PMS-Pals

This week felt like the true “behind the scenes” of building a PMS subscription box - equal parts excitement, spreadsheets, snack sampling (the best part), and asking myself, “Is this too many comfort items?” (Spoiler: you can never have too many.)

What’s new this week?

I’ve been experimenting with a few new add-ins for upcoming boxes - things like cozy self-care items, new snack varieties, and comfort goodies that genuinely feel like a little hug delivered to your door. There’s something really satisfying about curating a box that I know someone will open on a day when everything feels like too much. I want PMS & Pals to feel like:

“Here. This is for you. You deserve comfort, even on the messy days.”

Collaboration moment:

My friend with the Cricut and I have officially started brainstorming custom items just for the subscription boxes - things like personalized stickers, mini comfort cards, and small reusable goodies.

The goal: make the boxes feel extra special without blowing up the cost. It's taking off to a great start.

What’s been challenging?

Time management continues to humble me. Subscription boxes are magical, but they also require planning, pricing, budgeting, and a surprising number of decisions about chocolate-to-tea ratios.

I’m also learning that every time I add or redesign a product, I have to rework the budget. A lot. Boxes are basically little puzzle pieces of costs, comfort, and creativity - and I’m still figuring out the best formula.

What’s keeping me encouraged?

The small wins.

A repeat customer.

A kind message.

Someone saying the box made their week a little easier.

Those moments remind me why I’m doing this - PMS & Pals is more than a subscription box. It’s a tiny act of care that shows up on your doorstep when you need comfort the most.

What am I learning about myself?

That I really love creating things that make people feel seen.

That even on overwhelming days, I’m drawn back to this project because it genuinely matters to me.

And that maybe I’m more capable than I let myself believe.

It’s been another interesting week building PMS & Pals, and honestly, I’m starting to see the project shift from just an idea into something that feels real and tangible. There were a few small wins, a couple of challenges, and lots of learning in between - so here’s where I’m at right now.

What's working?

One of the biggest highlights this week was having a repeat customer. That alone made me feel like I’m on the right track - it’s one thing for someone to try a product once, but having them come back says I’m doing something right. I also connected with a friend who makes personalized items with her Cricut, and she’s interested in teaming up. The best part? She’s willing to make custom pieces for me at only the cost of supplies, which could really expand my product options without stretching my budget.

What's not working?

Time management is still a challenge (shocker). Between school, parenting, and just life in general, finding consistent time to work on the business isn’t easy. I’m also noticing that every time I add a new idea or product style, I end up rethinking pricing and budgeting all over again. It’s a lot of trial and error, and sometimes it feels messy - but I’m figuring it out little by little.

How do I feel the project is coming along?

Honestly, I feel encouraged. These small wins (even tiny ones) make me feel like PMS & Pals is growing in the right direction. Every week the vision becomes clearer, and I’m starting to really see the personality of the brand taking shape. Supportive, comforting, a little funny, and very human - that’s the heart of it.

What am I learning about running a business?

That it’s a lot more than just having a cute idea. There’s branding, marketing, budgeting, customer relationships, planning ahead, and learning to pivot when something doesn’t work. I’m learning how important it is to keep track of costs, think about sustainability, and explore collaborations that make sense. Small details and small decisions add up fast.

What am I learning about myself?

It’s been another busy week with PMS & Pals, and I feel like I’m finally starting to see my idea take shape in a real way. There have definitely been some wins and a few growing pains along the way, but I’m learning so much from the process.

What’s working:

People are genuinely responding well to the idea of PMS & Pals. I’ve gotten positive feedback about the concept, and it’s helping me feel more confident that there’s a real need for this. I’ve also been getting better at organizing my ideas and figuring out what I want the brand’s personality to feel like - supportive, fun, and empowering.

What’s not working:

Time management and consistency have been tricky. Between school, parenting, and everything else in life, it’s hard to dedicate the kind of focused time I’d like to this project. I’ve also realized that budgeting and pricing things out properly is more complicated than I expected. It’s been a bit of trial and error, but I’m slowly learning how to adjust without feeling discouraged.

