At You're Looking Well, we prioritise having conversations that matter. We sat down with friend of YLW, Kelly Newton, to discuss her journey to becoming the CEO and Co-Founder of NIXI Body, why she started the brand and her mission to remove the stigma around Endometriosis and the Menopause.
Meet Kelly Newton...
Kelly is the CEO and Co-Founder of NIXI Body, award-winning absorbent underwear designed to support women through menstruation, motherhood, and menopause. After struggling with endometriosis and experiencing bladder leaks following a hysterectomy, she set out to create leak-proof knickers that were both discreet and comfortable—without the bulk of traditional options. Today, NIXI Body is trusted by thousands and has been named Underwear of the Year four times by Women’s Running Magazine.
Can you tell us a bit about your personal health journey and how it led you to create NIXI Body?
"I started my periods when I was 15 and from the very beginning suffered with heavy bleeding and terrible cramps. I’d always loved playing sports and found a way to manage to continue playing and tried not to let it affect my game. I was eventually diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 39 years old and had several laparoscopies but ended up having a hysterectomy when I was 42 years old.
I was told by the surgeon that he had kept my ovaries in so I didn’t go into early menopause, however within the year I was suffering with many of the menopause symptoms (depression, anxiety, panic attacks).
My first physical symptom was bladder leaks and every time I stretched for the ball at hockey, I would leak slightly. I was devastated and it really knocked my confidence. I didn’t want to give up as sport is so good for me physically and mentally. I bought some leak-proof knickers from Amazon but they were so big and bulky I felt like I was wearing a nappy and they rustled like a crisp packet (!) I thought there had to be a more discreet way and that was when the idea for NIXI was born."
How did your experience with endometriosis and a hysterectomy shape your approach to product design?
"I knew it was really important to me to feel comfortable and covered for any leaks but I also didn’t want it to be obvious that I was wearing any protection. With endometriosis scarring it was important that the waistband was soft and would also feel comfortable for endo bloating and for stomas."
Starting a brand in such a personal and often taboo space takes courage—what kept you going in the early days?
"I knew from speaking to my friends at hockey that this was an issue that affected so many of us and I must admit that I found it so difficult in the beginning to talk openly about it. However, once we started to get really candid reviews from customers and having met so many women at events who opened up to me, I felt it was really important for me to talk about my experiences more. I think the more I spoke about it, I knew that sharing what was happening to me was really helping other women to feel less alone."
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when launching NIXI Body?
"The fact that I knew absolutely nothing about business was probably my biggest challenge, with just starting the menopause coming a close second. I didn’t realise that I was menopausal and was suffering with depression and anxiety so not really in a good place to start a business. I didn’t rush setting everything up, I did it at my own pace hence it took me about 2 years before I launched."
How did you go about finding the right materials to deliver on both comfort and performance?
"I took a lot of guidance from the factory who I believe are the absolute experts in these products. I knew I didn’t want cotton, I wanted something longer lasting and durable as they were designed for sports purposes. Nylon weighs 1/7 the weight of cotton but is so much more durable. Our knickers will last up to 3 years."
NIXI Body has now won Underwear of the Year four times—what do you think sets it apart from other options on the market?
"Our USP is discretion, you cannot see any of our knickers underneath the tightest of gym leggings yet they can hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood/20ml of urine. They were designed for sport and movement and they do exactly what they say on the box! The other knickers on the market have not been designed with movement or discretion in mind and can be bulky and uncomfortable."
You’re a powerful advocate for breaking taboos—how do you think we can shift the conversation around leaks, menstruation, and menopause?
"I think we need to be using the correct terminology for starters as that can remove the shame and stigma associated with these issues. Educating young people from a young age (both girls and boys) can be really powerful. Open and honest conversations and sharing our stories is so important."
What do you think women need more of in the wellness space right now?
"Honesty and transparency. It’s so easy to get caught up in faddy products with no science or testing behind them and you can be really vulnerable when experiencing some of the issues associated with menopause and heavy periods."
What role does You’re Looking Well play in your daily routine?
"I really like the sleep pill! I have honestly found it has really helped with the broken sleep I’ve experienced from menopause."
When you feel overwhelmed, what’s your go-to reset?
"Get outside, move my body and get some fresh air! I stick on my playlist and stomp the streets, honestly it makes such a difference to my mood."
What’s been your proudest moment since founding NIXI Body?
"It’s definitely the feedback we get from our customers. Some of the reviews we receive are really candid and I know how hard it must have been to share. Never underestimate how good a founder feels when the 5* reviews roll in!"
What have you learned about resilience—both in business and personally?
"I think resilience has come with age for me. Starting menopause was such a tough time and to come through the other side of crippling anxiety and depression and really struggling to hold everything together, to feeling the most powerful I ever have is really quite magical!"
What’s next for NIXI Body—any exciting innovations or launches on the horizon?
"We have some really exciting projects coming up and more amazing sports collaborations. We are really passionate about helping as many women as we can to keep moving their body and to educate on all the tools that will help them. Watch this space!"
And finally, what does “looking well” mean to you?
"Feeling good both physically and mentally!"
