Women Like Me Stories & Business

Tara Harris - Revolutionizing Feminine Hygiene: The World's First Pantyless Liner

• Julie Fairhurst • Episode 130

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Meet Tara Harris, the visionary founder and CEO behind FemiFlex – the world's first pantyless panty liner that's revolutionizing feminine hygiene. When a medical procedure left Tara unable to wear thongs comfortably, she faced a common dilemma: visible panty lines with regular underwear or going without the protection women need. Rather than accepting this limitation, she created an innovative solution that's disrupting a $36 billion industry.

The genius of FemiFlex lies in its medical-grade silicone that adheres directly to the body, providing necessary moisture absorption without the bulk or visible lines of traditional underwear. It can be removed and reapplied throughout the day, making it practical for everyday use while eliminating a fashion frustration that has plagued women for generations. Tara beautifully compares her innovation to how Uber transformed transportation from yellow cabs to ridesharing – a complete paradigm shift in how we approach a longstanding problem.

Tara's entrepreneurial journey embodies both the challenges and triumphs of female founders. Despite creating a groundbreaking product, she faces the familiar obstacles of seeking investment while bootstrapping growth. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs centers on what she calls the five S's: "You're going to Stress, you will Struggle, you make Sacrifices and you will even Starve...but that last S is Success." Her resilience shines through as she shares that "a no today doesn't mean it's a no next week." For women building businesses or simply seeking practical solutions to everyday problems, Tara's story reminds us that revolution often begins with personal necessity. Visit our links to learn more about FemiFlex and consider trying this innovative product for yourself!

https://www.instagram.com/femeflex/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/74959258/admin/dashboard/

www.femeflex.com

 

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Who is Julie Fairhurst?
Julie Fairhurst – Speaker, Author, and Founder of Women Like Me

Julie Fairhurst is a champion for women’s empowerment and the founder of the Women Like Me Book Program. Since 2019, she has published 30 books and 300+ true-life stories—at no cost to the writers—giving women a platform to heal, inspire, and reclaim their power. Dedicated to breaking generational trauma one story at a time, Julie’s mission is to uplift women emotionally and financially, helping them create better lives for themselves and their families.


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Speaker 1:

Hi everyone, and thank you so much for being here for another episode of Women Like Me, stories and Business. Oh, I have this very interesting lady from Los Angeles here with us today. Her name is Tara Harris. Now, she is a visionary, she's a CEO and she is the founder of Femiflex. Now, I personally hadn't heard of it before, and after I did my research, I'm like why didn't I know about this? So what is Femiflex? It's the brand behind the world's first panty liner. So this was all born from her personal experience, which she'll tell us a little bit about, and I just wanted to mention that Tara has a background in human resources and she has a strong passion for empowering women, which love that for our podcast here, and this year, in 2025, she was the keynote speaker at the University of Georgia Innovation Bootcamp for Female Entrepreneurs. Now she's going to talk about her product, but we want to get a few tidbits on business from her as well. Thank you so much for being here, and would you like to tell us a little bit more about yourself?

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. First of all, I want to thank your audience and thank you for having me and giving me this opportunity to share my journey and my story of FemiFlex and just give you a little bit brief overview of my career how I got started, where I am and where I am going. So thank you. Femiflex was really born out of my own personal story. I had a medical procedure done that no longer allowed me to wear thongs comfortably. So I am a bold, body conscious woman. So I don't like that unflattering panty line, right? Yes, yeah, I think it dates you and I think it's a fashion. No-no, but that's just my personal opinion. So, as I was healing, I'm like how in the heck am I going to wear my beautiful aloe Lululemon leggings my theory silk pull-up pants, you know without any underwear and I'm not the type of person that can go commando. I am a woman that needs that moisture absorb and I need the cotton to absorb the moisture. This is why we wear underwear and this is why the panty liner industry, based on my research three years ago, is a $36 billion per year industry. I'm talking panty liners. I'm not talking sanitary napkins or tampons, I'm talking panty liners. Did you say $36 billion. It is Wow, it is, yeah, wow.

Speaker 2:

My mom put me on panty liners, like when I was a kid, and we all know what that is. You know, women have secretion, we have discharge and we like to keep our underwear clean, and wearing panty liners allows you to be able to do that. You can take them off, roll them up and throw them in the trash, and then your panties won't be, you know as soiled as much. You know, in college I was always telling my mom I'm like oh, mom, my panties didn't come to me. Well, that's because you had too many clothes in the washing machine and then you probably need to wear, you know, that extra layer of protection, right For your most valuable lady part. And I think that's how I created it, because I created it for myself and then I wanted to share it with the women globally, and therefore I am the creator, founder, of the world's first pantyless panty liner that sticks to you, where no panties or underwear are required for use.

