Pena isn't just period pads. It's about bringing comfort, confidence and colour to those grey days, and it's about caring for your body and our planet.

The idea for Pena was born in 2021, a little while after my own children. At that time, I was struggling to find period care that actually worked and felt good on my postpartum body. Forget scratchy plastic disposables, and other reusables were too bulky, leaked, or the designs just didn't hit right.

With my background in Fine Arts and years working in film and television costume departments, I knew I could create something better. Long story short, I spent over a year putting my heart and hands into designing, stitching and testing 20+ prototypes, learning like crazy along the way.

Finally, I landed on the pad design and print collection you see today. It's been a true labour of love (and many deleted Illustrator files) to perfect these, and I'm confident Pena pads will be as kind to your body as they've been to mine.

And the dream is just beginning! I'm working on new prints and a few surprises, like quirky embroidered pillows, cute sleep masks... So, watch this space and thanks for being here.

Genista Jurgens, Founder of Pena

Our mission and values

illustration of a pyramid, by Michelangelo Caetani

Pena's mission is pretty straightforward: to offer you a modern, sustainable and affordable alternative to disposable period products.

Why? Because I 100% believe period care can be delightful – not drab – and doesn't have to create excessive waste or fill our landfills with plastic. Here’s what else we value at Pena:

 

  • The good stuff. I’m obsessed with using natural fabrics like organic cotton and sustainably sourced lyocell/tencel. They're gentle on the planet, and they just feel better.

  • Handmade. Every Pena item is hand-cut, sewn, pressed and finished with care. Small imperfections are a testament to the human touch. 

  • Creativity. Pena prints are original designs, aimed at transforming a mundane item into something special.

  • Low-waste. I believe producing quality items can be done with a light environmental footprint, and try to minimise waste at every stage. That’s why Pena produces in small batches, made-to-order, and chooses eco-friendly packaging. From 2025, we’re working on ways to incorporate offcuts and surplus “deadstock” fabrics, giving unused textiles a second life.

  • Doing things right. As a proud small business, we're committed to ethical sourcing and transparent production. We prioritise local and EU suppliers.

  • For every body. Pena's range of sizes and absorbencies is designed for all bodies.

We'll continue growing, evolving and dreaming up products that are good for you and the planet. Thanks for your support.