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Wake-up time: 6 a.m. if I’m lucky (if my Shih Tzu-Chihuahua doesn’t wake me.)

City: Phoenix, where it’s 110 degrees in July

First thought: I try to think of things I’m grateful for, but if I’m being honest, I tend to think, “What’s my schedule today? When’s my first meeting? Am I taking my daughter to school/camp, etc.?

Between my three glasses of water, half-caff coffee, morning meds, and showering, I didn’t realize how many products I use in the a.m. until I wrote them down. I won’t bore you with an exhaustive list — just some of my must-haves to rise and shine.

My Laptop. You’ll find me here on weekdays: in my home office, on Zoom, Slack, and email.

Oikos Triple Zero Vanilla Nonfat Greek Yogurt with no added sugar. I wish this stuff had healthy fat, but I love that there’s no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. The vanilla flavor disguises the bitter taste of kale in smoothies.

NNABI Peri Essential 5 I try not to eat until about 8:30 a.m. (so that I’ve fasted for 12 hours), which is hard sometimes but helps to manage my weight.

A few minutes after eating a smoothie with Oikos, berries, kale, and carrots, I take two NNABI Peri Essential 5. In the morning, I do not take the CBD version. I tried that and it made me very sleepy, which is why it’s great for perimenopausal women who need help sleeping all night. The non-CBD version gives me more energy during the day.

OUAI Leave In Conditioner & Heat Protectant Spray. After conditioning my hair in the shower, I apply Ouai Leave In Conditioner. It smells so good and it adds just the right amount of moisture to tame my curls, which I let air-dry. Because I live in a dry climate (and maybe because I’m in perimenopause), if I don’t use a double dose of conditioner, my hair is usually flat and fly-away. Ouai smells so good.

Clinique Take the Day Off. When it comes to removing waterproof mascara that’s still there from the day before, the greasier the product, the better. I wear so much mascara that I usually can’t remove it all the night before. I go at it again with Take The Day Off in the morning.

No. 7 Menopause Skincare Protect & Hydrate Day Cream with SPF 30No. 7 had me at “co-created with menopausal women.” I slather this all over my face; the formula is a lovely creamy consistency that doesn’t cake up when you apply makeup.

Supergoop! Glow Screen Sunrise SPF 40. Supergoop makes me feel good — it’s a pretty sunscreen with a bit of color and shimmer.

Systane Complete dry eye relief eye drops. The wiser, more experienced I get, the dryer my eyeballs become. Enter: Systane. Pairs well with my bifocal contacts.

Systane Complete dry eye relief eye drops. The wiser, more experienced I get, the dryer my eyeballs become. Enter: Systane. Pairs well with my bifocal contacts.

Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara for my lower lashes. I’ve been using this drugstore cult fave for years. I use Great Lash for my lower lashes because the wand bristles are petite, making it easier to slightly coat my lashes instead of going super thick like I do with my upper lashes with a separate, thicker mascara. Because it’s waterproof, I’m less likely to get raccoon eye.

New York, NY, June 2024 — Menopause is having its moment. High-profile investments and start-ups with celebrity names attached have brought long-overdue attention to this once-taboo area of women’s health. 

However, perimenopause, the transition phase that occurs about ten years before menopause, is still not getting nowhere near enough attention – that’s according to the New York-based wellness start-up NNABI. 

Launched in February 2024, NNABI is opening up the conversation about perimenopause and revolutionising the way women feel during this extraordinary time in their lives. Here, co-founders EJ Kim and Marina Pen tell us how. 

Q: Tell us briefly about the co-founders

EJ Kim: Marina and I met as colleagues at a creative agency in New York City about a decade ago.

Our professional relationship grew into a friendship, and eventually, a business partnership.

With over 40 years of combined corporate experience, our superpower is our unparalleled expertise in brand building and marketing. 

Marina Pen: EJ specializes in data-driven business strategy and consumer insights, while I focus on brand planning and creative strategy.

Despite our different strengths, we share two significant commonalities: we were both born and raised outside the United States—EJ in South Korea and I in Argentina—and we have both faced hormonal issues, with EJ managing PCOS and me dealing with endometriosis.

These personal experiences have always been a central part of our conversations, leading us to support each other through our highs and lows.

Q: What inspired you to create NNABI? 

Marina Pen: During one of our conversations, we discovered we were both experiencing perimenopause, a phase we had heard little about. 

The lack of resources and support was shocking, and we felt compelled to do something about it.

