Stacy London Is On A Mission To Give Menopause A Luxe Makeover!

Author and fashion stylist Stacy London is famous for her truthful advice and glamorous touch. Now, for her latest venture, she's lending her flair for all things fabulous to the world of... menopause! A much ignored area of women's wellness. 

An incredible passion project, her company, State Of, caters to women's menopause symptoms, offering them a luxurious and targeted sense of relief during a phase most know little about or are too ashamed to discuss. A very noble mission, no?

From dry skin and breast tenderness to insomnia, hot flashes, brittle hair and more, this period of life is generous with discomforts. State Of's products aim to not only relieve these pains, but educate the public and remove the stigma around aging. Because regardless of what fillers and botox may have you think - you can't stay young forever! And really, who would want to?

How did your journey with State Of begin?
I started as one of a group of beta-testers for the brand when it was owned by a different company. I was a loud, noisy, opinionated tester. Because of that, I guess when the company started looking for someone to acquire and run this brand as a stand-alone company, I came to mind. My personal journey with peri-menopausal symptoms was infuriatingly confusing. That’s when I realized it was absolutely necessary to have more information available about this stage of life, and more products created to help alleviate symptoms.

Why do you think we all know so little about menopause?
I think most people feel some shame around the symptoms and the association with aging. We look at menopause as a middle age issue; an indication that we are somehow past an arbitrary expiration date. It’s obviously an internalized antiquated patriarchal hetero-normative lens that has to change. But it’s also important to look at all the reasons people come to peri-menopausal symptoms that go beyond age—like one's health background. The symptoms themselves may feel random and arbitrary. We need better products and more education to speak freely about this stage of hormonal health and how to feel better now.

What's the number one thing you want women of all ages to know about entering this stage of life?
The number one thing I want people to know about this stage of life and health is that it can feel very hard. I’m not going to sugar coat that. But it isn’t hopeless, and you aren’t helpless. That’s why I felt so strongly about State Of Menopause continuing to exist as a brand. We need products that help us in the moment. Management of your symptoms is the best way through them!

What's the most surprising thing you've learned about menopause in your new role?
I think the most surprising thing I’ve discovered is how little doctors — even ob/gyns — discuss this stage with their patients. There is so little clinical research, so little clear information, it can be very difficult. I highly recommend Elektra Health’s 21st Century Guide to Menopause for those looking for information and a good primer.

What's your personal philosophy when it comes to aging?
We are lucky to be able to do it. It isn’t just the gratitude of “every day above ground is a good day.” It’s that we’ve forgotten the value of aging and experience. We’ve forgotten the necessity of that kind of wisdom for generations that come after us.

Which State Of product can you not get enough of?
Lately, I’m completely obsessed with the whipped body cream. It’s light and airy and absorbs instantly but hydrates my very dry skin like magic. The face oil will always be my favorite (but don’t tell the others - they are all my babies).

What's been your biggest success so far as a CEO?
My biggest success as CEO? Probably the decision to be one. I spent a lot of time doubting my abilities because I don’t have a traditional business background. But no one is “born” a CEO. There are all the things you can learn but passion and conviction? Those you have or you don’t.

What's the craziest menopause myth you've heard?
I haven’t heard any crazy myths about menopause. I don’t think there’s enough info out there to allow myths to be created in the first place!

What are you most excited for next?
I’m excited for how we are positioning our company to meet the needs of this community: new products, a newsletter, a podcast, a summit. These are all things I’m planning for our future. There are so many relevant communities to work with and I, for one, am so excited to see companies and communities rise together.

[Photos courtesy of Stacy London]