A menstrual care company founded by Bermudian entrepreneur Gayneté Jones has struck a deal that will see its innovative menstrual cups launch next week in more than 3,000 CVS Pharmacy locations across the mainland United States and Hawaii.

Best, Periodt., launched its menstrual cups at eight retail outlets on the island in January 2021.

Distribution of the cups had steadily grown to just over 700 outlets in the US, Bermuda ― and even one in Kuwait ― until the deal to add 3,078 CVS stores was completed.

New packaging has been designed for the CVS roll-out.

Company CEO Ms Jones, who lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, said: "I'm really excited about it and super grateful for the opportunity."

She said discussions with CVS have been taking place for about 18 months.

“Our broker reached out to the buyer to schedule a call before Christmas of 2022 and we met with the buyer in January 2023.

“I presented a 30-minute pitch I pulled together and she was quite interested and asked me to send samples her way.

“She was pregnant at the time and couldn't try our products but she gave them to friends to try who loved our cups and told her she has to bring us on board.

“We stayed in contact and provided additional information as requested.

“We met with her again in November of 2023 and got the final approval in February of this year that we are a ‘go’ to launch this summer into CVS.

“It was a long process that included lots of planning and lessons on the back end to have enough product ready for not only a smooth July 2024 launch, but for the reorders that follow."

Ms Jones, the only full-time staff member at the company, said the business is “God-led”, adding: “I couldn't do it by myself. We've been blessed to have a small but very mighty team that are all-hands-on-deck to support the launch into mass retail.

“While Jesus and I are the only full time staff, my husband Dean has been such a big support and worker behind the scenes to make things happen.

“My daughter, Ramaya, has even pitched in to help with the entering of many of the stores in our store locator on the website and my friend LaRitta Webb ― who is also our supply chain manager with an MBA in supply chain management and two engineering degrees ― is always a call away assisting us with negotiations and the inevitable manufacturing and timeline bumps that come along the way.

“Also, my cousin Malcolm Furbert has been invaluable during this time as well, helping us navigate through the contracts and assisting in many other areas.”

Ms Jones added: “This is a family-run business. It's amazing. I am from St George, Bermuda, a country of 60,000 people and, at the last census, a town of 1,600 people.

"To be in 3,000 stores is mind-blowing to me.“

The female-engineered cups, available in two sizes, are gynecologist-recommended and FDA-registered. They come with a hygienic carrying case.

Ms Jones said size two cups have the capacity of eight regular pads/tampons, requiring fewer changes, and can be worn safely for up to 12 hours.

The medical-grade silicone cups are manufactured in the United States, which Ms Jones said "makes it a bit easier to alleviate any supply-chain issues".

She added: "Periods happen far too often to far too many people for them to be such a dread each month. Our aim is to make them forgettable, with comfortable period care that doesn't need frequent changes.

"Our cups have higher capacity than other brands on shelves and come with fun, relatable packaging. We've also replaced lint producing bags with a hygienic, breathable case.

“Menstrual cups are a sustainable option, reusable for years, saving money and reducing landfill waste. If you're looking to recessionproof your period, look no further than Best, Periodt.."