In 2021, Natasha Jamal set out to create a period solution that was leak-proof, skin-friendly, easy to maintain, and also good for the planet. The result? Mahina, a period panty which offers comfort, state-of-the-art technology and is reusable for up to 100 washes. While offering a fabulous menstrual solution for those who can afford to invest in it, Mahina also aims to alleviate period poverty by setting aside 10 per cent of its revenue towards for women who don’t have access to period care. Snippets from an interview with the Founder:
Why Mahina? What set you on the journey to creating something in the menstrual hygiene space?
The journey started with a deep frustration over the lack of meaningful innovation in menstrual care. I’d experienced firsthand the discomfort and inconvenience that come with existing products. When I looked at the market, I realised it wasn’t just about better products, it was about understanding menstruation and its impact on women’s lives, both physically and emotionally. That’s when I realised that period care shouldn’t just protect but also comfort. That’s the core of Mahina. It’s about giving women comfort, confidence, and a sense of respect during something as natural as their period.
How did you go about creating the product? What did you keep in mind while engineering it, and how long did it take?
Creating Mahina was a process of continuous iteration. We didn’t want to just make another product; we wanted to create something intelligent, thoroughly tested and caring. We worked closely with doctors, materials experts, and menstruating women to understand what was missing in the current market. Comfort, sustainability, guaranteed protection and durability were the driving forces. It took us nearly two years to engineer the right product, testing different fabrics, prototypes, and designs to make sure Mahina worked for women of all body types, all while keeping environmental impact in mind.
What sets Mahina apart from the other products in the market today, and what are your USPs? Where do you retail?
We don’t just offer a product; we offer comfort, reliability, and a thoughtful design that blends innovative technology with body-friendly materials. We purposefully created unique features, like the leak-proof gusset, rash-free fabric, and long-lasting wear, to make life easier, not just for today, but for the long haul. As for retail, we’re available online across all leading marketplaces and q-comm and in select offline stores in Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand and bring Mahina into more spaces, making it easier for women to shop across all their favourite channels, be it online or offline.
In 2021, Natasha Jamal set out to create a period solution that was leak-proof, skin-friendly, easy to maintain, and also good for the planet. The result? Mahina, a period panty which offers comfort, state-of-the-art technology and is reusable for up to 100 washes. While offering a fabulous menstrual solution for those who can afford to invest in it, Mahina also aims to alleviate period poverty by setting aside 10 per cent of its revenue towards for women who don’t have access to period care. Snippets from an interview with the Founder:
Why Mahina? What set you on the journey to creating something in the menstrual hygiene space?
The journey started with a deep frustration over the lack of meaningful innovation in menstrual care. I’d experienced firsthand the discomfort and inconvenience that come with existing products. When I looked at the market, I realised it wasn’t just about better products, it was about understanding menstruation and its impact on women’s lives, both physically and emotionally. That’s when I realised that period care shouldn’t just protect but also comfort. That’s the core of Mahina. It’s about giving women comfort, confidence, and a sense of respect during something as natural as their period.
How did you go about creating the product? What did you keep in mind while engineering it, and how long did it take?
Creating Mahina was a process of continuous iteration. We didn’t want to just make another product; we wanted to create something intelligent, thoroughly tested and caring. We worked closely with doctors, materials experts, and menstruating women to understand what was missing in the current market. Comfort, sustainability, guaranteed protection and durability were the driving forces. It took us nearly two years to engineer the right product, testing different fabrics, prototypes, and designs to make sure Mahina worked for women of all body types, all while keeping environmental impact in mind.
What sets Mahina apart from the other products in the market today, and what are your USPs? Where do you retail?
We don’t just offer a product; we offer comfort, reliability, and a thoughtful design that blends innovative technology with body-friendly materials. We purposefully created unique features, like the leak-proof gusset, rash-free fabric, and long-lasting wear, to make life easier, not just for today, but for the long haul. As for retail, we’re available online across all leading marketplaces and q-comm and in select offline stores in Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand and bring Mahina into more spaces, making it easier for women to shop across all their favourite channels, be it online or offline.
