Ines Schiller is the founder and CEO of Vyld, a company committed to revolutionizing the healthcare and menstrual health industries. Her journey into healthcare, specifically menstrual health, is an inspiring tale that spans various fields, from filmmaking to neuroscience, philosophy, and even NGO work. Her path to Vyld started in an unexpected place—by studying marine life as a marine guide in South Africa. During her training, Ines discovered the immense potential of seaweed, a natural material with a rich history in medical applications. This discovery sparked her passion for blending her two core interests—ocean health and menstrual health. At CIO CARE, we are honored to feature Ines Schiller in the 2025 edition of Breaking Barriers: Women Revolutionizing Healthcare, 2025.
Frustrated by the lack of innovation in period products, Ines sought to create something that would bring meaningful change. She realized that there was a significant gap in the market when it came to both health and sustainability in period products. This led her to combine her interests in ocean conservation and menstrual health by founding Vyld. The company is dedicated to using seaweed as a regenerative raw material in the non-food sector, with its first breakthrough product being the world’s first tampon made from seaweed, known as the Kelpon. This innovation addresses environmental concerns while ensuring that menstrual products are healthy for both people and the planet.
“Failure is part of the journey; we approach it as an opportunity to learn, recalibrate, and keep moving forward.”
Breaking barriers has always been an essential theme in Ines’s career and personal life. To her, breaking barriers means challenging the impossible and turning it into reality. She brings this mindset to every aspect of her work, particularly when she founded Vyld. In the early days of the company, she was told that creating a tampon made from alternative materials like seaweed, one that is healthy for both people and the ocean, was “impossible.” Furthermore, the idea of founding a healthtech company based on steward-ownership principles, without giving away equity, seemed unthinkable. However, Ines was inspired by the words of Captain Jean-Luc Picard: “Things are only impossible until they are not.” Staying persistent, trusting in her intuition, and believing in the team helped her break through those barriers, turning her vision into reality.
Staying motivated in such a demanding field can be challenging, but Ines finds her drive in the bigger picture. Her vision of inspiring a regenerative society rooted in seaweed reminds her of why she started this journey in the first place. The urgency to rethink how businesses operate and how products are consumed is another powerful motivator. With the state of the oceans and the planet at the forefront of her mind, Ines finds energy and purpose in her mission, even in the face of challenges. The goal of living within the planet’s boundaries and in a regenerative way keeps her moving forward, with a sense of clarity and focus.
Ines is proud of the entire journey of Vyld rather than one singular success. In just three years, the company transformed an idea into a market-ready product without compromising its values. Through strong collaborations, Vyld created the Kelpon, the world’s first seaweed-based tampon. Not only is it sustainable, biodegradable, and beneficial for people and the planet, but Vyld also pioneered a regenerative financing model that keeps the company independent and true to its mission. Ines believes that this journey proves that real change is possible, even in industries traditionally resistant to innovation.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life is no easy feat, but Ines approaches it with mindfulness and prioritization. She ensures that she sets boundaries and communicates when she’s taking time off. Ines focuses on achieving outcomes rather than just increasing output, which allows her to stay organized and effective. Recharging is crucial for Ines, and she does so through practices such as karate, where she finds focus and grounding. Spending time in nature also helps her reconnect and regain balance when the demands of the business world become overwhelming. These practices allow her to maintain the energy needed to be successful both personally and professionally.
“Breaking barriers means challenging the impossible and turning it into reality.”
Mentorship has played a unique role in Ines’s career. Rather than having one single mentor, she draws inspiration from a wide range of people, whether they are real individuals or fictional characters like Captain Picard. Throughout her career, Ines has connected with creative minds from various sectors and always emphasizes collaboration over competition. She believes that working together and helping each other grow is crucial in driving meaningful change. Now that she is also mentoring other innovators, Ines finds the experience incredibly rewarding. Sharing knowledge and learning from others ensures that the movement toward sustainable and innovative solutions continues to gain momentum.
Ines has introduced several innovative practices to the healthcare field, particularly within the menstrual product industry. Historically, this industry has been slow to change, relying on the same fibers and materials since its inception. Vyld has challenged this status quo by introducing seaweed fiber as a sustainable and regenerative material for menstrual products. Seaweed not only addresses significant health and environmental concerns but also redefines what’s possible in the industry. However, introducing this innovation came with its challenges, such as adapting seaweed fiber to traditional manufacturing machines designed for viscose. In addition to the technical challenges, Ines and her team had to convince stakeholders to embrace innovation and recognize the value of seaweed fibers over conventional materials.
When faced with failure or setbacks, Ines’s team approaches challenges with a sense of playfulness or “fluffiness,” a term they use to stay lighthearted and adaptable. Instead of succumbing to panic or inaction when things don’t go as planned, they view failure as an opportunity to learn, recalibrate, and continue moving forward. Ines relies on persistence, remembering the core values and principles that drive Vyld. By staying true to the vision, setbacks become stepping stones for growth, ultimately helping the company reach its goals.
To young women aspiring to join the healthcare industry, Ines offers advice rooted in authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not succumbing to the pressure of imitating others or conforming to traditional business norms. By embracing their unique perspectives and challenging conventional practices, women can create their own path and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Ines hopes to leave a lasting impact on the healthcare sector by demonstrating that even the most stagnant industries can be transformed through bold innovation and a commitment to positive change. By introducing new technologies and sustainable raw materials, Vyld is setting a precedent for creating healthier, more sustainable solutions that better serve both people and the planet. Ines believes that this kind of innovation can lead to a future where products are reimagined to align with a regenerative society. Finally, Ines believes that diversity and inclusion can be improved in healthcare by involving end users in the product development process. By designing products that are informed by the real needs of diverse populations, such as menstruators, healthcare products can better serve everyone. Involving people directly in the creation of products ensures that health, comfort, and performance are prioritized, ultimately reducing disparities and improving health outcomes for all.
“Things are only impossible until they are not.” — Jean-Luc Picard (inspired Ines’s journey)
Ines Schiller’s journey in the healthcare industry is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and collaboration. Through her work with Vyld, she is reshaping the menstrual product industry, making it healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive for everyone. Her focus on seaweed as a raw material has the potential to change the future of healthcare, proving that with vision, determination, and the right team, anything is possible.