Who's That Gal: Katie Diasti, Founder of Viv for your V

Name: Katie Diasti
Age: 23
Occupation: Founder/CEO of Viv for your V
Currently living in: Boston, MA
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Currently reading: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Favorite workout: Boxing
I never leave home without: Headphones

Tell us something about you that wouldn’t necessarily be on your LinkedIn profile.

I played tennis my whole life and taught lessons on the side in college to professors, students, and kids. I love coaching!

Did you always know you wanted to come work in Boston? What about the city inspired you? 

I went to Boston College and spent more time in the city than most other college students because I loved it so much. Before choosing Boston, I fell in love with the idea of seasons. As a Florida girl all I wanted was to see leaves change every fall and be able to wear a sweater more than once a year. I stayed in Boston for the many opportunities for startups and the strong and supportive community that is the Boston startup ecosystem. Seriously, everyone is so kind, welcoming and willing to help!

The variety of neighborhoods in the city really hooked me too. I could get such a variety of inspiration and style by walking a mile to another “neighborhood” of Boston. For me, the best way to get out of a rut is a long walk through this city. The people here are incredibly bright, driven, and well-rounded. Nobody is just a coder or just a barista or just a fitness instructor or just a healthcare worker. Everyone is always exploring other interests and hobbies which is incredibly inspiring. 

When and how did you decide you wanted to start a business that made a social impact?

I spent a lot of time studying sustainable and mission driven brands in school. I actually created Viv as a project for an entrepreneurship class my senior year. By the time I had to give my “final”, which was a pitch for Viv, I realized I wasn’t done, it was actually just beginning.

via Viv for Your V

What drew you to work on feminine hygiene products specifically? 

When thinking about solving problems as an entrepreneur, it was a no brainer that I wanted to make being a woman that much easier and better. 

What’s been your biggest “lesson learned” with starting a company?

Don’t wait until you’re ready, you’ll never feel fully ready. Just begin and learn along the way. The hardest part is starting so once you can overcome that hurdle nothing will be as difficult.

What’s your favorite Viv product and why? 

I love the Viv biodegradable bamboo pads. I try out a lot of products to stay up to date on all the new innovations and I am always so impressed with how well our product works along with being so comfortable and better for the environment. 

What’s coming up next for the company? 

We are expanding our product line very soon! This is something many of our customers have been requesting and we’re really excited to bring some innovation to the period care space. We’ll also be a part of the MassChallenge Boston 2020 Cohort this summer. 

What message would you like to share with teenage girls about periods and menstruation health?

Be each other's biggest support system. So many things in life will try to tear you down as a young woman. Turning on each other, judging each other, or even having negative rivalry will only make this so much harder for us to flourish. When another young girl in your life experiences something, lift them up! Compliment their outfit when you like it. Tell them how amazing you think their art piece is. Ask them about what they love to do. Stand up for other girls around you. By bringing each other up, we can all be that much stronger! 

Love reading about inspiring women?

Heather Slugaski is a clinical social worker living and working in North Carolina. You can follow Heather on Twitter @heatherlynnsw.

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