words by April Walloga (she/her) @AprilWalloga
this interview was originally published for Prose’s Mission Driven Series
Lindsay Wynn (she/her) co-created Momotaro Apotheca in the white space between drugstore vaginal care products and a new generation of vagina owners’ move toward sexual self-care and clean ingredients. “I knew I needed something that didn’t exist,” says Wynn. “Organic, efficacious vulvovaginal care products were impossible to find…I wanted something that felt good upon application, and that also helped with sexual health issues that were recurrent — particularly bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and UTIs.”
On top of offering a suite of clean, sustainably sourced sexual wellness products, Wynn is also using Momotaro Apotheca to rally critical funds for causes like supporting sex workers, the LGBTQIA+ community, Black infant and maternal health, and a roster of environmental organizations. We caught up with her to talk about sexual self-care, inspiration, and the work she’s so passionate about.
Breaking boundaries
Taboos and vulvovaginal care go hand in hand. There are a million and one websites, people, and occasionally even our medical system that are perpetuating harmful stereotypes. STIs do not make you gross. Vaginas are not dirty. Discharge is normal. Sex work is work and consent is key.
This might sound dramatic, but the most fulfilling part of my work is changing people’s lives. We get countless emails from happy customers about how they wish they knew our products existed before. As someone who has gone through the motions of trying to figure out ‘what’s wrong’ and not having a solution, comfort and answers can truly be life-changing.
Through Momotaro Apotheca we are so lucky to have worked with many non-profits that champion the causes we know are paramount to creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Supporting sex workers, LGBTQIA+ folks, and inclusive education are core pillars to who we are as a company. Without the people in these communities, we would not be the brand we are today.
STIs do not make you gross. Vaginas are not dirty. Discharge is normal. Sex work is work & consent is key.
The human connection
People definitely inspire me the most. I am obsessed with the positive impact even one human can make. Good people, good intentions, actions, and inaction have the ability to change the world — and I think we are all ready for a little change.
Speaking of change, I do have some exciting news to share! We are launching new products; something really big is dropping in 2022 that will change the way we can help our customers.
On a personal note, I’ve been working towards finding peace amid the chaos. As a brand and a person at the crux of many social and political issues, taking time away and slowing down is important. It’s a goal I have to constantly work toward.
Self-care slow down
As far as self-care practices go, I love a long shower at the end of the day. It’s the best way for me to unwind; nice products always feel decadent to me. I have my personalized Prose products in my shower always. The best piece of hair advice I’ve received is to buy Prose, haha.
But in all honesty, stepping up and investing in my hair care routine has kept me away from the salon longer, made my hair feel healthier, and saved me time getting ready in the morning. I’ve also stopped sleeping with my hair up in a rubber band. Regular exercise is also crucial to my mental health, as well as a good meal and a glass of wine.
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Related Reading
7 Simple Ideas to Sexify Your Self Care Routine
What Makes Sexual Care Safe & Accessible?
An Interview with Momotaro Apotheca Co-Creator Taylor Samuelsen on Sustainability
Momotaro Apotheca's Mission: Giving Back to Our Community
Meet the Author
April Walloga (she/her) is a beauty and lifestyle editor who’s written extensively on hair health and the root causes of hair loss. She is the former and founding editor in chief of Revelist.com and has been a lead editor at publications like Business Insider, Gotham magazine, and xoVain.com. In her spare time you can find her perusing what’s new at Sephora or enjoying Riverside Park with no less than her third cup of coffee that day.
Momotaro Apotheca and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on Momotaro Apotheca is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition.