As a #ByWomenForWomen company, we love celebrating brands led by fellow founders. Our new series "Founder's Friday" gives us the chance to meet some of these special women, including our very own Heidi Zach!
Cyo Nystrom loves life, loves you, and most of all, vaginal health. As an entrepreneur with a passion for helping others, Cyo is paving the way for women to talk about their bodies, good and bad, through Quim. Quim is educational and inspiring, offering vaginal health products and resources to help clients feel better from the inside out. With each person and body in mind, Quim is committed to destigmatizing the conversation about vaginal health to increase access to better, safer healthcare.
Why did you start your company?
After years of vaginal health concerns, we introduce Quim. From low libido to recurrent UTIs and yeast infections, we've found few options when it comes to proactive vaginal and sexual health products. we startedWHOchange it.
Tell us about yourself.
I'm the CEO and co-founder of Quim, a self-care line for people with and without vaginas who love vaginas. I grew up in a health conscious single parent household and was encouraged from an early age to listen to my body. Unfortunately, when I became sexually active, all I could hear were UTIs, yeast infections, and the accompanying shame that clouded my early sexual experiences. After 8 years of recurring vaginal health issues, I partnered with childhood friend Rachel Washtien to launch a plant-based vaginal rejuvenation company dedicated to making Women with vaginas are able to take care of themselves in a sustainable way. Quim, who lives in San Francisco, hopes to remove the stigma from the conversation about vaginal health and cannabis and create a happier future for everyone.
What were the challenges you faced when starting your company?
One of our first challenges was raising capital while finding production space. When applying for rent, you'll usually be asked to provide bank account information so the landlord knows you have enough money to pay your rent each month. We had less than $15,000 in the bank when we started looking, and we were looking for places to spend $5 to $10,000 a month, which was too difficult. Everyone knows that getting your first 1-3 investors is the hardest part of the fundraising process, and that was the case with us. It was very stressful to do it in stoppage time because of the updated rules, but it also gave us the courage we needed.
Did someone help you pave the way for your business or your entrepreneurial journey?
Yes, so many people! My mom is an entrepreneur who shaped the struggle and joy of running her own business. She only started working when she was almost 40, but as a child, I saw that life is richer when you love what you do and are guided by its purpose.
Why is it important for entrepreneurs to spend time helping the next generation of female founders?
Because we can learn a lot from them and they can learn a lot from us! I learned a lot from our intern, Olivia, about what kids like today, which gives me hope for the future. I am so grateful to be the first stop on her career path.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Fuck alive.
What quality do you like most about yourself?
The wish of my life!
When do you feel most beautiful and/or most confident?
After swimming in the river with my community, getting naked and drying on the rocks.
When and where are you happiest?
On the 4th of July, my partner and I will take a big river trip to Northern California to get some off-grid kiki, which keeps me energized like clockwork every year.
If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
There is a place that can make you miserable. Just express it. Vulnerability is another form of strength.
What's the best song on your playlist right now?
"Out of Mind" with "McVey's Desert Buddies" Mikayli
What is your motto?
We ride snakes, not trains, baby! There are no fixed stops, and it's slippery...
What are some advantages or benefits of being a founder that many people may not know or know?
Well, being the master of my own schedule is probably my favorite thing to do right now. This will change as our group grows, but for now, if I need to take a day off to find a new therapist, or I'm devastated by the recent death of my dad, I can, And very free.
Why is it important to understand the challenges and benefits of being a founder?
I think entrepreneurship seems to work really well in the age of social media, influencers and #GirlBoss. Personally, the reality for me is a lot less jet set/power brunches, a lot more living room work, living in sweatpants, and being super stressed about money and insurance for over a year. If you start a business just to be a founder, you'll lose momentum very quickly. On the other hand, if you create a company that solves a problem you're passionate about and has a personal impact on you, I think you'll have more stamina to get through the ups and downs.
Do you think founders should take the time to think about the benefits, even if they're fighting fires?
certainly! I mean, it's easier said than done, but you still need to try! My business partners and I try to end each week by celebrating our big (or small) wins.
Looking back on your entrepreneurial journey, what do you think is one of the hardest obstacles for female entrepreneurs to overcome?
Have you seen that meme that says "give ordinary white people confidence"? I think this is true. I'm tired of hearing women demeaning themselves or apologizing unnecessarily and it makes me sad because every time you say, "well, I don't know what I'm talking about, but I saw x, y, or z reports... "You're encouraging everyone in this meeting not to be taken seriously. At your next meeting, notice how many times women question or apologize about EXISTING compared to the men in the room.
Can you tell me what happened when you finally felt like you were on the other side of the fight?
ha! I don't know if I'll be on the other side of the battle, but this year seems to be more balanced and stable than last. It's easier to remember why we started this company and to know that we're following our own trajectory, not Glossier's or Slack's or anyone else's trajectory, but our own trajectory, and that's okay.
Looking back, what would you have done differently?
Nada, I am a woman who regrets nothing. Every mistake has brought us to where we are today, and exactly where we need to be.
What does your morning routine look like?
I wake up between 7 and 7:30 and go for a jog in Golden Gate Park with my fiancé. When we get back, we'll make coffee and I'll sit on the couch and read a novel for 20-40 minutes. This might sound like an indulgence, but I love starting the day with a good book. It keeps my creativity flowing and gets me excited about storytelling, which is now a big part of my job. Before 9 a.m., I go to my desk in the living room and review my to-do list from the previous day or week before making a new one for the day or week. My business partner arrives at 9:30 in the morning and then we go crazy!
What motivates you to take action in the most difficult moments?
Find out how many women have these vaginal health issues and how many women are willing to talk about their health issues. Since I have no shame or discomfort talking about discharge, pain during sex, or body after sex, it is my responsibility to use this privilege to normalize these extremely common vaginal and sexual health concerns.
What's your favorite form of self-care?
Take a hot shower at noon! This is one of the best parts of working from home and the hardest part if you move to an office.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Trust your instincts. #you know
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
Hear from people whose lives have been impacted by our products or news.