Redefining Women’s Health: Valentina Milanova on Innovation, Leadership, and Closing the Gender Gap in Gynecological Care
Valentina Milanova, Founder of Daye
In the latest episode of Badass Women in Business, we sit down with Valentina Milanova, the founder and CEO of Daye, a company dedicated to advancing gynecological health through innovation. Valentina’s journey is marked by determination and a deep commitment to addressing overlooked aspects of women’s health—driven by her own experiences and a passion for scientific discovery.
The Story Behind Daye
Daye was born out of Valentina’s personal challenges with gynecological health. Like many women, she faced dismissals and stigma around her symptoms, which led her to explore alternative ways to improve menstrual care. From this, she developed the concept of CBD-infused tampons to relieve period pain naturally while respecting the body’s microbiome. Valentina explains how CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties provide a balanced, science-backed solution, making a real difference for women looking for natural menstrual pain relief.
Breaking Barriers in FemTech
Valentina doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges female founders face, especially in the healthcare space. She shares insights on the funding disparities within the industry, noting that only a fraction of venture capital is allocated to women-focused innovations. Being a young, Eastern European female founder added another layer of complexity to her journey, but Valentina’s perseverance and commitment have pushed Daye forward, inspiring others to challenge industry norms.
Daye’s Diagnostic Tampons: Bridging the Gap in Women’s Health
Daye’s diagnostic tampons, designed to screen for STIs, HPV, and other vaginal health issues, are an innovative step toward making health screenings more comfortable and accessible. Valentina envisions a world where preventive care is normalized, helping increase testing rates and reduce cervical cancer cases. By incorporating these solutions, Daye is changing the landscape of gynecological health, making it easier for women to take charge of their well-being.
Valentina’s Leadership Style: Trusting Intuition and Building Community
Valentina’s approach to leadership has evolved over time. She emphasizes adaptability and intuition, especially in hiring and team development. Her supportive management style has fostered a dedicated team at Daye, committed to advancing their mission together. For Valentina, building a strong team is essential to Daye’s success and to creating an environment where her team members feel valued and empowered.
Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Daye isn’t just focused on innovation but is also dedicated to environmental and social impact. As a certified B Corp and a carbon-neutral company, Daye is committed to sustainable practices. From developing the world’s first flushable tampon applicator to employing individuals from underserved communities, Daye is a brand that exemplifies purpose-driven leadership.
Looking Ahead: Pioneering the Future of Women’s Health
With a focus on the vaginal microbiome, Valentina and her team are paving the way for even more groundbreaking solutions in women’s health. From tackling issues like recurrent infections to supporting cervical cancer prevention, Valentina’s vision is clear: to remove the stigma around gynecological health and make high-quality care accessible for all.
Explore Daye’s Mission Further
Visit YourDaye.com or connect with them on LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram for more insights and educational resources.