Determined to help women thrive during perimenopause, we combined our strengths, frustrations, and passion to create NNABI, a venture dedicated to providing support, solutions, and resources for women navigating this particular stage of life. 

EJ Kim: The way we have all been portrayed in the media and the current narrative is not an accurate reflection of what we are and our experiences.

We felt a strong responsibility to change this, to portray these women as bold, confident, and vibrant, and to redefine the narrative around perimenopause. 

Q: What does NNABI mean? 

EJ Kim: NNABI (pronounced Na-Bi) means butterfly in Korean—a symbol of love, hope, beauty, transformation, and new beginnings.

Perimenopause is a biological transformation that all women experience, a process that leads us to become who we are meant to be, which is incredibly inspiring. 

The name not only reflects our core audience but also embodies NNABI’s mission: to support women as they navigate the significant changes of perimenopause, transforming a potentially confusing time into a period of empowerment and renewed vitality. 

Q: How would you describe NNABI in a few words? 

Marina Pen: NNABI is a pioneer in perimenopausal care, empowering women with targeted, holistic, and science-backed natural solutions. 

Q: What needs did you identify in perimenopause? 

EJ Kim: Perimenopause can start as early as age 35, yet there’s a significant lack of awareness and support, leaving many women to navigate this phase alone.

While the growing dialogue around menopause is great, perimenopause often gets overshadowed. Many solutions address both peri/menopause simultaneously, which doesn’t fully support women in perimenopause who are still menstruating and can get pregnant. When women are uninformed, they are more likely to make wrong decisions.

For example, our research involving 400 women aged 35-54 in the USA revealed that only 26.5 per cent attributed their symptoms to perimenopause, with the majority blaming lifestyle factors.

This misunderstanding underscores the urgent need for education and specialised support, which is central to NNABI’s mission.

We want NNABI to be the companion that turns confusion into clarity through credible information, supportive community and natural solutions made specifically for this phase. 

It’s crucial to note that addressing this gap isn’t just about women’s health. At NNABI, we strongly believe it’s about societal health as well.

According to our research, four out of 10 perimenopausal women are the primary earners in their households. Consider the cost and the impact of not taking care of these women! 

Q: What makes NNABI different? 

Marina Pen: Unlike other women’s health brands, NNABI focuses specifically on perimenopause.

Our products, resources, and community are designed to address the unique needs of this phase.

Our flagship products, Peri Essential 5™ and Peri Essential 5™ CBD, are doctor-formulated, award-winning herbal supplements crafted for perimenopause.

They target five key areas of health that address the foundational needs of women in perimenopause —supporting the nervous system, optimising liver and digestive function, stabilizing blood sugar, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. 

This holistic and integrative approach makes our product the most comprehensive, providing support for 10+ symptoms. 

Both formulations contain the same six medical-grade herbs and adaptogens, with Peri Essential 5™ CBD adding broad-spectrum CBD (0% THC) for extra zen effect for those needing additional support with sleep, anxiety, and mood swings. 

EJ Kim: Our supplements are expertly developed in collaboration with top health professionals, including an OBGYN, naturopathic doctor, herbalist, functional medicine doctors, and a compounding pharmacist.

These experts have combined their clinical insights and the latest research to create scientifically sound and effective formulations.

Their critical role in product development ensures that our supplements meet high standards of efficacy and safety.

They remain an integral part of our advisory team, guiding us as we address the unique challenges of perimenopause.

Additionally, we have completed third-party testing and a physician-led open-label trial over 60 days to ensure that quality and efficacy are thoroughly verified.

This March, we were honoured with the NEXTY award in the Supplement Trailblazer category.

This award, recognizing a science-backed natural product that addresses niche, under-served needs, is a wonderful validation of our work. It acknowledges that while our approach is innovative, it is also critically needed. 

Q: How is NNABI changing the way women experience perimenopause? 

EJ Kim: We are transforming the narrative of perimenopause from one of dread and confusion to one of empowerment and clarity. 

We dispel myths about perimenopause, distinguish it from menopause, educate women about its science and biology, and create a supportive community. Through the tools, solutions, and knowledge we offer, we help women recognise and manage symptoms naturally, enabling them to take control of their health and well-being.

We bring vibrant energy to this dialogue, celebrating what we call “Peri Power,” and aim to make this a modern, mainstream conversation. 

Everything we do is research and data-driven, grounding us in rich insights that guide women through this transformative journey. 