Speaker 1:

Congratulations to you. The first oh, you really are an innovator. You're a disruptor in the panty line. Yeah, you are Wow.

Speaker 2:

In feminine hygiene. So FemiFlex pairs well with feminine hygiene, beauty and personal care and wealth and wellness. I'm sorry, health and wellness sectors. Right, because FemiFlex is also considered an alternative to panties or underwear or an all out replacement, and you can even call it a disposable panty or underwear. So I am actually in talks with the government trying to get government contracting, you know, and submit my innovation product to the government for active military women, my innovation product to the government for active military women, so they could use the product and bury it like poop in the ground and have it to disintegrate like everything else. So it is something that we are working on to make it biodegradable for active military women.

Speaker 1:

Wow, wow, that is amazing. I hope you get there. I'm wishing you all the best of luck for that.

Speaker 2:

A lot of grunt grind, work, but yeah. But you know that's entrepreneurship and you know, doing what I did taking an idea, concept and getting it to market with having no guidance, no entrepreneur, no working capital, no investors, nothing. Getting the raw materials, finding the raw materials and doing all of that on the nail wow okay so I so I have a question about them.

Speaker 1:

Yes, um, so do you not like, do they not stick to hair down there?

Speaker 2:

So I'm glad you asked that question. I get asked a lot. So silicone? So FemiFlex uses a very delicate, medical grade silicone so that it can stick to the body and it can be removed multiple times a day. For a woman to use the bathroom, dry yourself and put it back on. So silicone sticks better to skin rather than hair. So we do ask for women to be shaved or waxed in that area ah, got it, got it so.

Speaker 1:

And so I can understand about the panty lines, because I've gone through that. You know you're getting dressed, even a skirt, you know, or a pair. You want to wear pants, even jeans. You can see that pant, that you know your panty line, and it's, it's, not only is it um, which is, you know, why are we looking at your panty?

Speaker 2:

line. I think it's unflattering. I don't know especially the thinner the material, the linen. Um, people generally like a, a sleek, smooth look and they're holding. Rather it's form-fitting dress, a cat suit, a tight-fitting summer dress, a panty line. That is just not it.

Speaker 1:

Yes, I agree, I agree, and now there's a fantastic option Because I tried those, I tried them once and I'm like this is uncomfortable.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, yeah, you know what? I was a thong wearer because I didn't have a choice, right, I didn't have a choice either you wear a thong or you just go commando, and nobody wants to walk around feeling wet and sticky all day yes, nobody no, nobody wants that.

Speaker 2:

No, you know, I have to tell the ladies, you know, um, people sometimes are very conservative with, you know, talking about their you know most valuable lady part, I call it your flower, yes, and I get them to open up about it, and a lot of women would like to go commando but they just can't. I mean, they were very moist, so we need moisture absorbent, we need something to help us stay dry throughout the day. And nobody likes to feel like that, unless they're engaged in sexual activity.

Speaker 1:

So yes no for sure, Absolutely so what is? What kind of feedback have you gotten from your users so far?

Speaker 2:

Oh my God, julie, it's so amazing. I'm so excited to be on this revolutionary journey to make history, because that's what I'm doing I created the world's first pantyless panty liner. So the feedback that I've gotten is like the women are saying oh my God, how did you think of this? It's a deer in headlight moment, because they're like, it's almost like 15 years ago, you thought no one would use their cars for Uber. We thought the yellow, stinky taxis. Was it right?

Speaker 2:

Yes, yes, if you didn't have a car or have a friend to drive you places. Your only option was the yellow, stinky taxi cab. Yes, but look at where we are now. We have changed that narrative into ride sharing and what it takes to get a ride somewhere. And that's exactly what I'm doing with feminine hygiene, beauty, personal care and health and wellness Almost kind of what Sarah Blakely did when she was the pioneer behind the very first shapewear.

Speaker 2:

I am the very first pantyless liner that is an alternative to traditional panties or underwear. So first of all, let's let that sink in. So I'm giving women an option. I'm just giving women an option for women who want to forego traditional panties or underwear, but without sacrificing that basic comfort and protection that we all need, which is the moisture absorbent.

Speaker 1:

Yes, yeah, wow, that's, and you're right about Sarah.

Speaker 2:

She's amazing. Yeah, I want to meet her one day. She is so inspirational. I follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. So, sarah, if you're listening, I think you're wonderful. Keep encouraging entrepreneurs to never, give up on your dreams, because it's only delusional until it works. It's only delusional and crazy until it becomes successful. Yes, wow. But people don't hear or see the trials and the tribulations that you went through to get to that success and the tribulations that you went through to get to that success.

