Especially in recent years, activists have been working to make conversations around menstrual health more mainstream. Denique Joseph, a menstrual health and wellness coach based in Toronto, Canada, aims to educate and raise awareness around menstrual health concerns for women and people who menstruate, in a safe and inclusive space. 

We spoke to Denique about her background as a menstrual health coach, and her journey to building a community in the menstrual health space.  

What inspired you to start Denique Joseph Coaching? 

Denique Joseph Coaching was started during COVID, when I had to pivot my business. Prior to that, I had an inhouse business, helping women who had menstrual cycle concerns through yoni (vaginal) steaming. Vaginal steaming is a cultural practice that is popular in Guyana (my country of birth) after giving birth. I operated this business for five years before the pandemic. When I reached out to my clients to see how I could continue to service them amid the pandemic restrictions, the majority of them stated that they missed the conversations we had. That’s when I realized that I was coaching without really realizing it. I then did a course to get my certification in 2020, and that was the birth of Denique Joseph Coaching.

What does a typical day look like for you as a menstrual health coach?

I typically wake up by 8:00 a.m. and do meditation either at home or on my walk. I always start with a glass of water, then I usually have a cup of decaf coffee or turmeric tea before starting with emails. I will usually then check social media and do some networking on Clubhouse. I usually exercise three times per week. I try to cook every day because I prefer fresh foods. I typically see clients 2-3 days per week. I usually try to learn something new, so I tend to do quite a bit of research and reading. Ideally, I would love to be in bed by 10:00 p.m. but when I’m in work mode it’s more like 1:00 a.m. (which I constantly tell my clients is not a good idea).

What has been the most rewarding part of starting your company? 

The most rewarding part of starting my business comes from when I take time to reflect on all the changes I’ve gone through with it. I also love that I am able to provide a service that helps women. I love to give information; I believe that once we understand, it is easier to execute. I love the freedom I have to create and mold this business exactly how I want it to be. 

Looking back, is there anything you would change or do differently in starting your own
business? 

I wish I had started earlier—there were a lot of outside influences that didn’t or couldn’t see my path, and I let their judgement cloud my vision, which caused me to start later.

What advice or tips do you have for young womxn looking to start their own business? 

Start! It doesn’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to have all the answers to begin with. You learn so much along the way, and you will always make mistakes. But you have to keep going. Learn from the mistakes and embrace them, it’s part of the process. Most importantly, be confident in what it is that you are doing and never focus on the money; that will come.

How can our readers get in touch with you or access your services? 

You can find me on Instagram @deniquejosephcoaching or through my website www.deniquejosephcoaching.com.