I am Lotte
Caring, creative and ambitious — and determined to truly help women. Honesty, quality and sustainability are not marketing words for me, but the core of how I live and work.
2015 — A problem, an idea and a sewing machine
My story began in 2015, during my pregnancy. I experienced daily urine leakage and learned from my midwife that plastic pantyliners can increase the risk of yeast infections — something that can even be dangerous for your unborn child. In stores I only found products from abroad, without the honest information you need as a woman to make a healthy choice.
So I decided to create a solution myself.
With my background in mechanical engineering, product development and technical drawing — and a healthy dose of creativity — I designed my first pantyliners. They were far from perfect ("wonky", as they called it in the American reusable groups), but they worked. Friends were immediately enthusiastic. Male family members were skeptical: "Who's going to buy that?" I persisted.
2016 — From kitchen table to festival
In 2016, I took my products to a festival for the first time to sell them. That was the moment I realized: there is a real need for this. Women responded enthusiastically, asked questions, and came back. What started as a personal solution grew into a mission.
Under the name Made by Lotte, I slowly but surely built a loyal community. Each product was handmade, tested and improved based on feedback from real users. Only what truly works makes it into the collection — that principle still applies today.
My products are now available in stores such as katoenenko.nl, Drogisterij Mevrouw Ooievaar and Stoute Suus.
2021 — A new chapter: LottePads
In 2021 it was time for a new step. Made by Lotte became LottePads — a name that better suits the growth of the brand and the breadth of the range. No longer just pantyliners, but a full range of reusable menstrual pads, incontinence pads and maternity pads.
LottePads is not mass production from a factory hall. Every product is conceived from real needs, tested by real women and made with care for people and the environment. We offer unique fits, cheerful prints and even seasonal and holiday themes — because reusable menstrual pads can be fun too.
Our products are now available in stores such as katoenenko.nl, Drogisterij Mevrouw Ooievaar and Stoute Suus.
August 2025 — A big step forward
In August 2025, I invested in a computer-controlled embroidery machine. That may sound technical, but for us it was a milestone.
This allows us to increase our production by 800% without compromising on quality. Every stitch, every detail — more precise than ever.
And I'm not doing it alone. Behind LottePads is a small, dedicated team that works with the same passion for the product as I do. Together we ensure that every order goes out the door with care.
The person behind the brand
I am a mother of two boys, Jari and Abel. They are proud of what I do and often help out: Abel edits product photos, Jari sews the hearts that indicate how much a pad absorbs. My children have taught me that work should never come before family. I want to show them that you can be independent, do what makes you happy, and always have the freedom to direct your own life.
My own health challenges — insulin resistance and hormonal issues — give me extra motivation to help women. I am an expert by experience and know how important it is to have suitable, skin-friendly and sustainable solutions.
I handle most of my customer service myself, because I want every woman to feel heard and valued. And besides selling products, I share knowledge: about your cycle, your body and your health. Because unfortunately, you don't learn this at school — and it can make the difference between struggling for years or finally living without complaints.
The future
In five years, I want LottePads to be a well-known name on the European market as well. I want to work with companies that look beyond profit and prioritize education for teenagers and women.
My ultimate dream? Standing on a stage — maybe at TED — and sharing my vision on how we as women can take better care of ourselves and our bodies.
Want to know more?
Our products are handmade in the Netherlands with love and care.