Chelsea Leyland’s journey from DJing in the fashion and art world to founding Looni, a hormonal health and wellness company, is a testament to her resilience and passion for holistic health. With personal battles against epilepsy and endometriosis, Chelsea has navigated the complexities of chronic health conditions, discovering the transformative power of plant-based medicine and alternative therapies. Her story is one of self-advocacy and determination, shedding light on the importance of education, awareness, and integrative approaches to women's health. In this interview, Chelsea shares the pivotal moments that inspired Looni, details about Looni’s flagship product designed to support hormonal balance and exciting news that Looni products are now available at Sage + Sound.
Can you share a bit about your personal wellness journey and how it led you to start Looni?
For over a decade, I DJed in the fashion and art space. It seems like a far cry from running a hormonal health and wellness company, but it all connects. I have two chronic health conditions: epilepsy and endometriosis. Endometriosis was the real catalyst for starting a women's health company, but epilepsy is also a significant part of my healing journey. It led me to discover plant-based medicine and philosophies like traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
I endured incredibly painful periods for many years, often ending up on the bathroom floor, doubled over in pain, passing out, and vomiting. I repeatedly sought help from various doctors, only to be told that painful periods were normal. It took over a decade to get a diagnosis of endometriosis, which was a frustrating and invalidating experience. Eventually, I had a laparoscopic procedure that provided temporary relief, but the pain returned, prompting me to explore holistic solutions and functional integrative medicine.
Epilepsy was another challenge, managed for years with medication until I discovered medical cannabis. This plant-based treatment allowed me to wean off all epilepsy medications, and I've been seizure-free for nearly ten years. This experience gave me the confidence to trust alternative medicine and become my own health advocate.
What key lessons about menstrual health do you hope young women learn?
Education is crucial. We should teach young women and men about the menstrual cycle and what a healthy cycle looks like from an early age. Physicians also need better education on hormonal health and chronic conditions. Women's health has been neglected, not just in cases of endometriosis but also other menstrual health conditions and menopause. We need to educate young boys to help dismantle patriarchal shame around menstruation.
How can we turn menstrual shame on its head?
We need to shift the narrative from seeing menstruation as a shameful nuisance to recognizing it as a valuable insight into our overall health. Imbalances in our menstrual cycle can reflect broader health issues like stress, trauma, or poor nutrition. Understanding our cycle can help with stress management and energy flow. Cycle syncing, which involves tailoring nutrition and exercise to different phases of the menstrual cycle, can also bring significant relief.
What's the best way for women to understand their menstrual cycle?
Understanding the four phases of the menstrual cycle is key. The menstrual phase is well-known, but the follicular phase is when you have more energy and feel lighter. The ovulatory phase is crucial for understanding fertility, and tracking this phase requires more than just an app. Apps are great for tracking periods but not ovulation since it varies for each individual.
Where did the name "Looni" come from?
"Looni" was an endearing term in my family. It's derived from "lunatic," meaning moonstruck, which ties to the moon's impact on our menstrual cycles. We wanted to reclaim the term from its negative connotations and highlight the hormonal ebbs and flows women experience. The two O's in "Looni" also represent ovaries, adding a visual element to the name.
The product design is visually appealing. Can you tell us about that?
We aimed to create a product that felt adjacent to fashion and design. Historically, menstrual products were hidden away because they didn't look chic. We wanted Looni to be something you'd proudly display. The combo cap design contains oil ingredients, making it suitable for taking on an empty stomach. The pink hue in the powder comes from red radish, with no dyes or fillers. Everything is 100% natural and bioavailable.
How are you fostering and growing the Looni community?
Our online Looni community supports anyone interested in deepening their understanding of hormonal health through our Whatsapp. It's especially for those dealing with menstrual health conditions, pregnancy loss, fertility issues, or abortion. I started this community during a challenging time with pregnancy loss. Looni aims to provide a toolbox of resources, with community support being a crucial tool for healing.