Q: How would you describe the impact and importance of your work? 

Marina Pen: Our work is incredibly important. Hearing from women who have benefited from our information and products drives us to keep going. In the physician-led open-label trial we conducted, women reported tangible differences when taking our supplement. 

However, we also want to emphasize that there is no quick fix or magic pill.

Our goal goes beyond alleviating symptoms; it’s about empowering a whole generation to approach perimenopause with knowledge and confidence, greatly enhancing their quality of life. 

We aim to empower women to advocate for themselves, armed with knowledge that transforms their health and well-being during and beyond perimenopause. 

Q: What is the best part about being an entrepreneur in this space? 

Marina Pen: The most exhilarating part is seeing the real-world impact of our work—the stories from women who’ve reclaimed their vitality and joy thanks to the support they find with NNABI. 

It’s inspiring to connect with other trailblazers in women’s health, further fuelling our passion to innovate and advocate for change. Being at the forefront of this transformative movement in healthcare is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. 

EJ Kim: As users and the biggest fans of Peri Essential 5™ ourselves, we experience its tangible benefits first-hand.

It’s a gratifying and humbling feeling knowing that we’re not only helping ourselves but also others.

Speaking of others, we’re energised by the prospect of changing the game for the next generation of women entering this phase.

Our goal is for all women to fight and suffer less but thrive more, embodying the bold, ambitious spirit that defines them. Women are powerful, and we are committed to doing our part to support them.

See the article here at FemTech.com:
https://www.femtechworld.co.uk/wellness/nnabi/

New York, NY, May 2024 — As conversations around female empowerment continue to rise, the next women’s health sector to be disrupted is perimenopause. According to data from the North American Menopause Society, by 2025, more than 1 billion women around the world will have experienced perimenopause and be post-menopausal. Yet, perimenopause is often deeply misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Actress Halle Berry recently revealed in a conversation with first lady Jill Biden, that her perimenopause symptoms were initially diagnosed as the worst case of herpes by her doctor.

Enter New York-based wellness startup, NNABI, a perimenopause (peri) only company on a mission to untaboo perimenopause and make information on this subject accessible. Launched in February 2024, Nnabi currently offer two supplements aimed to enhance the overall wellbeing for perimenopausal women. Its Peri Essential 5™ won the NEXTY Award for "Supplement Trailblazer" in March. We caught up with co-founders EJ Kim and Marina Pen to discuss the gap in perimenopause education and how they aim to help women thrive.

NNABI is a perimenopause company, why did you decide to focus on this specific life-stage?

Marina: EJ and I started exploring hormonal health and identified a space that we are going through ourselves. We realized there isn’t enough information or education out there on perimenopause and it felt like women were going through this by themselves. That’s when we made the call to focus on perimenopause. It is often the most misunderstood and least discussed phase of a woman's reproductive life although this impacts every single woman.

EJ: Our own research (N=400 women in the United States) revealed that only 27% of American women experiencing symptoms attributed them to perimenopause, with the majority blaming lifestyle factors. This misunderstanding underscores the urgent need for education and specialized support, which is at the core of Nnabi's mission. We want to change how women experience perimenopause so they can stop suffering needlessly and instead, thrive.

Can you describe what perimenopause is?

Marina: Perimenopause can begin around the age of 35 and is the time that comes before menopause. It is marked by the fact that your hormones go from normal fluctuations to very erratic. It is often described as puberty in reverse. When you're coming into puberty, you start seeing fluctuations in hormones and then you get your period. Perimenopause is this in the reverse, where you start having hormonal fluctuations and then at the end of these process (which can last 10 years) your period stops.

Symptoms during perimenopause years includes brain fog, mood swings, severe PMS, dry skin, low libido, and more, which can really impact your quality of life. It is also starting at a time when you could be at the peak of your career, in more senior positions, perhaps running your own business, or you have kids or planning to. There is a lot of pressure that women are dealing with in this time frame, and then you add the stressors of perimenopause, and it can really impact mental health as well as physical health.

How is NNABI driving conversation and community around perimenopause?

EJ: There are three pillars in the Nnabi setup. The first is tackling the information out there making sure it is backed by credible knowledge. The second is community. Perimenopause is a lonely experience, a lot of the conversations we are having with women say [the experience] feels too private to talk about and worry about encountering ageism and sexism. Even amongst close friends they are not talking about it. The third pillar is how we stand as Nnabi, offering a natural solution that is specifically made for people going through peri, because we felt that the marketplace did not have anything.

