While Old Town’s streets are reminiscent of the past, its brick sidewalks and charming storefronts teeming with timeless details, one business is ushering in a modern era of women’s care.
Ann Ile is at the helm. Driven by a mission to destigmatize menstrual and menopausal health, she founded Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop.
“I felt like there was just this tremendous need that women should feel comfortable buying products, instead of going to the drugstore or box stores where you can’t get educated,” Ile says.
“We cover everything from first periods all the way through menopause and new motherhood,” she says.
Inside the period-friendly boutique, the former trauma nurse aims to promote empowerment and positivity, while imparting knowledge and offering educational classes.
The wide array of products are items often not found in regular stores.
There are period swimsuits for young girls who don’t want to sit out at swim practice but who aren’t comfortable using tampons. PMS chocolate, infused with chamomile and other functional herbs, is another way to ease cramps. Menopausal women can choose from a selection of products to combat vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and more.
As a purveyor of intimate health products, Ile said she takes her role very seriously. She carefully vets each and every item, ruling out any that don’t meet her standards. The products come from woman-owned companies, are made with organic, biodegradable cotton, and do not contain plastics. Sketchy ingredients and lack of sustainability are major red flags, she says.
“It takes 500 years for a tampon to break down. So, then you’re wondering what you’re putting in your vagina. If it actually takes 500 years to decompose, probably nothing good,” Ile says.
In the seven months since it opened, customers have found a sense of community at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop.
“I have customers from all over the world telling me that they’ve never seen a shop like this,” she says. “Everyone always says ‘I wish I would have had a place like this when I was young and growing up so that I could have learned differently.’ So my mission is definitely on target.”
The narrative surrounding menstrual health has drastically changed over the years. When Ile was growing up, none of the resources that she carries in her store existed.
Now, she fosters conversations that were once non-existent and makes a topic that was once taboo more socially accepted. Young girls today are inquisitive, rather than ashamed, she says.
“These young girls are learning very differently, and it’s so great to be able to talk to them and see how comfortable they are,” she says. “People like to talk to the other customers, and everybody’s laughing because everyone wants to share their story, and so we have a lot of fun.”
Moving forward, Ile plans to use her store to give back to those in need. As she looks into local need for education and accessibility, ideas are popping up.
“You think about all the young girls that are homeless. They’re missing school because they don’t have product. I mean, there’s so much period poverty still that exists in our society,” she says. “I’m going to start doing a lot more charitable events where we can donate pads to those in need. That’s definitely on our agenda.”
Miss Moxie’s Moon Shop is located at 102 N. Fayette St., and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m.
Feature image by Molly Williams
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