Aurora Wellbeing, Aurora Marcopoulos, menstrual health, menstrual poverty, period poverty, women empowerment, women’s month Image: @aurora_wellbeing/Instagram
Aurora Wellbeing is ushering in an exciting new era for women’s health and wellness in South Africa. Founded in March this year by entrepreneur and activist Aurora Marcopoulos, the e-commerce platform champions ‘menstrual health’ and functions as a one-stop-shop for all your menstrual needs.
Whether it’s period products, supplements for hormone balancing, cbd, skincare or something to satisfy your cravings during “that time of the month”, the site offers a range of items and information encompassing menstrual care, self care, sexual wellness, and more.
In addition to stocking some of South Africa’s favourite brands including Lelive, Soaring Foods, Goodleaf and Skin Creamery, the platform offers a variety of resources and guides to help women understand and manage their menstrual health and hormones.
With a background in human rights, Aurora founded The CORA Project NPO which tackles period poverty in underprivileged communities. She stands by the notion that “menstrual health is a human right”, and Aurora Wellbeing is an extension of this belief.
For Women’s Month, we sat down the business owner to chat about Aurora Wellbeing, menstrual health, women empowerment, and more.
1. Tell us about Aurora Wellbeing. What does it stand for and what is your offering?
Aurora Wellbeing is South Africa’s first ever wellness store focusing on menstrual cycle care. We are an online store and platform offering a broad range of products and resources to support all your femme needs. In a society where the focus on menstrual health is often limited to periods alone, we strive to be the catalyst for change. Menstrual health is a lot more than just periods but rather overall wellbeing, including physical and mental health. Our mission at Aurora Wellbeing is to provide women with a one-stop shop for all their wellness and health needs.
What we stand for is very much rooted in our values which are inclusive, impactful, conscious and courageous. We are dedicated to recognising and celebrating the diversity of all menstruators.
We believe that access to quality menstrual care and education is a fundamental right. With each purchase you make, we give back to The CORA Project, our non-profit partner that works to combat period poverty in South Africa. We curate our product selection, ensuring that each item is both gentle and nourishing for your body while being environmentally friendly. In a rapidly evolving world, we embrace change and take bold risks to better serve our community. we are unafraid to challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions that empower and uplift menstruators.
2. What led you to founding this platform?
The inception of Aurora Wellbeing can be traced back to my co-founding of The CORA Project in 2020, a non-profit organisation committed to addressing period poverty in South Africa. Through this endeavour, I recognised the pressing need for comprehensive menstrual care and education. Witnessing the lack of encouragement and support for women to take charge of their menstrual health, I was inspired to establish Aurora Wellbeing. My goal is to create a space that offers both products and knowledge, empowering individuals to embrace their menstrual cycles as an integral part of their wellbeing.
3. Have you always had a passion for women’s health?
Absolutely! I have always been extremely passionate about women’s health and women’s rights overall. Women’s health is a fundamental human right and is so important as it encompasses individual wellbeing as well as societal progress.
4. You previously founded The CORA Project which focuses on menstrual health. What does the term “menstrual health” encapsulate?
The term "menstrual health" is a comprehensive approach to wellbeing that extends far beyond periods alone. It encompasses physical, mental and emotional dimensions. Menstrual health involves understanding and embracing the changes that occur in the body, managing discomfort, promoting hormonal balance and nurturing positive relationships with one's body.
5. What does Women’s Month mean to you?
Women's Month is a significant time to celebrate and honour the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women across the world. It's a moment to amplify the voices of women, highlight their accomplishments, and acknowledge the challenges they continue to overcome. Women's Month is an opportunity to further advocate for our cause and promote menstrual health, gender equality and women empowerment.
6. Are there any struggles you’ve encountered as a woman business owner? If so, how did you overcome them?
There will always be challenges as a business owner, especially a woman business owner, but it’s important to try block out the noise. I surround myself with a supportive network, seeking mentorship, and staying true to my vision. Additionally, focusing on the positive impact that Aurora Wellbeing can have on individuals' lives has been a powerful motivator in navigating any hurdles.
7. Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?
My advice for women entrepreneurs is to believe in the value of your vision and voice. One of the most important aspects of being an entrepreneur is backing yourself fully. Build a strong network of mentors, peers, and supporters who can provide guidance and encouragement, and who you can grow with.
8. Which female figures inspire you and why?
I draw inspiration from a myriad of remarkable female figures. Malala Yousafzai, who advocates for education and gender equality, and who became an activist as a teenager in a society where being a woman was a major downfall. She did not let her status in society get in her way.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s writings challenge societal norms and gender stereotypes. She is so cool and so fierce. I loved her Ted Talk "We Should All Be Feminists" – it’s iconic and emphasises the importance of feminism for both women and men.
Sheryl Sandberg', former Chief Operating Officer of Meta and the author of "Lean In” (I am busy reading this) is incredibly inspiring. She is a super successful woman who advocates for women's empowerment in the workplace and beyond, encouraging women to pursue leadership roles, break through barriers and challenge societal norms that hold us back.
9. How do you practice self care and personal wellness?
Self care for me comes in many forms. Sometimes it looks like a quiet night in with a glass of wine and movies and other times it’s crushing that HIIT workout. Overall, I prioritise regular exercise, a balanced diet, self care practices like dry brushing / gua sha and activities that bring me joy (like eating good food or spending time with loved ones). Recognising the importance of rest and rejuvenation is also crucial (sometimes not easy!)
10. What are your hopes for the future of Aurora Wellbeing?
We have many hopes and aspirations for the future, including expanding our platform to include access to doctors, experts ad other services that can assist our community members with women health issues they might face. We also hope to collaborate with like-minded partners, expand our reach and continue advocating for positive change in the menstrual health landscape.
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