How panties innovator Miki Agrawal became a bidet boss

 Originally Published On Bizjournals On December 21 2018

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Tushy founder and "Disrupt-Her" author Miki Agrawal

How you wipe your behind is Miki Agrawal's business.

In a recent podcast interview (link below), the New York-based entrepreneur told me about the launch of Tushy, a startup that looks to bring bidets to mainstream America.

This isn't the first time Agrawal was inspired by an awkward topic. Before Tushy, she founded Thinx, the “period-proof” women's underwear company. Prior to that, her professional life was more conventional: she opened Wild Restaurants, a gluten-free pizza pub in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Guatemala.

These days, however, her focus is on butts:

My focus is on the taboo spaces — the spaces that people are very uncomfortable talking about. Nobody wants to be told how to eat. Nobody wants to be told how to deal with their period, especially since talking about it is uncomfortable for so many people. And poop? Oh my God. People want to wipe and run out of the bathroom as fast as possible and pretend it wasn't them. You know?

The majority of U.S. bathrooms, including those in the fanciest hotels, lack a bidet. And encountering one abroad is likely to confound someone born and raised in North America. Meanwhile, in Asia and parts of Europe and South America, people find it unsettling to enter a washroom devoid of a bidet.

Through Tushy, Agrawal wants to change all that. Indeed, she has a daunting task ahead of her.

After all, success hinges on a huge behavioral shift among the masses. Tushy is going up against the billion-dollar toilet paper industry, which is dominated by three companies — Georgia-Pacific, Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Kimberly Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB). In 2018, the industry as a whole generated more than $13.7 billion in revenue (h/t Statista.com).

Agrawal remains confident, pointing to how investors who once scoffed at Thinx are now eating their words. Since Agrawal resigned as CEO last year, the four-year-old company has continued to scale in size.

Now, it's all about the so-called "Tushy train." With her on the journey is Jason Ojalvo, an e-commerce pro from Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) and current Tushy chief executive.

Ojalvo also joins the podcast to discuss the company's fundraising efforts and why investors should be bullish when it comes to bidets:

It's not a speculative product. It's been selling for three years and we're right on the border of profitability now which is great. It's little risk and [investors] have to agree with us that bidets could be ubiquitous and there's no reason why it hasn't taken off in the U.S. This is the right company to change it.

Our conversation didn't end there. We also discussed Agrawal's new book, "Disrupt-Her: A Manifesto for the Modern Woman," and why she refuses to let those misconduct allegations from her time at Thinx keep her down.

 

 

MIKI AGRAWAL – A SERIAL SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Miki Agrawal

 

Originally published on Stanton Company by Miki Agrawal

Miki Agrawal is a serial social entrepreneur. She was the recipient of The Tribeca Film Festival’s “Disruptive Innovation Award”, she was named “2017 Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum”, “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” by the World Technology Summit, she was one of INC Magazine’s “Most Impressive Women Entrepreneurs of 2016”, Forbes’ “Top 20 Millennials on a Mission”, and made the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine in 2016. Most recently, she was named Fast Company’s Most Creative People in 2018. She is the founder of the acclaimed farm-to-table, alternative pizza concept called WILD with 3 locations in New York City, one in Guatemala and more on the way. She co-founded THINX, a high-tech, period-proof underwear brand and led the company as CEO to a valuation of over $150 Million and to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2017, all while helping tens of millions of women period better. She also co-founded Icon, a high-tech pee-proof underwear brand that helps women manage light bladder leakage. She most recently founded TUSHY, a company that is revolutionizing the American toilet category with a modern, affordable, designer bidet attachment that both upgrades human health & hygiene as well as the environment from wasteful toilet paper consumption. She and her team are also helping fight the global sanitation crisis by bringing clean latrines to underserved communities in India through their partnership with Samagra. Harper Collins published her first book entitled DO COOL SH*T on entrepreneurship and lifestyle design and Hay House is publishing her second book Disrupt-Her coming out in 2019. Miki is an identical twin, half-Japanese, half-Indian French Canadian, former professional soccer player, graduate of Cornell University and proud new mama of Hiro Happy. hellotushy.com shethinx.com

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced

 Originally Published On Mikiagrawal.com 

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I was reminded of the mastery of the poet #Khalilgibran who talks about the human experience in a timeless, true and deeply poignant way. This poem is speaking to me right now as I have been in full exploration of all of my emotions and giving space and honor and love for all of them to breathe and be seen, as clunky as they can be.