How I feel about the project:

Overall, I feel proud. It’s not perfect, but it’s real - and that feels amazing. The more I work on it, the more I can picture what PMS & Pals could grow into. I love the message behind it and how it can create connection and comfort for people during a time that’s often overlooked or joked about.

What I’m learning about running a business:

I’m realizing how much behind-the-scenes work goes into even the smallest venture. It’s about way more than just having a cute idea - it’s about branding, marketing, budgeting, and being adaptable when things don’t go as planned. I’ve also learned that small details really do matter, especially when it comes to how you make customers feel.

What I'm learning about myself:

This week has been a really encouraging one for PMS & PALS. I’ve officially finalized my product pricing, started developing my marketing visuals, and mapped out the first 14-week sales and expense plan for the business. Seeing everything come together in real numbers has made it feel much more real - and achievable.

💕 What’s Working

The biggest success so far has been simplifying my product costs. Originally, I overestimated how much it would cost to stock each box, but after breaking things down, I realized I already have most of the luxury and self-care items from my previous business. That means I only need to purchase period products to fill the boxes, which keeps my expenses low and my profit margin healthy.

I’ve also been getting great feedback from early discussions and survey responses. People seem genuinely excited about a menstrual care box that feels thoughtful rather than just practical - something that treats the entire cycle as an act of self-care.

⚙️ What’s Not Working (Yet)

Right now, my biggest challenge is finding balance between building the brand identity and managing the logistics. I tend to get caught up in the design details - like color palettes and product arrangement - which slows down progress on outreach and marketing. I’m learning to prioritize progress over perfection, even if that means things evolve as I go.

🌱 What I’m Learning About Running a Business

I’m realizing that even small ventures require a lot of behind-the-scenes planning: pricing, forecasting, taxes, and marketing all have to flow together. The budgeting process especially has taught me how every small cost adds up, and how important it is to track profit realistically - not just optimistically.

✨ What I’m Learning About Myself

Starting PMS & Pals with just $50 has been a fun challenge, but I’m already thinking ahead about how I’d grow it beyond that small start-up fund. Right now, I’ve been creative with what I have - repurposing packaging, sourcing affordable materials, and building sample boxes from products I already own. But to scale up, I’d eventually need a little more financial backing.

If I were to take PMS & Pals forward, I’d likely consider a microloan or small business grant, especially those focused on women entrepreneurs or wellness-based start-ups. I want to stay as independent as possible, so I’d prefer not to take on heavy debt or big investors too early. A microloan or community grant would give me enough to buy supplies in bulk, create branded packaging, and maybe even set up an online shop.

The BDC article, “4 Factors That Could Affect Financing Your Start-Up,” really made me think about how lenders look at things like personal credit, cash flow, industry risk, and experience. Since PMS & Pals is in the self-care and subscription box space, lenders might see it as a higher-risk, low-margin industry at first - which is why I’d build a solid track record of small local sales and customer feedback before applying for anything bigger.

PMS & Pals is all about comfort, care, and a little humor during those rough PMS or period days. Each box will include things like essential oils, tea, chocolate, and other self-care treats - meant to soothe, lift moods, and remind people to take a little time for themselves.

Product Sourcing

I’m already in the process of making sample boxes and have most of the products on hand. The only thing left is to buy period supplies in bulk - likely through Amazon or Costco depending on sales and variety. Once that’s done, I’ll start offering sample boxes and exploring partnerships with local brands for items or store advertising.

Operations

Right now, it’s just me running PMS & Pals - from creating and packaging boxes to managing social media and deliveries. If it grows, I’d love to collaborate with local artisans or small wellness brands.

Licenses & Tools

No special licenses are needed at this point, but I’ll make sure everything is safely labeled and sourced. To launch, I mainly need packaging materials, bulk supplies, and a simple way to process payments.

The Aromatherapy Loop is a minimalist diffuser designed for simplistic scent. Formed from a simple metal loop, this piece holds a small fabric pad infused with essential oils. It clips easily to your collar, bag, or car vent, creating a subtle and portable way to experience aromatherapy throughout your day.

Unlike traditional diffusers, the "Aromatherapy Loop" requires no cords, batteries, or water. It’s lightweight, sustainable, and made for those who value wellness, mindfulness, and simplicity in their daily routines.

