Insider Insight: Mitchella Gilbert, founder and CEO of Oya Femtech Apparel

Mitchella Gilbert is the founder and CEO of the gynaecologist-approved sportswear brand, Oya Femtech Apparel.

What is your morning routine?

Before I do anything, I kickstart my day by checking my phone to see if there are any important emails or messages I need to tend to.

While I do this, I make sure to drink water – it’s important to me to keep myself properly hydrated throughout the day.

From there, I’ll pray and then go outside to absorb some of the sun’s rays. Those two steps keep me feeling happy and grateful.

Once I’ve had my moment in the sun, I move on to working out and then wash up and do my skincare routine that includes Vitamin C Serum and sunblock. After that, I’m ready to start the day.

Which technology could you not live without?

I can’t live without Zoom! It’s such an essential tool for all my meetings, and no other app or technology has been able to compare to it.

How do you relax?

I love to do Pilates. Any slow intensity workout, going on walks, and hanging out with my friends.

Which quote resonates with you?

“How you see the world depends on how you look.” – by Kenneth Cole.

What is the best thing about your job?

We’re building community, and it’s more than just another femtech brand. We know that there’s a never-ending journey to get better.

What keeps you motivated?

Injustice. I recently read an NYT article about a recent study that sheds light on how black women are still two times more likely to die or their babies than poor white women in America.

I think black women are told no in so many ways before we’re even born. Being in a privileged place where I get to create my own destiny is what keeps me motivated, and I try to honor that.

What is the most important lesson you have learned on your start-up journey?

Always find allies. Co-founders are so important. You need to be able to also articulate your minimal value proposition and tell your story. Work hard, focus on whatever’s happening around you, and remember to continue putting your goals on the board.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Breathe. It’s imperative to breathe and know that everything will be OK. And then I would like to hug her.

What is something you wish you could experience again for the first time? 

There isn’t anything that I would like to experience again for the first time, but if given the opportunity, I’d rather have breakfast with my mother again or take her to happy hour. Either one would be something I’d love to do.

What is your greatest achievement since establishing Oya?

I’m so proud of our brand receiving 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon for our bras, that’s such an outstanding achievement, and I’m so proud of our team.

More than that, we’re building infrastructure. I never really realised what goes into building a supply chain and infrastructure, and it’s incredible to look back to see what we have created.

To find out more about OYA, visit wearoya.com.