Lauren Fleming Creating Impact with Hem Support Wear for Women’s Pelvic Health
Tell us about your venture/work!
Hem Support Wear is a purpose-driven company focused on women’s pelvic health, creating thoughtfully designed garments that provide real support. After my diagnosis of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) following the birth of my first child, I realized there was a serious lack of comfortable, effective options for women facing this issue. That gap drove me to develop a pelvic floor support garment tailored to the needs of women with POP, as well as those experiencing postpartum recovery or conditions like vulvar varicosities. Our mission extends beyond just creating a product—we aim to raise awareness and empower women to have open conversations about pelvic health, breaking the silence around this critical issue.
How long have you been working on your venture? Why did you decide to work on something impact related?
After being diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) following the birth of my first child, I felt completely blindsided. It was a challenging time, and I struggled to find supportive solutions that actually worked for me. As I spoke with my pelvic floor physical therapist, I realized I wasn’t alone—many were navigating the same issue without access to effective support that they actually wanted to wear. This personal experience, combined with the silence surrounding pelvic health and the significant number of people impacted, inspired me to create Hem Support Wear. I wanted to offer a comfortable, functional garment for women while also raising awareness and fostering open conversations around pelvic floor disorders.
How did you find out you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path? What was the first fundamental shift that happened to you as an early impact entrepreneur?
I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship, experimenting with small projects over the years to flex those muscles. But my experience with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) was the first time something deeply impacted me on a personal level. I had a light bulb moment—I realized I wasn’t alone, and that many other women were facing the same challenges without adequate support. That realization drove me to start Hem Support Wear. I became determined to create a world where my two daughters wouldn’t have to navigate the same struggles I did. That light bulb moment happened in the fall of 2020, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. It sparked my journey as an impact entrepreneur, and I’ve been committed to this mission every day since then.
What do you enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur? What are the main challenges?
What I enjoy most about being an impact entrepreneur is knowing that the work I do makes a real difference in people’s lives, especially in an area that often feels isolating and overwhelming. I’ve seen firsthand how our products can transform someone’s day, and testimonials like this one fuel my passion: “I ordered a pair to try about 6 weeks postpartum with my second child. I was feeling the dreaded ‘bulge’ feeling as well as heaviness. After finding the perfect fit, the relief was immediate! I wore them the rest of the day and had no ‘bulge’ feeling and no heaviness!” It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we create provides both physical relief and emotional support. Of course, there are challenges too. Balancing the demands of running a company that isn’t yet at break-even, while also being a mom and wife, can be incredibly tough. I’ve had to learn the ins and outs of an entirely new industry, and raising awareness for a topic that many people don’t know about—or shy away from discussing—requires constant effort. But each challenge is worth it when I see the positive impact we’re making.
What advice do you have for early-stage impact entrepreneurs about using their time and relationships to prepare for this kind of career? What would you tell to your younger self?
For early-stage impact entrepreneurs, my biggest advice is to focus on time management and build genuine relationships. Time management isn’t just about fitting everything in—it’s about knowing what to prioritize at each stage of your business. A book that has significantly shaped my approach is Laura Vanderkam’s “I Know How She Does It”. She emphasizes the idea of the 168-hour week, which changed how I view time and its allocation. You’ll always have to make choices, so focusing on what truly moves the needle for your business is crucial. Building a strong network is equally important. I’ve found that being authentic, giving more than you take, and investing in relationships before you need them pays off in the long run. Some of my most valuable connections came from participating in grant and pitch competitions, and I’ve learned that sharing your knowledge freely builds a community that supports you in return. Surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed and seek advice from those who have been in your shoes. One piece of advice I would give my younger self is to be cautious with early investments—both in money and time. I made mistakes by investing in things before I was ready, including an ill-timed partnership with a marketing agency. There will be missteps, but they are opportunities to learn and grow. Failures will happen, but resilience, problem-solving, and the ability to pivot when needed are what define success. Building a business is like running a marathon, not a sprint—take care of yourself, and keep learning from each step of the journey.