Laura Dowling, pharmacist, author, and the founder of Love Your Vulva, has become a driving force in changing how we talk about women’s health.
In her conversation with Bobby Kerr on the Life and Leadership podcast, Dowling shared her journey of confronting the taboos around women's bodies especially during menopause and sexual wellness.
From her early days as a community pharmacist in Stillorgan, Laura was struck by the gap in resources for women's health.
Dowling realised that many women were confused and frustrated about their bodies but had nowhere to turn for answers.
“Women were coming to me confused, going through menopause, ready to tear their hair out, and I had nothing to give to them," she said.
This gap in support became the start of her journey into creating a brand that would not only provide products but also a platform to talk openly about issues that women face in relation to their bodies.
Love Your Vulva
“I tried to launch my own brand in 2017, and I had no idea what I was doing. I very nearly hit the go button, but I’m glad I didn’t, ” she explained.
Rather than rushing, Dowling took a step back, enrolled in the SuperValu Academy, and worked on learning the business side of things.
By 2022, she had a clearer vision and launched her brand online.
Her Instagram following helped to advertise her brand, and soon she was using social media as a platform for educational videos on topics like menopause, self-care, and sexual health, which started during Covid:
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Dowling’s light-hearted approach made these conversations easier to engage with.
“I always make sure to make it a laugh,” she said.
Her success grew quickly, and Love Your Vulva soon became a popular name in the world of women’s health.
The need for a shift in sexual education
One of Dowling’s key goals is to introduce open discussions around the changes women experience in their bodies.
Dowling believes that children and teenagers, both boys and girls, need to be educated about what is "normal" when it comes to health, sex, and their bodies.
For her, this isn't just about teaching the basics of anatomy, but about creating a culture where discussions around body changes are open.
“Sexual education needs to change to teach girls and boys about the changes that happen in their bodies. The conversation needs to change, they need to learn what normal is.”
Creating a Global Impact
Dowling’s ambition is to take her message even further, aiming to bring Love Your Vulva to a global stage.
With plans to expand into the UK market in 2026, Dowling is keen on making women’s health a worldwide conversation.
“I would love to take my business globally, and make a real impact in the UK. In 2026, we're really gonna try there.”
