Lauren Savage Fleming Is Breaking the Stigma Around Pelvic Health and Wellness. Here’s How.
- Editorial
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Lauren Savage Fleming, the Founder of Hem Support Wear, is on a mission to empower women through thoughtfully designed pelvic floor support garments.
Lauren’s journey began after the birth of her first child, when she was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse. She felt the void for products that provided functional support without feeling clinical and stigmatizing. So she set out to design garments that offered gentle compression to support the pelvic floor while empowering women to reclaim their confidence. Today, Hem Support Wear is breaking down barriers around pelvic health and encouraging open, supportive conversations.
We spoke with Lauren about the hurdles she’s faced as an entrepreneur, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she would describe her journey so far.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Hem Support Wear?
Hem Support Wear was born out of a deeply personal need. After the birth of my first child, I was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse. This condition left me feeling unsupported—both physically and emotionally. I realized that there was a gap in the market for products that could address this issue in a way that was functional and empowering, rather than clinical and stigmatizing. I started Hem Support Wear to create a solution for myself and the millions of women who face similar challenges in silence. My goal was to design a garment that combined comfort, support, and beauty, while also fostering conversations around pelvic health. Today, Hem Support Wear is more than just a product; it's a movement to empower women to reclaim their bodies and their confidence.
What are some of the most meaningful impacts Hem Support Wear has had so far?
The most rewarding part of this journey has been hearing from women who tell me that our garments have truly changed their lives. From a mom who can comfortably care for her newborn to a woman in menopause who feels supported for the first time in years, these stories remind me why I started this company. Beyond the individual testimonials, I’m proud of how Hem Support Wear is helping to shift the narrative around pelvic health. We’re breaking down stigmas and encouraging women to advocate for their own well-being. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as a garment can spark such meaningful change.
Have you ever felt like you’re “different”? If yes, in what ways has this contributed to your journey as an entrepreneur?
I think feeling different has been a defining part of my journey as an entrepreneur. Growing up, I faced adversity and had to mature quickly, which gave me an old soul and a no-nonsense attitude. I’ve always felt a deep drive to do something meaningful with my life. My upbringing taught me to imagine what’s possible and take the initiative to make it happen. Whether it was bringing my horse to school for show-and-tell or launching a company during a pandemic, I’ve always approached opportunities with curiosity. This mindset has been critical in breaking down seemingly impossible goals into manageable steps. My ability to keep moving forward, paired with the support of those around me, has been the key to building something that makes a meaningful impact.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting Hem Support Wear?
The immense value of connecting with experienced professionals in my industry early on. There were so many nuances and industry-specific insights that only come with experience. Had I sought out guidance sooner, I could have potentially saved significant time and money navigating steep learning curves. Now, I prioritize seeking advice from those who have walked this path before me. Networks like The 10th House, an incredible community of female entrepreneurs, have been game-changing. The support, shared knowledge, and connections I’ve gained from groups like this have been invaluable. I only wish I had tapped into them earlier in my journey.
What were the most difficult and most impactful lessons you’ve learned since starting and running a company?
Making tough decisions mid-stream, maintaining professionalism, and staying focused on moving forward despite setbacks. One of the hardest moments came during my first production run. I worked with a local company that was highly recommended but ultimately failed to meet quality standards and strung me along for months. I had to cut ties, losing thousands of dollars and precious time that delayed my launch.
Another tough lesson came when I hired a marketing agency to improve my website and content strategy. Not only was the timing wrong for my business, but the agency also acted unprofessionally, including editing my site live without a backup. I had to negotiate a partial refund and end the relationship amicably while staying firm about what was best for my business. These experiences taught me the importance of trusting my instincts, vetting partners carefully, and standing up for my company’s needs.
Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
My definition of success has definitely evolved throughout my journey as a founder. At the beginning, I envisioned working full time in the business, owning 100% of it, and helping as many people as possible. Over time, I’ve realized that true success isn’t about doing everything myself but about building a strong network of support. Relying on others allows me to scale the business and make an even greater impact. Stories from podcasts like How I Built This have shown me what’s possible when you embrace collaboration. Now, success means not just supporting my family but creating meaningful, lasting change in the lives of the people my company serves.
What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
The importance of understanding key metrics early on, as they serve as the compass for measuring progress and using data to continually refine the path forward. I would also encourage myself to be brave and put myself out there even more. Don’t wait to feel "ready" to seek guidance or connect with others. Most people are incredibly kind and generous with their knowledge. At the same time, I’d remind myself to stay true to my instincts. While advice is valuable, it’s often shaped by someone else’s perspective and may not always apply. Trust your own intuition, and remember that patience and perseverance are key to turning your vision into reality.
“Trust your own intuition, and remember that patience and perseverance are key to turning your vision into reality.”
How would you describe the journey you’ve had in a few sentences? Would you do it all over again?
The journey has been incredible—a mix of significant highs and lows—but every moment has been a learning experience. I often joke that it’s been like an expensive MBA because of how much I’ve grown personally and professionally. Through it all, the mission of the company has kept me grounded and driven, even during the toughest times. I would absolutely do it all over again. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in so many lives is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
