A Q&A with Aimee Marks, the founder of TOM Organic
Founder of TOM Organic, Aimee Marks shares how her hygiene products care for women’s bodies as well as the planet.
What was your initial vision for TOM Organic and has that changed over time?
My vision when I created TOM Organic was, and still is, to empower women to live healthier, more fulfilled lives through buying and living more consciously. I wanted to empower women to read ingredient lists and question the brands they may have previously trusted simply because they are well-known. TOM Organic seeks to inspire conscious living so women are empowered to make their own informed decisions and talk openly about their needs and their health.
What does TOM stand for?
TOM stands for time of month.
Why is it important to choose organic products when it comes to women’s hygiene?
The average woman uses approximately 15,000 tampons and up to 10,000 pads in a lifetime. That’s a huge amount! Tampons and pads come in contact with the most absorbent skin in our bodies. On behalf of Australian women, I feel a responsibility to create alternative hygiene products that are made from pure ingredients that do not compromise the environment.
What are the health and environmental impacts of using tampons that are not organically made?
As I mentioned above, the skin in and surrounding our vaginal area is the most absorbent part of our bodies. Even more absorbent than our mouths! It makes sense to use only pure, organic cotton hygiene products. By using organic cotton, we keep synthetic pesticides, chemicals and genetically modified materials out of the air, water and soil. We carefully source our organic cotton from the finest certified organic crops.
TOM Organic is one of the founding B Corporation members. Can you please explain what B Corporation is and why it’s important to TOM Organic?
TOM Organic’s philosophy is simple: it’s about keeping chemicals out of the water, air, soil and our bodies. We are very proud to have been accredited with the B Corporation Certification, demonstrating that ethical business values are deeply ingrained into our DNA. A B Corporation is a new type of corporation that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems for the greater good. At the moment, there are 650 B Corporations across 21 countries and in 60 industries, all sharing the same goal: to redefine success in business. TOM Organic was proud to be the third B Corporation registered in Australia and we are standing alongside some pretty incredible B Corporation businesses globally, including Etsy, Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia and The Honest Company.
What advice would you give young girls who have just entered womanhood?
To live with passion, an open heart and mind and to question everything questionable. I don’t believe you should ever settle just because it’s the way things are done.
What’s your favourite home remedy to ease tummy pain during your monthly?
Sipping on a warm mug of herbal tea really helps me ease PMS symptoms. Currently, my favourites are the Three Chamomile and the Love organic teas from Pukka Herbs. Also, prioritising time for myself by having a hot soak during the evening helps me to relax and clear my mind. I find the heat increases blood flow to my stomach and alleviates pain and cramps.
What’s next for TOM Organic?
My focus for this year is on the launch of our new range, Tooshies by TOM, which includes pure and sustainable baby nappies and wipes. The mothers in our community have been asking for these products and we are excited to offer the ultimate in purity and performance to nurture their little ones. Tooshies by TOM will be available in early August.
