Breaking barriers: Celebrating International Women's Day with Maxwellia
Alderley Park, UK – Tuesday 4th March 2025 – This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women behind Maxwellia—a trailblazing, female-founded consumer healthcare company on a mission to revolutionise access to medicines. Led by our founder and CEO, Anna Maxwell, we are a small but mighty team of ten, dedicated to empowering people—especially women—to take control of their health by making prescription-only medicines available over the counter.
Flipping the Script on Women’s Healthcare
For too long, women’s health has been stuck behind red tape, restricted by gatekeeping and bureaucracy. At Maxwellia, we’re tearing those barriers down. Our innovative approach to ‘switching’—the rigorous regulatory process of converting prescription medicines into over-the-counter products—means that essential treatments are no longer locked behind doctor’s appointments. Instead, they’re available at local pharmacies and high street retailers, giving people more control over their own healthcare.
From launching Lovima®, one of the UK’s first daily oral contraceptives available without a prescription, to LoviOne®, an accessible emergency contraception option, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of women. Our brands, including Evana® Heavy Period Relief and Ultravana® Period Pain Relief, are designed to address real, often overlooked healthcare needs—ensuring that women have access to the right treatments at the right time.
Anna Maxwell is the driving force behind this mission. With a relentless passion for widening access to medicines, she is redefining how women engage with their health. “Women’s health has been held back by unnecessary obstacles for too long,” she says. “We’re here to change that. At Maxwellia, we’re giving women more choice, more autonomy, and more power over their own bodies. No more asking for permission—just access and control.”
Some of Team Maxwellia accepting one of two awards won at the Prolific North Champions Awards 2024.
Small Team, Big Mission
Maxwellia may be a start-up, but we’re making a big impact. Our team of just ten people is rolling up its sleeves every day to drive change in an industry that has long resisted it. As a business that’s predominantly female, we understand firsthand the challenges women face—not just in healthcare, but in the workplace and beyond.
That’s why we champion innovation, collaboration, and breaking barriers together. Alex Trehane, our Chief Operating Officer, thrives on the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of working at Maxwellia. “Being in a small business means wearing many hats and tackling challenges head-on. It’s unpredictable, but incredibly rewarding—especially when we see our work result in products that genuinely help people.”
For Kim Wathall, our Head of Marketing, the appeal lies in constantly pushing boundaries. “I’ve always been drawn to challenger brands, and Maxwellia is exactly that. We’re shaking up the status quo, making waves in healthcare, and ensuring that our work truly makes a difference.”
The Power of Women Supporting Women
One of the things that makes Maxwellia special is the strong sense of support and empowerment within our team. Candice Brett, our CFO, is known for lifting those around her. As a finance powerhouse with a deep understanding of brand commercialisation, she’s not just shaping the company’s future—she’s also mentoring and championing her colleagues.
Jenny Davies, our Head of Regulatory Affairs, echoes this sentiment but also recognises the broader challenges women still face. “Women work twice as hard to get half the recognition. We’re often judged on appearance rather than ability. But despite this, we continue to succeed and push forward in what still feels like a man’s world.”
Sarah-Jane Housley, who oversees Procurement and Supply Chain, highlights another key aspect of being a woman: emotional strength and connection. “For me, being a woman means showing up with kindness, resilience, and an open heart. It’s about understanding people beyond words and finding strength in vulnerability.”
A Future Where Women Call the Shots
At Maxwellia, we’re not just changing the landscape of women’s health—we’re also redefining what it means to be a woman in business. “Being a woman means having a choice,” says Issy Parry, our Brand Manager. “Right now, I’m choosing to work in a place where I can make a real difference in women’s healthcare. And that, to me, is incredibly exciting.”
Whether it’s tackling the challenges of a start-up, navigating complex regulatory processes, or ensuring our medicines reach the people who need them most, every member of our team plays a vital role in our mission. As Sally Norman, our Business Assistant, puts it, “there’s something powerful about working alongside other women who just ‘get it’—who understand the strength, empathy, and resilience it takes to keep pushing forward.”
Celebrating Women—Today and Every Day
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate not only the achievements of our own team but also the millions of women around the world who are breaking barriers, rewriting the rules, and lifting each other up.
We are strong. We are resilient. We are Maxwellia.