Chelsea Leyland’s journey from DJing in the fashion and art world to founding Looni, a hormonal health and wellness company, is deeply personal. Having battled epilepsy and endometriosis, Chelsea faced the frustration of navigating a healthcare system that often overlooked the complexities of women’s health. After years of painful periods and an eventual diagnosis of endometriosis, she sought relief beyond traditional medicine, turning to plant-based solutions and integrative therapies. Her discovery of the healing power of plant-based medicines not only helped her manage epilepsy but also inspired her to become a champion of alternative treatments. With Looni, Chelsea is on a mission to educate, support, and provide holistic solutions for women navigating hormonal health. Through this journey, she has turned her own pain into purpose, creating a space for empowerment and healing. Here, the self-proclaimed “product-junkie” shares more on Looni and her favorite KORA products (“It’s hard to pick just one!”).
Can you share a bit about your personal wellness journey and how it led you to start Looni?
For over a decade, I DJed in the fashion and art space. It seems like a far cry from running a hormonal health and wellness company, but it all connects. I have two chronic health conditions: epilepsy and endometriosis. Endometriosis was the real catalyst for starting a women’s health company, but epilepsy is also a significant part of my healing journey. It led me to discover plant-based medicine and philosophies like traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. I endured incredibly painful periods for many years, often ending up on the bathroom floor, doubled over in pain, passing out, and vomiting. I repeatedly sought help from various doctors, only to be told that painful periods were normal. It took over a decade to get a diagnosis of endometriosis, which was a frustrating and invalidating experience. Eventually, I had a laparoscopic procedure that provided temporary relief, but the pain returned, prompting me to explore holistic solutions and functional integrative medicine. Epilepsy was another challenge, managed for years with medication until I discovered plant-based treatments that allowed me to wean off all epilepsy medications, and I’ve been seizure-free for nearly ten years. This experience gave me the confidence to trust alternative medicine and become my own health advocate.
How does Looni balance modern research with ancient remedies in your formulations?
For us at Looni, it’s about mixing science with the more spiritual elements of menstrual health. While science might say there’s no evidence for things like menstrual synchronicity, many of us have experienced it. I went to boarding school, and most of the girls would sync up. Now, the same happens with my nanny and best friends. It may not be scientifically proven, but we feel its effects.
On the science side, we ensure everything is formulated by trusted female physicians, including a pelvic pain specialist and an OB-GYN board-certified in integrative medicine. We also work with a herbalist to bring that holistic perspective into our products. We’re committed to using scientific data, but don’t neglect the spiritual side because healing is about more than just numbers.
Mental health and menstruation are often deeply connected. How does Looni address the emotional aspects of menstruation, and what practices do you personally use to stay grounded during your cycle?
Looni’s Balance Beam Supplement includes ingredients like 5-HTP, which helps support mood by boosting serotonin, as well as adaptogens like ashwagandha to manage stress. Personally, I rely on mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation to stay grounded. I also try to be mindful of what I put in and on my body—organic skincare, non-toxic home products, and just doing what I can to control my environment.
When it comes to KORA Organics, it’s hard to pick just one [favorite]. I absolutely love the Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum and the Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum. But my absolute favorite is the Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Moisturizer. I have incredibly dry skin, and it’s been a game-changer for me. The texture is rich but absorbs easily, leaving no greasy residue, which is so hard to find. Plus, it smells divine!
But it’s not just about products—it’s about community. Women’s health has been neglected for so long, and having a supportive community is essential to healing. We talk a lot about building a toolbox, and while our products are part of that, community, education, and mindfulness are also key.
As a mom, how do you see the work you’re doing with Looni helping to pave the way for the next generation in terms of menstrual and hormonal health?
Education is everything. If we can teach the younger generation what a healthy cycle looks like, they’ll be more empowered to seek help if something feels off. Our generation has been taught to just ‘suck it up,’ but that needs to change. By educating both young people and physicians about conditions like endometriosis, we can break that cycle and set up the next generation for success.
It’s also about normalizing the conversation around menstruation. Growing up, we hid our tampons and avoided talking about periods, but that has to change. I’m excited to help foster a more open, informed conversation around menstrual health for the next generation.
