Raminder Samra, founder of the women’s wellness business Period Harmony, has been named the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for London. This recognition follows significant retail expansion for her company, with products now available in major UK and US stores.
Period Harmony offers menthol-based patches designed to alleviate period discomfort. The business originated from Samra’s personal experience and her research into menthol’s properties, conducted with healthcare specialists. The company’s products are now stocked in retailers including Superdrug, Holland and Barrett, and Boots. International expansion includes a listing with Walmart in the US.
Period Harmony’s Growth and Mission
Samra, a first-time business owner, secured her first Start Up Loan in 2022 and a second in 2025. This funding supported product production and market entry. Beyond her business, Samra advocates for greater understanding of women’s health issues. She uses her social media presence, which includes 1.3 million followers on TikTok, and engagement with schools and workplaces to improve education and normalize conversations about period pain.
African American businesswoman delivering a speech at a conference podium with a colleague listening. Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.
Period Harmony’s Cycle Friendly Certified program aims to encourage workplaces to openly discuss period pain and support employees. Research from CIPD indicates that nearly half of women surveyed who took time off for menstrual reasons never disclose the actual cause to their manager.
“Building a business comes with challenges, and there is a certain glamourisation of entrepreneurship. You have to really learn to adapt quickly and solve problems, often on your own. Success does not happen overnight, but you have to recognise the impact you are making along the way. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
Raminder Samra, Founder of Period Harmony
Woman presenting an envelope with a credit card debt offer, blurred background. Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.
Start Up Loans Program and Ambassador Role
The Start Up Loans Ambassador program has been running for over a decade, honoring entrepreneurial talent across the UK. Two Ambassadors are also selected to represent specialized groups, such as Gen Z founders and Armed Forces veterans. This year’s Ambassadors are tasked with sharing one piece of advice for new entrepreneurs.
Louise McCoy, Managing Director of Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank, highlighted Samra’s social media success as evidence of the market’s scale and the need for support. McCoy stated, “Her products are now selling internationally, which is a fantastic achievement for a first-time business owner.”
Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, Lord Leong, noted that Start Up Loans have helped over 100,000 entrepreneurs. He praised the role of determined founders, inspiring ambassadors, and the British Business Bank in creating opportunities.
Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loan program has provided more than 140,000 loans, totaling over £1.4 billion. London-based founders have received over £270 million, supporting businesses like Dot Dot Tea and Magic AI. In London, 41% of Start Up Loan recipients are women, and 44% are from Black, Asian, and Other Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Other successful entrepreneurs are also offering advice through the program. Alex Wright, Co-Founder of DASH Water, encourages new founders to “put yourself out there, start small, get feedback, iterate, and go again.” Emilie Vanpoperinghe, CEO and Co-Founder of Oddbox, advises authenticity, stating, “The strongest brands feel authentic.” Varun Bhanot, Co-Founder and CEO of MAGIC AI, emphasizes the importance of grit: “You’re going to need grit more than anything.”
For those interested in applying for a Start Up Loan, information is available on the Start Up Loans website.
This initiative connects with broader efforts to support women entrepreneurs, such as the work by Munich Alliance and the focus on skills beyond grants highlighted by The Woven Impact Network.
The expansion of women-led businesses into mainstream retail, as seen with Period Harmony, mirrors the growth seen in sectors like agriculture with new support for women entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, organizations like CONAF are planning new barometers to help women entrepreneurs access finance, underscoring the ongoing need for resources and recognition in the field.
The success of Period Harmony also aligns with the startup-like models being built by organizations such as FC Copenhagen Women.
Frequently asked questions
What key development does the report titled "Raminder Samra Named London's Start up Loans Ambassador" describe?
Raminder Samra, founder of the women’s wellness business Period Harmony, has been named the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for London.
Why is the change in the report titled "Raminder Samra Named London's Start up Loans Ambassador" significant in its broader context?
This recognition follows significant retail expansion for her company, with products now available in major UK and US stores.
What background does the report titled "Raminder Samra Named London's Start up Loans Ambassador" provide about the change?
The business originated from Samra’s personal experience and her research into menthol’s properties, conducted with healthcare specialists.
What broader implications does the report titled "Raminder Samra Named London's Start up Loans Ambassador" identify?
The company’s products are now stocked in retailers including Superdrug, Holland and Barrett, and Boots.
Joanna Parasdas is a writer at Her Forward covering women-led startups, entrepreneurship policy, and education technology. Her reporting follows the funding, programs, and institutions shaping opportunities for women founders.
