Tell us about rae.
Made from super-soft silicone, rae is USB-rechargeable, splash-proof, and designed with flexible wings that hug your body for targeted comfort. It heats to a cozy 50°C, lasts over five hours, and features three adjustable heat settings to suit your needs. Every detail was crafted to make rae effective and effortless – seamlessly integrating into modern life.
Creating rae has been one of the proudest moments of my career. After years of living with chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, I wanted to design something that truly makes a difference – not just by easing discomfort but by fitting naturally into daily routines. Developed from scratch, rae is more than practical; it’s sleek, portable, and empowering. Unlike traditional heat pads, rae was made for busy, on-the-go lives. Whether at work, out with friends, or relaxing at home, rae provides discreet, lasting relief without the hassle of single-use patches, bulky water bottles, or smelly wheat bags.
What sets rae apart is how it embodies our mission to redefine period care. Periods aren’t just about managing blood – they affect every aspect of life. Thoughtfully designed solutions like rae and our custom period undies deliver comfort, confidence, and convenience wherever life takes you. It’s more than relief – it reimagines period wellness for the modern world.
What inspired you to create rae?
My journey with period pain and endometriosis has been long and challenging. As someone who’s always been career focused, I learned to push through the pain to prioritise work. But the products available to manage my period fell short. Wheat bags? Smelly and bulky. Hot water bottles? A spill waiting to happen. Disposable heat patches? Expensive, wasteful, and unsustainable. I went through countless single-use heat patches every cycle, racking up ridiculous costs and leaving behind a trail of environmental impact.
Frustrated, I searched for a portable, safe, and effective solution. What I found were cheap, poorly made products that didn’t meet safety standards, lack durability, and failed to provide the comfort or quality I needed. When I realised nothing better existed, I decided to create it myself.
Developing an electronic product was no small feat. With no experience in the field, I partnered with an incredible team of Melbourne-based engineers at Xentronics who shared my vision. Together, we built rae from the ground up, prioritising high-quality materials, rigorous safety testing, and a user-friendly design. After years of trial and error, personal experience, and dedication, rae was born – a portable, stylish, and effective solution for period self-care.
rae is more than a product; it’s a deeply personal part of my journey. Turning my health challenges into something positive has been incredibly fulfilling and it’s gratifying to see how it’s already making a difference in people’s lives.
Tell us about your career and background.
I’ve always been in the business of brand-building, but it wasn’t until I faced my own health challenges that I truly discovered my purpose. I began my career as an editor at CLEO magazine, where I gained a deep understanding of consumer needs and how to craft content that resonates. From there, I moved into digital marketing, running a creative agency called The Word Collective (TWC), working with iconic brands like Maybelline and L’Oréal.
Despite my success in the corporate world, I’ve always been drawn to stories that matter – stories that resonate on a deeper level. When I struggled with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, I realised there was a glaring gap in the market for products that truly addressed the needs of people like me. That’s when I decided to shift my focus and take my career in a new direction – one that would make a real impact on others’ lives.
In 2023, I acquired Scarlet, a period self-care brand that shares my mission to revolutionise menstrual health. With Scarlet, I’m combining my passion for brand development with my commitment to creating sustainable, effective, and empathetic period products.
Starting Scarlet has been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career. It’s a chance to connect with others who understand the journey I’ve been on. As we grow, I’m excited to bring more innovative products, like rae, to market – products built with care, passion, and uncompromising quality.
Describe a typical workday for you.
Madness – in the best way! Running Scarlet means wearing all the hats – often all at once. One moment, I’m crafting content; the next, I’m navigating battery regulations, and then deep in financial planning. It’s a constant whirlwind. While the juggling can be intense, my years running an agency taught me how to balance chaos with purpose.
That said, I’ve learned the importance of balance. My day starts with emails in bed (coffee courtesy of my incredible partner and co-owner), followed by an hour-long walk with my dogs to clear my head and set a positive tone for the day. From there, it’s focused work – developing strategy, solving problems, or engaging with our community. I make it a point to finish at a reasonable hour to leave space for self-care – catching up with friends, indulging in a bath, or unwinding with a bit of Real Housewives drama (guilty pleasure).
