At obé, we love celebrating women (and all the amazing things their bodies and minds can do) every day of the year! As part of our Women’s History Month series, we wanted to give an extra spotlight to a few standout ladies who are shifting narratives around women’s health. To kick it off, we tapped Lauren Bogner Steinberg, founder of the intimate wellness brand Queen V, to talk vaginal care, life as a new mom, and more.
As ridiculous as it sounds, there’s still so much stigma around even *saying* the word vagina, let alone talking about female health and hygiene. Lauren’s mission is to show other women that topics like intimate wellness and pleasure have no place to be another taboo. Not only should they absolutely be talked about—they should also be a priority. Women taking care of themselves, for themselves? That’s something we can get behind.
Lauren is an entrepreneur, new mom, and California native who now calls New York City home (you may have seen her on TikTok with her Dr. Dad series!). A businesswoman and creative thinker, she’s constantly trying to break the mold when it comes to how the world thinks about women’s health. Get to know her below—you may just learn something new!
What inspired you to start Queen V and what keeps you going?
Queen V is an intimate wellness company specifically focused on vaginal health—we launched our product line nationwide in Walmart in April of 2018. We take a simple and fun approach to a topic that many women, including myself (at one point), find confusing and embarrassing.
I have been around vaginas my entire life, not only because I am female, but because my dad is a gynecologist. As I grew older, I began developing infections “down there,” what I refer to as my Queen V. It was painful and embarrassing. I didn’t know why I was getting these infections, so I went to my gynecologist and did a bunch of research.
I learned about vaginal pH and began researching ingredients commonly found in most intimate wellness products on the market and why they could be doing more harm than good. I also spoke to my friends about the problems I was having and realized I wasn’t alone. I love the community we have built with Queen V and the idea that our brand helps people feel less alone.
Why do you think vaginal care and intimate wellness are still so taboo for women?
In partnership with Harris Interactive, Queen V surveyed more than 1,550 females ages 18-35 on topics related to attitudes and feelings towards the vagina, vaginal health, sexual wellness, and early intimate experiences. 52% of women surveyed said their first intimate health issue had a negative impact on their emotional health and well-being. Moreover, 41% said it made them not want to leave the house. Queen V’s data reveals that anxiety is holding women back from getting proper health care, with 22% of women never seeing a gynecologist because they worry it will be awkward or embarrassing.
Data also suggests there is a disconnect between what women perceive to be an attractive vagina and the realities of a healthy intimate area. Nearly 1 in 4 women felt insecure their vagina was not attractive based on what they have seen in media and porn. What’s more, over 50% of women worry their vagina has a bad odor—so much so that they avoid having sex because of it.
To further understand how women are affected by vaginal-first experiences, The V Files uncovered consumer insights ranging from early sexual experiences, visiting the gynecologist, concerns about appearance, and more.
What do you wish every woman knew about the female orgasm?
Everybody is different, and it takes some practice to get to know what you like and what feels good for you! Pleasure is a form of self-care so take the time to get to know your body.
As a female founder, what advice do you have for other women?
It’s okay to not know what you’re doing and it’s okay to ask for help!
We hear you’re a new mom! Congrats! What’s that been like?
Yes! My daughter is 7 months old. I love being a mom. She is my greatest accomplishment. It has definitely changed my outlook on work and has changed my priorities. I have never felt more proud of my body!
How does intimate wellness change from the prenatal to postnatal phase?
I would recommend consulting your gynecologist along the way as your body changes. In the postpartum phase, I would say to really go easy on yourself. I put a lot of pressure on myself to “bounce back” and it was not a fair thing to do to myself.
Listen to your body and celebrate it because it just grew a human! If possible, try to find a workout that you love. For me, it’s just going on walks with my daughter to get some fresh air and going to Pilates when I can!
How do you maintain your movement routine as a busy mom and girl boss?
I try to incorporate movement into my daily life. Being in New York, it’s a bit easier because I walk everywhere but I also love to take some time for myself in the morning to go to Pilates. It took a while for me to find a workout that I loved. It helps to go to a class with friends if possible, too! Working out postpartum can be so intimidating so it helps to have a support system with you.
What’s the deal with wearing workout clothes and yeast infections?
I definitely recommend going to your gynecologist if you are experiencing yeast infections. My doctor has told me to shower after I work out because it’s not great to sit in sweat!
What other forms of self-care do you prioritize and why?
I love to take baths, and I love doing my skincare routine at night. Having alone time and being able to focus on yourself is so important, especially as a new mom. It’s a time to wind down and helps with my mental health as well.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
Enjoy being bored!
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