Speaker 1:

And I think that you're so spot on, because we see people but we don't really see the background of where they were, what they went through and how they got to where they are today. We see that woman and then we think, oh, you know, oh she's way, she's way up here, but really we're all equal. It's just you started climbing, that's you know, and and working hard, and and and got her her um positive thinking cap on. So she was definitely um moving in that direction for sure, and so, and so I think it's so important for anyone that's watching to understand that we all, we all, we all have the ability to to get there, but we have to have that drive.

Speaker 2:

If you don't have the drive, you're not going to make it. Drive, you're not going to make it. It can't be a hobby, it can't be a side job it.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, there is no plan b, exactly, exactly. It's just that drive inside that you just have to make it. Can you tell us a little bit about the, the, the, uh talk that you did uh at the university of georgia, so can you tell us a little bit about that and maybe share some of the tips that those? Was it all women, or was there men there as well?

Speaker 2:

All women.

Speaker 1:

All women.

Speaker 2:

Obviously, university of Georgia does this every year for their Innovation Women Bootcamp, where they inspire women, and I think it's about an eight-week program if I'm not mistaken. So I want a grant from UGA to help me with my SBIR, which is small business innovation research, from the government for phase one, to help get me some consulting, help to write a proposal to submit for phase one to make my product biodegradable and introduce it to the federal government. So, having won that grant, I was introduced to Allison I think Allison Hester, she is the program director she interviewed me and she asked me would I be interested in speaking and being a keynote speaker for the Women's Innovation Bootcamp 2025. And it was amazing Met some amazing people. I am very grateful for that opportunity. It was my first speaking engagement to inspire, encourage, lead and motivate entrepreneurs. That's coming behind me.

Speaker 1:

Wonderful. What kind of little tips were you giving them?

Speaker 2:

Yeah, just stay focused. Just stay laser focused on their journey, their vision, because that's the only way you're going to make it. And you have to put your all into it, because nobody else is going to give you any money to do it if you haven't put your own money into it. And that's kind of where I am right now, where it's not easy seeking venture capitalists and investors to invest in your brand or in your product or in your idea.

Speaker 2:

I've been turned down. They love the product, they love the idea, but they always tell me we want to see you grow, we want to see you keep grinding, we want to see you get those sales that we want to see you and I'm half a million dollars a year in sales before we jump in. But that doesn't happen for a lot of small businesses. You just have to stay the course, and doing something every day is making progress, and that's kind of where I am. So I just I keep pushing. I keep pushing by putting one foot in front of the other every day and doing a little bit of something for the business.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, I love that you said stay laser focused and avoid those distractions. Obviously you're excited about what you do, I'm excited about what I do, but we have our down days. We have our days where it's like, oh man, oh, I don't know. It's like, oh man, oh, I don't know. But then it's rough, yes, it is. But then you pick yourself up here, you pull up your big girl panties and you just carry on, and that's all that you can really do yes.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, that's what you have to do. You have to stay laser focused and you have to remain confident and stay vigilant. Yes your idea and surround yourself with people that's going to support you, not people that are going to be negative and bring you down and ask you how long are you going to keep doing this? No, yes, no.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was in sales and marketing for 34 years and I retired actually last year, so I'm very excited about that, so that I get to do Women Like Me full time.

Speaker 1:

And yeah, thank you, but it was tough, it was a tough industry and so many times I wanted to quit, you know, and had I, I would have missed out on an amazing career. An amazing career making great money and just having a great time. And so, you know, I think that so often we, just the people you're just so right, the people that surround you I remember hearing uh, luckily I didn't hear this, but but some of the ladies I worked with did, and it was you know. Well, you know you haven't done anything yet. Maybe you should go get a real job.

Speaker 2:

It's like, yeah, yeah, they all say that, they all say that, but you keep grinding your business. I appreciate you having me on your podcast. I hope your listeners will try FemiFlex at least once and become customers for life. It is a product for workplace every day and anything in between, no matter the occasion or attire, and the YouTube video, so that you can.

Speaker 1:

You can certainly click on that link and get right to the product and give it a try, ladies, so that you yeah, like you say, before Uber, there was only taxis, right, exactly, tara, do you mind if I ask you a few questions before we close? I'd like to get to know my guests a little bit better. I'd like my audience to know a little bit more. Get a little. Just some fun questions. Sure, all right. Okay, so my first question is if you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why would you go there?

Speaker 2:

It would be somewhere sunny on the beach, laying up somewhere and probably renting a yacht and have a crew so that I could wake up and play with the seals.