The hardest part? Switching off. I’m a perfectionist who loves what I do, but I’ve come to appreciate the value of stepping away to recharge. It’s a reminder that self-care isn’t just what we preach – it’s something we practice.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
First, get clear on your “why.” Your purpose is your anchor, especially when doubt or distractions creep in. It’s easy to get bogged down by what others are doing, but comparison only dilutes your brand ethos and confidence. Stay in your lane, and let your mission guide every decision.
In the period self-care space, we’re up against major players (fun fact: most leaders in the Australian market have been acquired by a single overseas company). But instead of comparing size – or, more importantly, budgets – I focus on what makes Scarlet different: we’re independent, Australian-owned, personal, and passionate. When you buy from us, you invest in that ethos, not just a product.
When developing the rae Heat Pad, we knew we could never compete on “cheap” – nor did we want to. Anyone can slap a logo on a mass-produced product, but Scarlet is about perfection. Every detail of rae – from its sleek design to its safety – was meticulously considered. We didn’t cut corners because we knew people deserved something better. This ethos extends beyond products; it’s about solving real problems thoughtfully and sustainably.
Launching a business means trusting your gut – but pairing it with due diligence. I’ve learned the hard way that not everyone shares your values or vision, and while that can be painful, it’s not personal. The key is finding the right people who align with your ethos. For rae, partnering with Xentronics, a Melbourne-based electronics firm, was one of my best decisions. Their passion, integrity, and commitment matched ours, and we created something we’re all proud of together.
Finally, don’t start something for the sake of it. Innovation isn’t about being first – it’s about being better. With rae, I wanted to solve a personal problem: balancing effective period relief with environmental responsibility. It wasn’t enough for it to work; it needed to work beautifully, safely, and sustainably. If you approach your business with the same intention, your audience will feel it.
What’s next for you, and Scarlet?
Our immediate focus is launching the rae Heat Pad. Logistics delays slowed our start, but we’re now ready to shout from the rooftops about what we’ve created.
From there, we’ll continue to expand our self-care offering, adding to our existing period underwear and cups. We’re exploring innovative femtech solutions and products that support vaginal health, always with a focus on what truly enhances lives.
But Scarlet isn’t just about products – it’s about community. We’re sparking candid, relatable conversations that uplift and help people feel less alone during their cycles. Whether through education, advocacy, or sharing our journey, we want Scarlet to be a beacon of support.
Through ongoing research, storytelling, and innovation, we aim to make a meaningful impact. Scarlet isn’t just a brand – it’s a movement. And we’re only getting started.
MORE ON SCARLET
Scarlet is an independently owned, female-led Australian brand offering sustainable, thoughtful self-care solutions for your cycle. Our products are crafted with care, from custom designs to ethical manufacturing, ensuring comfort, sustainability, and responsibility at every step.
At Scarlet, we’re redefining period care by making it more than just a product purchase – it’s a commitment to your well-being. From eco-conscious packaging to the innovative rae Heat Device, we prioritise quality, ethical production, and sustainability. Unlike many other brands, we don’t just slap a label on mass-produced items; everything we offer is made with care, designed from scratch, and rigorously tested for comfort and effectiveness.
Proudly independently owned and female-led, we stay true to our values while fostering open conversations around menstruation and pelvic health. Scarlet is about breaking taboos, normalising period discussions, and offering solutions that support your overall wellness. When you choose Scarlet, you’re not just buying a product – you’re embracing a more responsible, thoughtful way to manage your cycle.
MORE ON JO BARRY
Jo Barry owns Scarlet, a self-care brand dedicated to making period and pelvic care as approachable and inclusive as beauty and lifestyle. With over two decades of experience in brand development – serving as Features Director at CLEO and Founder of The Word Collective (TWC) – Jo has earned a reputation for creative direction, digital marketing, and brand storytelling.
Jo’s personal experience with chronic pelvic pain fuels her passion for Scarlet. Frustrated by the lack of effective period pain solutions, she created the rae Heat Pad – a sleek, reusable, and discreet alternative to traditional heat therapy. After nearly three years of development with her Melbourne-based teams, the rae Heat Pad now meets the highest safety standards, providing a sustainable solution for period care.
Through Scarlet, Jo is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering inclusion in conversations about menstrual health. She uses her platform to create products that offer comfort and promote a stigma-free, empowering environment for those who bleed.