A lot of perimenopausal women are asking a lot of questions and not getting a lot of answers. We’re learning that women are trying various things because there isn’t a one solution that fits all. So, I think there’s a combination of trial and error, which is frustrating and can be expensive. This is why community is key. By amplifying voices and stories of perimenopause, we validate these experiences and educate the broader public, transforming perimenopause from a taboo subject into a pivotal health topic that deserves attention and respect.

Can you tell us about the two supplements you offer?

Marina: Both of our formulations target five key areas of health that address the foundational needs of women in perimenopause —supporting the nervous system, optimizing liver and digestive function, stabilizing blood sugar, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Our Peri Essential 5™ and Peri Essential 5™ CBD supplements contain the same 6 high-quality herbs and adaptogens, for Peri Essential 5™ CBD, we added broad-spectrum CBD to provide an “extra zen” effect for women looking for additional support with sleep, anxiety and mood swings. Our supplements are not just about managing symptoms but enhancing overall wellbeing for perimenopausal women.

EJ: They’re also crafted with the expertise of leading health professionals, including an OBGYN, naturopathic doctor, herbalist, functional medicine doctors and pharmacist, ensuring our formulation is scientifically sound and effective. Their involvement guarantees that our products meet high standards of efficacy and safety, and they are still very much part of our journey.

What are your future ambitions for Nnabi?

EJ: Looking ahead, Nnabi is set to expand its reach and impact. We plan to broaden our product line to address additional aspects of perimenopausal health, intensify our educational efforts, and strengthen our community support platforms. Our goal is to be the leading advocate for perimenopausal health, providing innovative solutions and creating a network of support that empowers women to take charge of their health and thrive. Hopefully it will benefit some of us now. But we're even more excited thinking about the next generation of women entering this.

See article here at VML.com:
https://www.vml.com/insight/ej-kim-and-marina-pen-cofounders-nnabi

New York, NY, April 2024 — NNABI Peri Essential 5™, a groundbreaking daily herbal supplement tailored specifically for women in perimenopause, proudly announces its prestigious win of the NEXTY Award for "Supplement Trailblazer" at ExpoWest, held last month in Anaheim, CA.

Amidst a record-breaking 1500 product nominations this year, with 154 finalists and 35 victorious companies, NNABI's triumph in the "Supplement Trailblazer" category marks a significant milestone for the brand. 

"The supplement trailblazer category holds profound significance for us. It represents products that are at the forefront, answering the question of ‘what next’ in the supplement industry, and these products also must exhibit scientific rigor, use cutting-edge technology, and address conditions not widely understood. We are proud to say that is us!" remarked co-founders EJ Kim and Marina Pen.

NNABI is on a mission to revolutionize perimenopause ("Peri") care by introducing a supplement that delivers genuine impact and relief.

Perimenopause, distinct from menopause, can onset as early as 35 years old and persist for over a decade, yet few products in the market today cater specifically to this cohort of women, leading many to suffer needlessly. For formulating Peri Essential 5, NNABI collaborated with a team of world-class experts, utilizing the highest quality ingredients, including patented extracts and those validated through clinical studies, physician-led observatory trials, and rigorous third-party testing, to address five key areas of health affected by erratic hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause.

"Every woman deserves to thrive, especially women in perimenopause who juggle multiple roles as mothers, partners, leaders, business owners, caregivers, breadwinners, and more. Many women endure these symptoms with inadequate solutions — that's where we step in," emphasized Pen, co-founder of NNABI. "There's a significant gap in products tailored to perimenopause, a phase distinct from menopause. Our product, comprising solely natural ingredients and designed to be comprehensive in nature, is meticulously crafted to help alleviate the 11 most annoying “Peri” symptoms, including stress, mood swings, sleep disturbances, brain fog, digestive issues, fatigue, sugar cravings, bloating, low libido, and joint pain," added co-founder, EJ Kim.

NNABI is setting a new benchmark within the industry, passionately advocating for underserved women experiencing needless suffering.

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About NNABI

NNABI stands as the pioneer company dedicated to transforming women's experiences through perimenopause. The name derives from 나비 (NA-BI), the Korean term for butterfly, symbolizing spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, and hope — qualities resonant with women navigating this phase of life.

For media inquiries, please contact:

EJ Kim
Co-Founder & CEO
contact@nnabilife.com
NNABI
www.nnabilife.com
Instagram & TikTok: @nnabi.life