When Ray Wheeler's teenage daughter experienced her first period during a family holiday, he witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional sanitary products. Rather than accepting the status quo, this concerned father embarked on a mission that would transform feminine hygiene for women worldwide.
The Holiday That Changed Everything
"We were on holiday when my daughter got her first period," Ray recalls. "She was using pads, and I could see she was uncomfortable and self-conscious." The experience opened his eyes to the practical challenges women face monthly - from discomfort and leaks to environmental waste from disposable products.
From Construction to Innovation
With a background in construction rather than fashion or feminine hygiene, Ray might have seemed an unlikely innovator. Yet his outsider perspective became his greatest advantage. "I started researching and was shocked to discover there hadn't been real innovation in period products for decades," he explains.
His construction experience with waterproof membranes sparked the breakthrough idea: creating comfortable, reusable underwear that could reliably contain menstrual flow without the bulkiness of pads or the discomfort of tampons.
The WUKA Revolution
After two years of intensive research and development, Ray launched WUKA (Wake Up Kick Ass) - the UK's first period-proof underwear. The innovative design features multiple absorbent layers that can hold up to four tampons' worth of flow while remaining leak-proof and comfortable.
What began as a solution for his daughter has grown into a movement empowering women to manage their periods with confidence and comfort. The products have been particularly transformative for young women experiencing their first periods and those with heavy flows who previously struggled with conventional options.
Beyond Products: Breaking Taboos
Ray's journey represents more than just product innovation - it's part of a broader cultural shift in how society discusses menstruation. "We need to normalise these conversations," he insists. "Periods are a natural part of life, and nobody should feel embarrassed or limited by them."
The success of WUKA has demonstrated there's significant demand for better menstrual products that prioritise both comfort and sustainability. Ray's story proves that sometimes, the most powerful innovations come from personal experiences and a genuine desire to solve real problems for loved ones.