Do you have any anecdotes on how the product has been received?
We've been thrilled by the stories pouring in from women who've tried Mahina period underwear – it's truly heartwarming to see the difference we're making! It’s personal for so many. We hear things like, ‘I can finally sleep peacefully,’ especially from those who previously struggled with conditions like endometriosis or PCOD, where traditional products just weren't cutting it. It's a huge relief for them. One customer shared her amazing experience on a flight that got rerouted and delayed – she wore our panties for ‘up to 14 hours even after four hours of flight delay’ on her heaviest flow day, and they held up perfectly! That's the kind of everyday heroism we love to hear about. For many, it's a complete game-changer from traditional pads. It's incredibly rewarding to know we're helping them feel more confident and comfortable during their periods. These stories aren't just reviews; they're testaments to how Mahina is helping women reclaim their comfort and confidence during their periods. It's truly humbling to see the enthusiastic response to Mahina, and the personal stories our customers share are what motivate us every day. It's why we do what we do.
Can you tell us a little about your professional trajectory?
I’m a second-time founder, and my journey has always been deeply rooted in the intersection of social impact and innovation. My philanthropic initiatives span various fields, including sanitation, women’s and children’s wellbeing, and the arts, all of which shaped my passion for meaningful change. Growing up in Chennai, I was fortunate to interact with countless women whose stories, struggles, and strengths inspired me to create products that truly serve their needs. This connection to women’s health and their everyday challenges ultimately led me to start Mahina, creating a brand that prioritises comfort, sustainability, and dignity for every woman.
What steps can we take to normalise conversations around menstruation and ensure that women make informed decisions while choosing the right product?
Education is the first step towards breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation. That’s why we created the Beyond Blood report, a comprehensive study highlighting the mental load of periods, which we’ve all experienced but never really discussed. It’s time we moved beyond the silence and made these conversations mainstream, whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or on social media. Women deserve the knowledge and options that put their health and well-being first.
We've been thrilled by the stories pouring in from women who've tried Mahina period underwear – it's truly heartwarming to see the difference we're making! It’s personal for so many. We hear things like, ‘I can finally sleep peacefully,’ especially from those who previously struggled with conditions like endometriosis or PCOD, where traditional products just weren't cutting it. It's a huge relief for them. One customer shared her amazing experience on a flight that got rerouted and delayed – she wore our panties for ‘up to 14 hours even after four hours of flight delay’ on her heaviest flow day, and they held up perfectly! That's the kind of everyday heroism we love to hear about. For many, it's a complete game-changer from traditional pads. It's incredibly rewarding to know we're helping them feel more confident and comfortable during their periods. These stories aren't just reviews; they're testaments to how Mahina is helping women reclaim their comfort and confidence during their periods. It's truly humbling to see the enthusiastic response to Mahina, and the personal stories our customers share are what motivate us every day. It's why we do what we do.
Can you tell us a little about your professional trajectory?
I’m a second-time founder, and my journey has always been deeply rooted in the intersection of social impact and innovation. My philanthropic initiatives span various fields, including sanitation, women’s and children’s wellbeing, and the arts, all of which shaped my passion for meaningful change. Growing up in Chennai, I was fortunate to interact with countless women whose stories, struggles, and strengths inspired me to create products that truly serve their needs. This connection to women’s health and their everyday challenges ultimately led me to start Mahina, creating a brand that prioritises comfort, sustainability, and dignity for every woman.
What steps can we take to normalise conversations around menstruation and ensure that women make informed decisions while choosing the right product?
Education is the first step towards breaking down the stigma surrounding menstruation. That’s why we created the Beyond Blood report, a comprehensive study highlighting the mental load of periods, which we’ve all experienced but never really discussed. It’s time we moved beyond the silence and made these conversations mainstream, whether it’s in schools, workplaces, or on social media. Women deserve the knowledge and options that put their health and well-being first.