To feel safe enough to share our deepest emotions which include fear, shame, sadness, sorrow out loud, along with joy, excitement, passion, is so brave to me, especially living in a society where the more “negative” feelings are not welcome and even vilified.

AND, to be on the receiving end of those feelings and to be able to understand and support and hold space for those “tougher” feelings is even more brave to me.

(Important distinction: We don’t want to overdo it where we are always sharing our fears and shame and sadness and sorrow because then we are forgetting the holy shitness of being alive and it becomes an energy drain over time to spend time with but it’s important to have the space to talk about and release for sure!)

When I read this poem out loud, and slowly, tears immediately began flowing down my cheeks because of its truth.

Here is the poem on Joy and Sorrow:

“Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.” - Khalil Gibran

Miki Agrawal is the Co-Founder and former CEO of THINX. 

TLDR OUR VOTE IS OUR VOICE

Originally Published On Mikiagrawal.com 

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Go to vote.org to find your local polling stations.

My last video got cut off so I reshot it :-)

The start of the women’s movement and having the right to vote started almost 200 years ago. It took nearly 100 years for white women to get the right to vote in 1920 and another 55 years for women of color, native Americans, Asian Americans like me and various ethnic women to fully have the right to vote (amendment passed in 1975).

Our vote is our voice. We fought hard for it. It’s our right to be part of the conversation so may we exercise this right today at the polling stations.

#vote #voice #electionday #votingday #itstime #thelinesgofast #youcandoit #ibelieveinyou

Miki Agrawal is the Co-Founder and former CEO of THINX. 

 

I Trust Myself To _ __ _ With Ease

 Originally Published On Mikiagrawal.com

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After going through so many wild times in my businesses and in my life over the years, trust has become paramount. Mostly trusting myself. Trusting myself to listen intently enough to my inner knowing and trusting myself to make tough decisions, and trusting myself to rest when I need to and go when I need to has become the most important work in my life. I took 2 months “time in” right before covid (it was supposed to be 3 months but then covid happened and I needed to jump back into my business) but I took time in for the first time in my whole adult life, because I finally listened to my body’s needs. Now, I check in with myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed. And yes I’m a human and can fly off the handlebars every once in a while and then once I’ve face planted, I pick myself back up, apologize and then check in with myself and run a post-mortem on what could have been done better - these recalibration moments are so important to learn what our triggers are and how to manage these triggers the next time around. What are your trust issues? I am diving into “core belief work” now that will retraining my brain to feel safe, even when a trauma trigger happens. Stay tuned, will be sharing what I’m learning. :-) #trust #itrustmyself #feelsgreat

Miki Agrawal is the Co-Founder and former CEO of THINX. 

A Simple Innovation That Will Save You Money And Help Save The Planet

Originally Published on Drhyman.com On November 04, 2020

Since the 1800s, we have been led to believe that toilet paper does the job but, in reality, all it does is cost us money every month, kill millions of trees per year, and contribute to chronic infections. So what is the alternative? And how do we overcome social stigmas and challenge cultural norms to adopt a better practice?

My guest on this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, Miki Agrawal, is here to answer these questions and discuss her insights into creating disruptive innovations for a healthier planet! Miki shares her personal story of battling a severe hyperthyroid condition, which made her poop up to eight times per day. Using a bidet changed everything for her, and inspired her to create TUSHY, a modern affordable, and easy to install bidet attachment.

Throughout our conversation we discuss some of the chronic ailments that people are getting from using toilet paper and how they can be prevented by using a bidet. We also explore issues related to water scarcity, and how bidets can help save millions of gallons of water that it takes to make toilet paper. Miki also shares how TUSHY is helping families gain access to clean sanitation facilities; for every TUSHY sold, funds go to support an organization in India that builds clean latrines for the urban poor who currently defecate out in the open.

