In conversation with Ooshi

Ooshi = Ooshi Period Underwear a revolutionary and much needed product aiming to empower women. 

Kati Ernst, is a purpose driven entrepreneur who spotted a need and is following it through creating a product that is of real benefit to the modern woman. Periods, menstruation, The time of the month has long been a taboo topic, far to much just ‘a women’s issue” to garner much interest or innovative thought in a predominantly male led consumer product industry. The disposable, non-renewable nature of health products provided in this area has also not encouraged interest in researching sustainable alternatives, but with statistics showing that the average women uses 12,000 tampons during her lifetime, the need for alternative thinking is evident.

Oohsi Period underwear is owned and run by two inspiring business women; Kati Ernst and Kristine Zeller and on the eve of their product launch, I’m very pleased to bring my exclusive interview with Kati to your attention…

Profession/What do you actually do?
I am co-founder and co-CEO of ooshi. We are a female health company and are launching Germany‘s first period panty in September this year.

What was your first job?
My first job ever was sorting tea bags in my uncle‘s tea company. My first employment after university was as a consultant at McKinsey and Co. where I stayed for over 10 years and only left last month!

What motivated you to start your own business?

The idea behind ooshi period panties and the impact it can have really gripped me. On entrepreneurship in general: I want to be able to pursue a fulfilling career and strive towards lifelong learning – while maintaining the flexibility I need to take care of my family and myself. I can’t see this option in traditional companies.

What’s your biggest entrepreneurial challenge?

As we are just launching, our main topic is growing our reach and telling women in Germany that ooshi period panties exist – and how wonderful and empowering they are!

What inspires you to get out of bed every day!

Coffee

Can you describe yourself in 3 words?

Driven, people-loving, curious

What do you do as a special treat for yourself?

Escape for a few days with my husband or my girlfriends. Maybe 3-4 times a year, but very much worth it!

How would you describe your personal style?

In fashion? Bit bohemian, not very bold, comfortable

Does sustainability play a part in your work and how would you define the concept?

Yes, very much so! Each women uses about 12.000 tampons in a lifetime – imagine the amounts of rubbish! Ooshi period panties help massively reduce the use of one-time-use sanitary products for the better of the planet.

Who is your idol? Do you have a mentor?

One of many idols: Serena Williams

And yes, I am lucky enough to have many fantastic female leaders around me!

What’s your life motto?

Peace, love, and icecream

What’s your advice to fellow entrepreneurs?

Hustle

What advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Keep going, stay true to your beliefs, it’s going to be worth it

Huge thanks to Kati, for taking the time to meet me, answer my questions and spark my curiosity.