We had the good fortune of connecting with De-Andrea Bryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi De-Andrea, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Embarking on my entrepreneurial venture was driven by a mix of necessity, passion, opportunity, and a deep-seated desire to drive positive change. Luna Care, the menstrual underwear brand I founded, proudly stands as Jamaica’s trailblazer in this realm.
As a woman, I’ve encountered the unique experiences that come with menstruation. Yet, I consistently found myself dissatisfied with the available protection options. My concerns from my dissatisfaction, further cemented by the thoughts of the environmental impact of conventional products, spurred by my Geography degree, fueled my search for alternatives. Discovering the effectiveness and eco-friendliness of menstrual underwear sparked a desire to introduce this innovation to Jamaica.
Through thorough research and personal trials, I became convinced of the potential of menstrual underwear and decided to invest in this venture. Recognizing a clear gap in the market further solidified my decision. Despite the presence of period products, the lack of variety and accessibility highlighted the need for a local brand tailored to Jamaican women.
In essence, my journey into entrepreneurship is driven by a blend of personal experience, market insight, and a commitment to addressing a genuine need. With Luna Care, I aim not only to provide innovative menstrual hygiene solutions but also to contribute to conversations about sustainability and women’s health, right here in Jamaica and beyond.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Luna Care stands out as Jamaica’s premier menstrual underwear brand, offering innovative, comfortable, and eco-friendly solutions for women’s menstrual hygiene needs. What sets us apart is not just our product, but our commitment to sustainability and community impact. I am most proud of the impact o the lives of females. Whenever they share their stories its always so heartwarming, how it is that the product has impacted their lives positively.
While there has been growth in the development of our business, our journey to where we are today hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a brand from scratch in a niche market like menstrual underwear presented its hurdles, from sourcing materials to establishing distribution channels and educating the masses. However, through perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless focus on our mission, we are overcoming these obstacles one by one. We aren’t where we want to be yet, but we are still working.
Key lessons learned along the way include never giving up and keeping consistent, also listening to our customers. Throughout our journey there were many times of doubt and throwing in the towel, however, if I had given up. There would be no luna care today.
I would want Jamaica and the world to know that Luna Care is more than just a brand – it’s a movement. We’re here to challenge the status quo and empower women to embrace their periods with confidence and dignity. Our story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of positive change.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am foody, so the trip would involve a lot of food lol. I am from Kingston, so I’d start there. From the airport and on the way home, I’d be stopping for Jerk chicken on the streets of Kingston as this is my all-time favourite. In the morning our first thing would be a mountain walk, fresh air and nature are the perfect combo. Following this, breakfast at Susies where we can have the Jamaican favourites. I’d also be up for a trip to Negril. Negril offers a different side of Jamaica. Away from the hustle and bustle of Kingston. So peaceful, calm and naturally beautiful. Here is where we’d spend the rest of the trip, swimming in the ocean and enjoying white sand beaches.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mother! She deserves all the recognition and shoutout I can give for being the most supportive parent I could ask for. From walking into stores to selling my product to her very own marketing and promotional styles. The success of the business is very much also due to her actions. She pushes me along even when I think I am unable to go further.
Additionally, my Fiance, my cousin- Kerry and my friends have contributed in so many ways to help grow my business! The support and love that I have received from them has been heartwarming! I couldn’t have done it without them. They motivate me daily to keep going.
Website: www.lunacareja.com
Instagram: lunacareja
Linkedin: De-Andrea Bryan, FOSP
Facebook: lunacareja
Image Credits
@tj.pixel.media- Instagram