Reclaiming Pleasure To Breaking Taboos: Creating Women’s Wellness Solutions with Michelle Yeh, Hygiene Hero

From Corporate Powerhouse to Intimate Wellness Advocate: How Michelle Yeh Is Redefining Women’s Health With Hygiene Hero

Michelle Yeh did not set out to disrupt the hygiene and sexual wellness industry. But after decades in corporate leadership, global entrepreneurship, and a deeply personal journey through menopause, she found herself answering a calling she could no longer ignore. As the founder of Hygiene Hero, Michelle is bringing clean beauty principles, compassion, and honesty into conversations many brands still avoid, helping women reclaim comfort, pleasure, and confidence at every stage of life.

From Corporate America to Building Something of Her Own

Michelle’s career began in corporate America, where she spent 15 years helping American companies expand internationally. By all accounts, she was successful, well resourced, and secure. But something was missing.

“I discovered that I was actually a creator,” Michelle shared. “I had so many ideas, but we couldn’t execute them because of bureaucracy or conservatism.”

That creative restlessness eventually led her to China, where she launched what would become China’s first organic beauty store. What started as a passion project quickly grew into 14 physical locations, an impressive feat in a market that was still unfamiliar with organic beauty at the time. But being early also came with challenges.

“I was surprised by how quickly it grew,” she said, “but I also learned how hard it is to be a pioneer.”

Choosing Cruelty Free Values Over Convenience

As her business expanded, Michelle faced a critical crossroads. China’s animal testing requirements conflicted with her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. Rather than compromise, she made a bold decision.

“I’m an animal lover, so I shut the stores down and transformed the business into e commerce,” she explained.

That pivot became GREEN & Gorgeous, an online platform that allowed her to continue promoting natural and organic beauty while staying true to her values. It was an early lesson in resilience, values based leadership, and choosing the harder path when ethics demand it.

Menopause, Missed Education, and a Market Gap No One Was Addressing

After returning to the United States in 2018, Michelle found herself at another turning point. This one was deeply personal. Like millions of women, she entered menopause and was stunned by the lack of supportive, thoughtful options available.

“I went to my gynecologist and the only options offered were lubricants or hormone replacement therapy,” she said. “I didn’t like either option.”

What shocked her most was not just the lack of products, but the lack of education. As Stefanie LaHart reflected during the conversation, many women feel blindsided by menopause, with little understanding of what is happening in their bodies or how to support themselves.

“There are 56 million menopausal women in the U.S. alone,” Michelle said. “I just couldn’t believe how underserved this group is.”

That realization sparked the birth of Hygiene Hero.

Creating Products That Care for Women First

Michelle launched Hygiene Hero with a clear mission: to bring clean beauty science into the hygiene category and treat intimate care with the same respect as skincare.

Her first product, the Private Bar, was inspired by her childhood experiences growing up in Taiwan.

“I remember using harsh feminine washes that killed all the good bacteria,” she shared. “It created a vicious cycle.”

The bar format eliminated preservatives and plastic while honoring the body’s natural microbiome. From there, she went deeper, addressing vaginal atrophy, dryness, and discomfort that often cause women to give up intimacy altogether.

Her Vipstick product focuses on labia and clitoral care, using plant extracts, peptides, and postbiotics.

“This is not about aesthetics,” Michelle explained. “Plumping and hydration are about comfort, health, and reducing pain.”

The impact has been profound.

“I read reviews that bring me to tears,” she said. “Women talk about feeling like themselves again. About saving their marriages. About reclaiming their bodies.”

Redefining Hygiene, Empowerment, and Sustainability

The name Hygiene Hero was a deliberate choice. In Western culture, hygiene often carries shame or negativity. Michelle wanted to flip that narrative.

“I wanted women to feel empowered to be the hero of their own health,” she said. “Every choice you make can be a heroic act for yourself and for the planet.”

That philosophy extends to every aspect of the brand, from glass packaging to paper tubes to thoughtful compromises where hygiene and safety require plastic.

“Eco friendly is not the cheaper option,” Michelle noted. “It takes more labor, more time, and more intention.”

For her, sustainability is not a trend. It is a responsibility.

A Journey Rooted in Purpose and Possibility

Michelle Yeh’s story is not just about entrepreneurship. It is about listening to your body, trusting your values, and building something meaningful at any stage of life.

“I’m 58, and I feel like this is the best time of my life,” she said.

Her message to other founders and women navigating change is simple but powerful.

“Don’t judge your journey based on one moment. Every step counts.”

Visit https://hygiene-hero.com to explore Hygiene Hero’s products and learn more about Michelle’s mission.