Speaker 1:

Oh, that is beautiful. Good for you. I love that. Oh, okay, what about unwinding after a busy, crazy day? How do you like to unwind After?

Speaker 2:

a busy, crazy day. How do you like to unwind? I'm taking a beauty bath. My girlfriend's like what the heck is a beauty bath? Because I don't take showers. Anybody who knows me? I don't take showers, I take baths. I take baths the only time I will take a shower if I'm on vacation or staying at a hotel. That's when I take showers. But if I'm at home, I like to sit and soak. Yeah, it's almost like let Calgon take me away.

Speaker 1:

Remember that commercial? Yes, I do, I do.

Speaker 2:

Let Calgon take me away. So that is my way of relaxing is just sitting in my bubble bath, filling the tub of water and exfoliating my skin. You know, lotioning up and just really pampering myself. That's how I wind down.

Speaker 1:

I love that, oh, making me want to go take a bath. Okay, so what about a motivational quote? Do you have a favorite one? That, or one that you say often to yourself?

Speaker 2:

that sort of keeps you going you say often to yourself that sort of keeps you going. I have so many of them, but I would say one that really resonates with me on a daily is a no. Is a no today, it doesn't mean it's a no next week. So you have to keep pushing.

Speaker 1:

That is, that every entrepreneur should have that one in front of their computer.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely. It's only today. No means no, but it's for today. It doesn't mean that it's going to be no next week. No, next week, a month from now, because you have to turn that no into a yes week, a month from now because you have to turn that no into a yes, but you have to keep going to get there.

Speaker 1:

Yes, perfect. What about a book? I don't know if you read much, but is there a book that inspires you?

Speaker 2:

Sometimes I will dabble through what Oprah's favorite book club is. I will dabble through what, like, oprah's favorite book club is. I will do that sometimes, but I'm not maybe a book reader, but I'm definitely magazines and articles and quotes and things like that.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, perfect, perfect, okay. So if you could have dinner with any woman in history, who would it be and why?

Speaker 2:

it would probably be, I would say Melinda Gates.

Speaker 1:

Oh, I've had another lady say her Interesting.

Speaker 2:

I would say Melinda Gates, because she is, since she divorced her husband or whatever, and she is really a true active philanthropist and she gives back to the community and she cares about the future. Um, she cares about, uh, women empowerment and helping women, so it will probably be melinda oh, oh, the tidbits you could learn from her, from her oh, amazing.

Speaker 2:

I mean, she's a very intelligent and powerful woman on her own, so I just think that, in general, having a conversation with her and feeding off of her would just be a dream for me.

Speaker 1:

Oh, love it, Absolutely Okay. My last question If you could whisper one truth into the ear of every woman who is struggling right now, what would you say?

Speaker 2:

Stay the course, keep your head up and keep pushing until you reach that success level. So I have five S's and I kind of came up with this on my own, and this is through my journey with FemiFlex is that you're going to stress, you will struggle, you make sacrifices and you will even starve, and starvation I mean you starve yourself of the things that you've done that you no longer can do because all your resources are going to your company. But that last S is success.

Speaker 2:

So that last S of success makes all the other S's worth it the stress, the struggle, the sacrifices. And what would the stress, the struggle, the sacrifice and the starvation Wow?

Speaker 1:

And I love the spin you put on starvation.

Speaker 2:

Not, not just food, it's just you, you, you, you, you starve yourself for, you know, for the things that you, you, are focused on, to get to Like, I mean I, I'm, I'm, I mean, I'm still doing it. I haven't had a vacation since I started this journey in 2020. Yeah, so, you know, even when family members asked me to go on vacation, I'm so headstrong with growing my business. It's like I wouldn't be good company so I got to stay here and send emails and zoom calls and pitch this and do this and do that and speak to people.

Speaker 1:

Yes, oh wow. Well, I just wish you all the best of success. I am a cheerleader for you. I'm just so excited and I can't wait to see you just go boom, Because I think it's a product that should go boom.

Speaker 2:

Yes, yeah, yeah, it's amazing. All we got to do is get it out there, that's right.

Speaker 1:

That's amazing. All we got to do is get it out there. That's right. That's right. So, everybody who's listening, remember, if you would like to try the product, just give it a try. The links will be in the detailed section of the video and of the podcast so that you're able to go ahead and and try them if you'd like to. Well, tara, thank you so much for being here. I I really appreciate you being on the show today and and I really I wish you, I wish you, the best of best of luck and the best of success.

Speaker 2:

Thank you so much for having me on your show.

Speaker 1:

You're welcome. Okay, take care of everybody till next time. Have a great day.

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