Each breath becomes a moment of calm - lavender for grounding, peppermint for focus, or citrus for renewed energy. Wherever life takes you, the "Aromatherapy Loop" brings balance within reach.

Headline:

Aria is 28.

A teacher, a cat mom, an empath, and the unofficial therapist of her friend group.

She spends her days nurturing others - little ones with big feelings, friends going through rough patches, and coworkers who need a listening ear.

But when her cycle arrives, the world feels heavier. Her body aches, her patience wears thin, and her emotions swing between tenderness and exhaustion.

She doesn’t want to “fix” herself - she wants to be held.

Her struggles:

– Mood swings, cramps, sensory overload

– Guilt for slowing down

– Feeling misunderstood when she says “I’m tired”

Her comfort crew:

🍫 Chocolate - the serotonin booster

🫶 Heat pack - the tension tamer

🌿 Essential Oil Roll-On - the peace keeper

Our Promise:

As PMS & Pals expands, it’s important to look closely at the Canadian competition in the menstrual and self-care space. Understanding how others position themselves can help identify where we can stand out. Three key competitors are Cora, Knix, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Cora

Cora is sleek and wellness-focused, with a website that’s minimal and easy to navigate. Their brand positioning emphasizes social impact: for every purchase, they provide menstrual products to people in need. Pricing typically falls between $10-$30 CAD for subscriptions, making them mid-range in affordability. Customer reviews are mixed - many love the mission and quality, while Canadian customers sometimes note slower shipping times. On social media, Cora’s content is polished and inclusive, but often feels more corporate than community-driven.

Strengths: clear mission, ethical branding, convenient subscription model.

Weaknesses: higher price points, limited presence, less personal engagement.

Knix

Knix is a Canadian leader in period apparel, best known for their leak-proof underwear. Their website is image-heavy and organized by need, making it easy to shop by absorbency and style. They market themselves around body positivity, inclusivity, and longevity. Prices range from $20-$45 per pair, with bundles at higher upfront costs. Reviews are generally positive, with many praising comfort and confidence, though some report sizing inconsistencies or issues with heavier flows. Their social media is bold and community-oriented, with campaigns that center inclusivity and Canadian pride.

Strengths: strong Canadian identity, loyal following, focus on comfort.

Weaknesses: expensive, not everyone prefers reusable products, limited pampering element.

Shoppers Drug Mart

As Canada’s largest pharmacy retailer, Shoppers offers a very different experience. Their website is functional, but prioritizes convenience over aesthetics or wellness messaging. Market positioning emphasizes accessibility and affordability, with prices typically between $4–$12 per box for pads or tampons. Reviews highlight reliability and convenience, though the experience is transactional and lacks personalization. Their social media is promotional and product-focused, with less emphasis on empowerment or community.

Strengths: convenience, affordability, nation-wide accessibility.

Weaknesses: impersonal, lacks curation or pampering.

Positioning PMS & Pals

Looking at these competitors highlights a clear gap in the market. Cora is sleek but corporate. Knix is empowering but costly and less about self-care. Shoppers is affordable and accessible, but transactional.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what I do well… and where I could use a little work.

Creativity is definitely my superpower. I love brainstorming ideas, problem-solving in unexpected ways, and turning concepts into something tangible. Case in point: I’ve been developing a subscription box concept that’s personal, practical, and just a little bit playful. I get lost in the process, and honestly - I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Resilience is another strength. Life throws challenges, and I’ve learned to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear. That persistence keeps me grounded and motivated.

On the flip side, time management and organization are areas in which I’m actively improving. I sometimes get so absorbed in the creative process that follow-through is stalled. My plan? Break big goals into smaller steps, use tracking tools, and set realistic deadlines.

Confidence in sharing my ideas publicly is another area in which I plan to grow. Putting yourself out there is intimidating, but practicing in smaller, supportive spaces is helping with expanding my comfort zone.

Recognizing my strengths gives me energy. Acknowledging my weaknesses keeps me focused. This journey is messy, exciting, and full of learning - and I’m here to embrace it all.