A North London founder who transformed her experience of period discomfort into a pioneering woman’s wellness business has been named the 2026 Start Up Loans Ambassador for London, following major retail listings across the UK and US.
Period Harmony products are now stocked in retailers such as Superdrug, Holland and Barrett and Boots stores nationwide, with international growth underway with listings such as Walmart in the US.
The company develops discreet, slow-release menthol-based patches designed to soothe period discomfort. It grew from Raminder’s personal experience – reluctant to rely regularly on medication during her own period discomfort, she researched menthol’s properties and developed the patches alongside healthcare specialists.
Alongside growing Period Harmony, Raminder advocates for better understanding of women’s health issues. Through her social media – on TikTok she has 1.3m followers – and work with schools and workplaces, she helps improve education around period pain and normalise conversations around it.
Period Harmony’s Cycle Friendly Certified programme encourages workplaces to talk more openly about period pain and help employees feel comfortable asking for support. CIPD research found that nearly half (49%) of women surveyed who had taken time off because of their menstrual cycle said they never tell their manager the real reason for their absence.
Raminder, a first-time business owner, secured an initial Start Up Loan in 2022 with support from business support partner X-Forces Enterprise, and then took out a second loan in 2025 to support further business development. The London entrepreneur used the funding for product production and to bring the product to market.
Start Up Loans Ambassadors, has been running for more than a decade and recognises top entrepreneurial talent from all 12 Nations and regions across the UK. In addition, two Ambassadors have been selected to represent specialist groups supported by the programme, including a Gen Z founder and a member of the Armed Forces veterans community.
This year’s Ambassadors have been invited to pass on their one piece of advice to someone starting a business today.
Raminder Samra, Founder of Period Harmony replied: “Building a business comes with challenges, and there is a certain glamourisation of entrepreneurship. You have to really learn to adapt quickly and solve problems, often on your own. Success does not happen overnight, but you have to recognise the impact you are making along the way. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
“I launched Period Harmony because I was struck by the lack of alternative products for women experiencing period discomfort. I wanted to create a discreet product designed around women’s experiences, while also opening up a space where women feel comfortable talking about the issue. The Start Up Loans I took out were instrumental in getting my product to market.”
Louise McCoy, Managing Director, Start Up Loans, British Business Bank said:
“Raminder’s success on social media demonstrates both the scale of the market she is serving and the need for high-quality advice and support. Her products are now selling internationally, which is a fantastic achievement for a first-time business owner. business owner.”
“Starting a business is never easy, but founders like Raminder prove that with access to finance, practical support, belief, and determination, great ideas can become successful businesses. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s Ambassadors and look forward to seeing them pass on the benefit of their experience to the next generation of entrepreneurs”.
Minister for Small Business and Enterprise Lord Leong said: “Start Up Loans have helped more than 100,000 entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real businesses. Behind every business is a founder who took a chance – and the jobs created show how far that ambition can go with the right support.
“This success is a tribute to our determined founders, inspiring ambassadors, and the British Business Bank. I congratulate everyone involved. Giving entrepreneurs the chance to succeed creates opportunities that reach far beyond any one business, benefiting families, communities, and the wider economy.”
Since its inception in 2012, the Start Up Loan programme has delivered more than 140,000 loans to business owners across the UK, amounting to more than £1.4bn of funding. Over £270m of this funding has gone to founders from London, with notable businesses including Dot Dot Tea and Magic AI.
In London, 41% of Start Up Loan recipients have been women and 44% from Black, Asian, and Other Minority Ethnic backgrounds (not including White Minorities).
Pass It On advice from successful business owners
This year, the Start Up Loans scheme is encouraging established, successful business owners to pass on the benefit of their experience to the new Ambassadors. Co-Founder of DASH Water, Alex Wright, offers encouragement, advising: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there – start small, get feedback, iterate, and go again. It’s the same model Eric Ries sets out in The Lean Startup, and it’s served us well at DASH.”
Emilie Vanpoperinghe, CEO and Co-Founder of Oddbox also has advice to smaller business owners: “The strongest brands feel authentic. If what you do consistently matches what you believe, people actually feel that and over time that will build a strong brand. So, I encourage the Start Up Loans Ambassadors to be authentic and to be intentional and consistent with what they do with their business.”
Varun Bhanot, the Co-Founder and CEO of MAGIC AI added: “My number one piece of advice for anyone starting a business is you’re going to need grit more than anything, you’ll need it more than being smart, being talented. You need grit. If you work the hardest, you stick at it and you have grit you’ll be just fine.”
To find out more about how to apply for a Start Up Loans please visit: https://www.startuploans.co.uk/