Captured by Pepper. B
"L. IS DEDICATED TO THE REBELLIOUS NOTION THAT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE DESERVE BETTER"
How did you decide the name L. for your collection of condoms? Talia wanted a brand that can stand on its own and be a product that isn't gender specific. Normally when shopping on the intimate aisles there isn't anything that stands out and grabs your attention. This product is attractive to both men and women. Visually seeing the L signals you to create your own meaning behind the letter L. such as lust, love, or like.
How did your career as a photojournalist inspire you to create this product? After working for Red Cross and United nations as a photojournalist Talia wanted to focus more on women and their lack of access to reproductive rights. Talia didn't grow up with HIV at the forefront of her household, growing up she didn't encounter many people who infected with this virus.
With AIDS being the #1 killer for women in Africa followed by maternal death both being deaths that can be prevented. Talia want to contribute to this issue as well as build awareness. There is a plethora of young girls who drop out of school, due to teen pregnancy. Supporting women of all ages was something that was vital for her.
"WHAT YOU SEEK IS SEEKING YOU" RUMI
Prior to launching L. where did you want your photojournalism career to take you? Prior to photojournalism Talia was a painter. Talia always had a longing desire to help others. However Talia never envisioned her products being sold globally in Target, CVS, and Whole Food. This is only the beginning for L. but it is headed in remarkable directions and changing lives daily.
Was there anything you saw visually that took place in Africa that made you want to bring awareness to the HIV virus? There were several assignments Talia documented, transgender sex workers in LA, Documentations in Haiti. Talia captured a photo of a woman who was being bather that was dying from the HIV virus and happened to capture this moment. Witnessing the state of the body Talia knew this was something she needed to help with.
What is your company motto or slogan? "Give a fuck" Making something users want. Make a product users need. L. is engaged with customer feedback. Having transparency with their consumer builds more awareness.
"...PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS SHOULD LEAVE YOU HAPPY AND HEALTHY, WITH KARMA ON YOUR SIDE"
Do you find that today less people practice the use of condoms? There needs to be more transparency with sexual education says Talia, the sexual education piece is vital when it comes to men, women and young adults. This is an evolving topic, as this topic evolves the technique of modernized sexual education should too.
"THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE, BUT FIRST IT WILL PISS YOU OFF." -GLORIA STEINEM
Do you find having a one hour delivery service to doorsteps for condoms is effective? Speak about this process. L. Condom is hand delivered by a courier who travels by bike who doesn't know what he is delivering. This is something that makes this process unique.
What areas is this service available? Brooklyn, Manhattan and SFA
What are benefits of L. Condom? They're low scent, sensitive on skin, and made with the highest quality ingredients, without the harmful chemicals. L. Condoms are manufactured according to FDA standards, ensuring that quality and safety are of the utmost concerns. A quality control team monitors every step of the manufacturing process and only the condoms that successfully pass the electronic testing are then sealed and package for our customers.
"L. PURCHASE SUPPORTS WOMEN AS AGENTS OF CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT."
What is your biggest accomplishment with L. Condom? L. Condom has grown immensely into a movement that works with over 2,800 female entrepreneurs and has distributed over 1 million health products in Sub Saharan Africa.
What are your plans in the future for building more awareness? People who purchase become advocates and the brand is spread by word of mouth, the awareness is built by having an amazing product that allows people to give back. It all starts with you. When you buy an L. product, one is donated to a female entrepreneur in a developing country access to basic health products dramatically impacts women's lives. Today the #1 killer of women globally (ages 15-44) is AIDS, and the top reasons girls drop out of school is largely attributed to teen pregnancy. Both of these issues can be significantly changed through access to condoms.
One quote you live by? What you seek is seeking you. -Rumi