Nandini Kanthi: Co-Founder of Sensible

By Trisha Avula | January 2024

Nandini Kanthi is an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Cary, North Carolina, with a passion for dance, singing and biking. Kanthi is the co-founder of Sensible, a company that aims to provide diagnostic menstrual pads to people in underserved communities.

Inspired by the lack of knowledge and resources surrounding menstrual health, Kanthi’s goal is to socially empower menstruating individuals, particularly in regions where the stigma surrounding menstruation is prevalent.

Sensible's mission is driven by Kanthi’s personal experiences and her exposure to the challenges faced by women in various parts of the world. She shared that in Nepal, women are often confined to huts during their periods, while in India, rags are often used instead of sanitary products due to financial constraints. In some parts of Africa, the sight of a menstruating woman can even lead to violence. These collective experiences of individuals around the globe, along with Kanthi’s own Hindu background, have inspired her to create a solution to address these issues.

As a South Asian American entrepreneur, Kanthi reflects on the inclusivity of the entrepreneurship space. While she personally hasn't faced many difficulties due to her recent entry into the field, she acknowledges the lack of South Asian representation in biotech and healthcare. Attending the Women's Health Innovation Summit in Boston, she was surprised to see only two South Asians present. Her observations highlight the need for more representation and diversity in the field, particularly to tackle the prevalent stigma and challenges surrounding menstrual health.

Kanthi has faced a few challenges on her entrepreneurial journey. One of the difficulties she encountered was discussing menstrual health in detail, as it often involves graphic descriptions that may be uncomfortable for some people. However, Nandini understands the importance of being explicit and normalizing these conversations to break down barriers to access to care. Another challenge she faced was the entrepreneurship process itself, which required her to navigate the complexities of forming an amazing team and solving problems together.

In terms of the goals she wants to achieve with Sensible, Nandini aims to put her product into the hands of people who lack access to healthcare and diagnostics. This target demographic includes individuals in Nepal and young girls in Africa. The goal is to provide a non-invasive alternative to blood tests, making it easier for individuals in underserved communities to monitor their health. Kanthi also hopes to expand her team, clean up the prototype and start approaching clinical trials to further validate her product.

On a personal level, Kanthi wants to continue working on Sensible throughout college and beyond. She plans to use Sensible as a platform for advocating women's rights, including issues such as access to contraceptives and equal pay.

Balancing her academics with her entrepreneurial pursuits can be a challenge, but Kanthi finds ways to integrate the two. She and her team often work on the project together on weekends, brainstorming ideas and refining their product. Additionally, she enjoys attending conferences, which not only provide opportunities for learning, but also allow her to network and share her experiences.

“I get to innovate and create and grow alongside the people I love,” Kanthi said in her interview.

When asked about her favorite lesson on entrepreneurship, Kanthi emphasized the importance of transparency and honesty. She believes that when mistakes are made, it is crucial not to cover them up or lie about them, as this only exacerbates the situation. Instead, she encourages others to address mistakes early on and admit when they are wrong. This lesson highlights the value of integrity and accountability in entrepreneurship.

Kanthi’s friends and family have played a significant role in her journey as an entrepreneur. They have been incredibly supportive, recognizing the resources and support required to embark on such a venture. Kanthi acknowledges that she wouldn't be where she is today without their encouragement and assistance. She has also received help from numerous mentors who have offered their expertise and guidance along the way.

To younger women who look up to her, Kanthi’s message is clear: Don't shy away from getting uncomfortable.

Embracing discomfort is a crucial part of personal growth and collective learning. Kanthi acknowledges that taking risks can be scary, but emphasizes that progress is impossible without stepping outside of one's comfort zone.

Kanthi's journey as an entrepreneur with Sensible highlights her dedication to empowering menstruating individuals in underserved communities. Through her personal experiences and the challenges she has faced, Kanthi has built a platform that aims to provide accessible and non-invasive diagnostic menstrual pads. Her goals include expanding her reach, working on women's rights advocacy, and continuing to learn and grow alongside her team.

Kanthi’s story serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging transparency, embracing discomfort and striving for positive change.