Miki also shares her experience creating THINX, a high-tech, period-proof underwear brand, which grew out of her experiences traveling as a former professional soccer player. She realized young girls in South Africa were missing school every single month due to lack of access to feminine care products. After diving into the research, Miki found this issue impacts more than 100 million girls, many of whom end up dropping out of school altogether. When you consider that an estimated 90% of a working woman’s income goes back to her family and community, it’s clear that we need educated young girls to build a bright future. Miki is passionate about making that happen and breaking barriers in the process.

This episode is brought to you by Joovv, Thrive Market, and Farmacy.

Ever since I’ve been using Joovv’s at-home red-light therapy devices, I’ve noticed I get deeper, more restful sleep and I feel more energized and focused during the day. Go to Joovv.com/farmacy and use the code FARMACY for an exclusive discount on Joovv’s newest devices.

Right now, Thrive is offering all Doctor’s Farmacy listeners an amazing deal. Select a free gift from Thrive Market when you sign up for a 1 year membership. And, any time you spend more than $49 you’ll get free carbon-neutral shipping. Just head over to thrivemarket.com/Hyman.

Everyone gets off track here and there, which is why the 10-Day Reset was designed to help you get back on track. It’s a protocol that combines eating the right food with key lifestyle habits and targeted supplementation. If you want to learn more and reclaim your health, visit GetFarmacy.com.

I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I did. Wishing you health and happiness,

Mark Hyman, MD

Bidet sales soar as toilet paper sells out amid coronavirus fears

 

Originally Published On Thestar.com By Lisa Boone On March 17, 2020

As cases of the coronavirus continue to climb, nothing feels more surreal than the irrational stockpiling of toilet paper, even though experts tell us it isn’t necessary and manufacturers say there is no shortage.

Whether it stems from a herd mentality, reading social media posts about toilet paper fights, or an overwhelming sense of helplessness, one thing is certain: the panic buying of toilet paper has prompted bidet sales to soar.

While Americans have long been resistant to bidets — a common feature in European toilets where jets of water clean you off instead of toilet paper — the spread of the coronavirus seems to be changing longtime views on self-washing.

But it’s not for lack of interest. Several years ago at Dwell on Design, I watched as a long line of attendees waited to take a peek at the latest Toto “washlet,” a toilet-bidet hybrid with warm water spray, heated toilet seat and a mind-numbing (for the uninitiated) control panel. In 2016, Kylie and Kris Jenner professed their love for their Toto Neorest 750H, a bidet that now retails for more than $13,000, on their “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” reality show and Instagram feeds.

Today, bidets are being manufactured for more than just high-end consumers as interest in sustainable products and water conservation has grown. (According to Tushy, Americans use more than 34 million rolls of toilet paper every day, which translates to about 54 million trees).

Inexpensive entry-level styles of the Toto washlet bidet seat can be found at big box stores like Home Depot, Wayfair and Lowes for as low as $250 U.S. And new affordable alternatives, like the Tushy bidet, allow you to clip on a bidet attachment without plumbing (it draws water from the toilet’s supply line) and electricity for the cost of toilet paper on eBay right now —$79 for a classic bidet and $109 for the warm water spa version.

As toilet paper has become scarce, Tushy’s sales have soared. (Both bidets, as well as Tushy’s line of bamboo toilet paper, were available online on “Black Friday,” but were sold out by Saturday. Pre-ordering is now available with shipping expected in late April).

“Tushy’s sales over the past few weeks have grown from double to triple to more like 10-times what they were in weeks before word spread about TP shortages,” said Jason Ojalvo, CEO of Tushy. “This could be the tipping point that finally gets Americans to adopt the bidet. The reality is, once you use a bidet to clean after pooping you cannot go back to wiping and toilet paper. You’ve learned too much! Wiping seems not just inefficient, but also barbaric, by comparison.”

Miki Agrawal is the Co-Founder and former CEO of THINX.

Bidets are becoming more popular than ever — and medical professionals approve

It's official: Bidets are the new toilet paper.

