Meika Hollender is the co-founder and CEO of Sustain Natural, a feminine self-care line she started with her father, Jeffrey, the founder of Seventh Generation. Meika is also the author of the book, Get On Top: Of Your Pleasure, Sexuality and Wellness, and she is a powerful advocate for women’s sexual and reproductive health.
Describe your ideal self-care ritual.
A nice warm bath and candles. Also a moisturizing face mask from Tata Harper while in the bath...then someone to come over and give me a foot massage while watching an early 2000s teen drama (I see you, The O.C).
What are your favorite supplements, herbs and healthy products?
I’m currently a member of Parsley Health, so I've been working on a regime of supplements that I take daily that focuses on repairing and maintaining a healthy gut as well as just overall energy. I love B12, Vitamin D and the Parsley Health probiotic. I’m also a fan of papaya extract for an upset stomach and good old hot water and lemon in the morning.
What are some of your favorite healthy foods?
- Sweetgreen anything.
- Justin's peanut butter cups.
I also eat a lot of fresh produce: bananas, avocados, clementines, grapes. I try and have a piece of fruit in my bag at all times.
What's been the biggest challenge in building Sustain?
Understanding, accepting, and trying to shift the way female sexuality is presented, talked about and understood in America.
What's been the most rewarding aspect of your entrepreneurial journey?
There have been big moments, like being the first sexual wellness brand to sell products on the Home Shopping Network and getting my book Get On Top published. Then, there are smaller moments like hearing directly from our customers that our products have changed sex for them, or our brand has helped them embrace their sexuality and sexual health in a way that they hadn't before.
What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
Embrace not always having the answer, rather than getting defensive about it. Oh, and you deserve to be treated well.
What does "self-love" mean to you?
Embrace your flaws. Ask for help. Admit when it's all too much and take a step back.
"Slow down when you need to. Hydrate regularly. And communicate with the ones you love!"
