomas and Anabelle have built a company that not only stands out in a competitive market but also drives meaningful change.
Their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and determination, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. From the importance of building a solid network to the significance of staying true to one’s vision, Thomas and Anabelle highlight the lessons they’ve learned while charting Femme Organic’s course toward becoming a leader in sustainable period care. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn their passion into a purposeful business.
From lockdown to launch: femme organic’s mission to make a difference
In a world dominated by fast-moving consumer goods, Femme Organic brings transparency, sustainability, and innovation to period care.
Thomas and Anabelle, along with their three sisters, founded Femme Organic during Melbourne’s strict COVID-19 lockdowns. The scarcity of organic and plastic-free period care products on supermarket shelves sparked their journey. Their mission? To redefine period care with 100% organic cotton products that are free of harmful chemicals and biodegrade in 6 to 12 months—compared to the 500 years it takes for conventional options.
“We wanted to create products that truly cared for people and the planet,” says Anabelle. This idea quickly transformed into a family-driven mission, with everyone playing a role in the business, from research to branding.
Overcoming challenges: from idea to innovation
The path to launching Femme Organic wasn’t easy. At the start of their journey as independent entrepreneurs, Thomas spent nights researching the basics of period care and developing a solid business plan. The duo faced hurdles in finding certified manufacturers and refining their product through trial and error.
“We had over 100 people trailing our tampons and pads during lockdown to ensure quality,” Thomas recalls.
Their branding journey was equally unconventional, relying on in-house efforts and family input to create a design that was inclusive and aligned with their vision of feminine energy. Additionally, Thomas and Anabelle stressed the importance of conducting a SWOT analysis early on, ensuring their vision was clear and their steps well-defined.
From local success to national recognition
Femme Organic’s big break came with an exclusivity deal with Priceline within their first year. However, their journey wasn’t without setbacks. A trial with Woolworths didn’t go as planned, but the experience taught them invaluable lessons.
“One door closes, and two open. It pushed us to innovate, and now our bathroom boxes are a core part of our business,” says Anabelle. They emphasized that each setback reinforced their commitment to quality and transparency, and it motivated them to explore new markets and innovate further.
Lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs
For Thomas and Anabelle, success is about perseverance, adaptability, and staying grounded. They believe in the power of learning through challenges and emphasize the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive community.
“Don’t fear failure. Take the risk. Every mistake is a step closer to success,” Thomas emphasizes.
Anabelle adds, “It’s not just about what you know but who you know. Building a strong network is crucial. And remember, comparison is the thief of joy—focus on your own journey.”
They also advocate for embracing imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and encourage entrepreneurs to lean on their co-founders and community during tough times. “The best part of this journey has been knowing we’re not alone,” says Anabelle.
Looking ahead: global ambitions
While their initial business plan dreamed big, their current focus is on becoming Australia’s number one period care brand. Expansion into Europe and the U.S. is on the horizon, but as Thomas notes, “One step at a time. We’re refining our model and ensuring every product we create serves its purpose.”
For a sustainable, inclusive future, Femme Organic is leading the way. Their next milestone is to further integrate their bathroom boxes into workplaces, gyms, and cafes, ensuring accessibility and convenience for everyone.
Catch the full interview.

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