Originally Published on Today.com By Daniel Boan On March 24, 2020

Our editors independently selected these items because we think you will enjoy them and might like them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have been rushing to stock up on essentials like canned foods, hand sanitizers and antibacterial cleaning products. However, the daily essential with perhaps the most unexpected rise in demand is toilet paper. The demand has become so high that many stores are limiting the number of rolls each customer can purchase.

The shortage of toilet paper has led some Americans to turn to a device that has long been popular in other areas of the world — the bidet.

For those unfamiliar, a bidet comes in many forms, though it's traditionally a standalone sink-like basin with a spray function that's used for cleaning after using the toilet. Though it's a foreign concept to many in the United States, it's one that experts approve of for excellent hygiene.

"As a gastroenterologist, I’m a big fan of bidets," Roshini Raj, attending gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, told Shop TODAY. "They offer a gentler way to clean ourselves and are particularly helpful for new moms, or those with rectal issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures."

Thinking of trying a bidet? Here's what you need to know

Dr. Philip Buffington told us that bidets are hands-down his favorite cleaning method.

"In the bidet versus toilet paper matchup, the nod goes to the bidet. Bidets are healthier than toilet paper. They provide better personal hygiene," he said.

So what do you do when you want to explore the world of bidets without investing in a full-sized model? That's where an add-on bidet comes in handy. It's essentially an attachment that connects to your existing toilet seat, and they've become massively popular in the last two weeks as toilet paper becomes more difficult to come by.

Tushy is one of the most popular bidet attachment manufacturers, and the brand's founder and chief creative officer Miki Agrawal told Shop TODAY that sales have skyrocketed in the past week.

"Tushy sales are 10 times what they were since word spread of toilet paper shortages," Agrawal told us. "Last week we had a few days where we sold over $500,000 a day, including a day where we hit around $1 million in sales. We have been saying since 2014 that bidets will replace toilet paper and that Tushy was going to be the brand to help realize it."

Tushy Classic

Tushy Classic Bidet

$79.00

$99.00

Brondell is another leader in the bidet world, and the brand says that it has also seen about 10 times more orders than usual.

"The transactions we’ve completed in just the last few days have dwarfed even our biggest sales holidays such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, even during our best years," Brondell's president Steve Scheer said in a press release provided to Shop TODAY. "This is truly unprecedented, but we’re happy to be able to provide the public with these toilet paper alternatives and are doing our best to make sure we’re able to fulfill as many orders as possible."

Brondell S1000 EW-Swash 1000 Advanced Bidet

Brondell S1000-EW Swash 1000 Advanced Bidet

$599.99

$579.99

Of course, with increased demand comes increased production, which Scheer says is a challenge the brand is working diligently to tackle.

"Our warehouse bandwidth and logistics are currently stretched to max capacity, and delivery times may take a bit longer in the short term, but we are ordering more product every day and meeting this challenge head-on," Scheer said.

Tushy and Brondell are relatively big names in the world of bidets, but the recent trend has also created a spike in sales for smaller up-and-comers.

Zack Levinson, founder of the Indiegogo-funded portable bidet brand Sonny, told us he's also seen increased sales and interest in his new product that ships in April.

"The toilet paper hoarding absurdity has encouraged people, Americans in particular, to start embracing the bidet as an alternative solution in the bathroom," Levinson told us. "We’ve been working on perfecting our product for the last two years and will start shipping orders over the next few months."

Even specialty devices have seen renewed interest, such as the MomWasher by Frida Mom — a portable bidet designed with postpartum care in mind. A representative for the brand told Shop TODAY that they've had five times the number of orders in the past week.

Frida Mom MomWasher

Frida Mom MomWasher

$14.99

$15.99

$15.99

So is the rise of the bidet merely a fad for Americans, or will it become the new norm? If their experience is anything like Raj's, it might become a permanent bathroom staple.

"I spent my summers as a child in Asia and became very used to using them," Raj told us. "Once you try them, you wonder why anyone would do anything else."

For more stories like this, check out:

• Here's how much toilet paper a family of 4 needs for 2 weeks
• Are bidet attachments for toilets really popular in the US?
• These 20 items are TODAY editor essentials for working from home