Introducing our new series “Women We Love,” where we highlight some of the amazing women we’ve been connected with throughout the world because of this little business. 

I can’t think of anyone more fitting to kick off this series than Saundra Pelletier. She’s an inspiration to countless women and an absolute powerhouse. I first met Saundra at a charity event for cancer. The ring featured above is the first piece of jewelry she bought from Zofia Day which sparked our mutual love for one another. I’ve adored watching her champion women over the years and even had the honor to design a special ring for her...it’s one of my most special projects to date.  

Thanks for joining this new series and for reading her inspirational story. 

Xo Lisette

Saundra grew up in humble beginnings in Caribou, Maine. Her grandfather was a potato farmer and on school breaks, she would harvest potatoes for $.50 a barrel. With limited opportunities for young women, she set off in search of inspiration with the hopes of returning one day to make a difference for her childhood home.

She found opportunity where others didn’t which ultimately led her to the Biotech, Sciences, and more passionately, Women’s Health. Big pharma wasn’t delivering on innovations like non-hormonal contraceptive options, so she took matters into her own hands. Driven by the belief that women deserve better, she founded Evofem Biosciences and pioneered the first non-hormonal birth control for women. The result…Phexxi—the first and only on-demand birth control. Unlike daily hormonal options, Phexxi is used only when needed. As Saunra puts it: 

“When women feel great, everyone benefits.”

When bringing the product to market during COVID, women were isolated, but had time to give feedback. She heard countless stories that validated why her company matters. Girls were often put on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications before having their birth control evaluated. Once Phexxi became an option, it transformed their lives. It empowered them physically, psychologically, and sexually. "I’m incredibly proud of that,” she beams.

As for her personal life, Saundra moved to California where she went on to marry and have a son (who she affectionately calls Baby Jesus) and he became her whole world. She and her husband divorced when her baby was 2 and consciously uncoupled. She adores her son and so does everyone who meets him.
She is also a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with late-stage, aggressive breast cancer when Phexxi was in clinical trials in 2018. Not only determined to beat cancer, she was determined to maintain her seat at the company and bring her vision to life... now with even more reason to fight for women’s health. After chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and battling from all angles, Saundra is cancer-free.