Our story
I am Lotte: Caring, creative and ambitious – and determined to really help women. Honesty, quality and sustainability are not marketing words for me, but the core of how I live and work.
2015, the start of Made by Lotte
My story started in 2015, during my pregnancy. I had to deal with daily urine loss and heard from my midwife that plastic panty liners increase the risk of yeast infections - something that can even be dangerous for your unborn child. In the stores I only found products from abroad, without the honest information that you need as a woman to make a healthy choice.
So I decided to make a solution myself.
From kitchen table to full-fledged brand
With my background in mechanical engineering, product development and technology – and a healthy dose of creativity – I designed my first panty liners. They were far from perfect (“wonky”, as they called it in the American washable groups), but they worked. Friends were immediately enthusiastic. Male family members were skeptical (“Who's going to buy that?”), but I persevered. Ten years later, I have sold more than 6,500 products and helped hundreds of women. My products are now available in stores such as katoenenko.nl, Drugstore Mrs. Ooievaar and Stoute Suus.
With the arrival of my computer-controlled embroidery machine, I can increase my production by 800% - and that's just the beginning.
LottePads is different
LottePads is not mass produced from a factory. Each product is designed, tested and improved based on real experiences of women. We offer unique fits, cheerful (sometimes hysterical) prints and even seasonal and holiday themes.
If there is a demand for a solution, I go back to the drawing board. I combine technical knowledge with practical experience and always have new products tested by real users. Only what really works ends up in the collection.
I do my customer service myself, because I want every woman to feel heard and important. And in addition to selling products, I share knowledge: about your cycle, your body and your health. Because unfortunately you don't learn that at school - and it can make the difference between struggling for years or finally living free of complaints.
The person behind the brand
I am the mother of two boys, Jari and Abel. They are proud of what I do and often help: Abel edits product photos, Jari sews the hearts that indicate how much a pad absorbs.
My children have taught me that work never comes before your family. I want to show them that you can be independent, do what makes you happy, and that you can always give direction to your life.
My own health challenges – insulin resistance and hormonal complaints – 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.
The future
In five years' time, I want LottePads to also be a well-known name on the European market. I want to work with companies that look beyond profit and value education for teenagers and women.
My ultimate dream? Standing on a stage – perhaps at TED – and sharing my vision of how we as women can take better care of ourselves and our bodies.