Growing up, Janet Rowan never found the thing that she knew she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Then, when preparing a care package to Yemen, she decided to make her own cloth menstrual pads to include as her donation. Her friends gave rave reviews of her pads, and encouraged her to sell them online; this was the birth of Ama'z Padz. Now, Janet knows she has found something she loves to do, and she can't imagine doing anything else.

Are you married? What is your husband's name? How did you meet him? Was it love at first sight?
Yes, I am married. It'll be five years this summer. We met at a gym here in NYC that we both worked at; I was the rock climbing instructor and he was a personal trainer.

When are you expecting your first child?
I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant with our first little boy. He's due sometime in the beginning of July.

What is a rewarding experience you've had as an expectant mama? Or perhaps tell anything about your pregnancy that is different than you anticipated.
I have been so blessed with this pregnancy. Being part of the cloth community, I have heard every pregnancy and/or birthing story possible. I was expecting pregnancy to be a lot worse than it has been; so far it's been wonderful.

The most rewarding experience is feeling the little guy kick. It just makes me stop and marvel over God's creation; it's a totally amazing experience knowing there is a living baby growing inside of you.

What did you think you'd be when you grew up?
Growing up I never had 'that dream' of being a certain someone. I just went with the flow. As a kid I never found that niche where I thought "this is it; this is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

Who did your classmates think you were in high school?
I was part of the 'other' crowd in school, so who knows what people thought; but I do know that they would be shocked at who I am today!

Who were you before Ama'z Padz, any interesting jobs or schooling?
When I was in high school, I spent 2 years in an auto mechanic trade school, I was the only girl. I've worked in a grocery store, telemarketing agency, fast food restaurant, bank, television studio, investor relations firm, a gym and a few schools.

How much had you sewed before you started sewing cloth pads? Is sewing something you had done all of your life?
I didn't learn to sew until my early twenties. I had a sewing machine but never actually made anything. A friend of mine encouraged me to buy a pattern and give it a whirl. I did exactly that. I bought an easy tunic pattern & some fabric and it came out great - I was hooked!

How did you get started using and sewing your own cloth menstrual pads?
I actually came upon cloth by accident. I was searching eBay for something not at all related and came upon a menstrual cup! I was intrigued and bought it right away. Sometime later I found cloth pads on eBay, again by accident, and thought they were great and bought some. I never thought to make my own until I decided to send some to Yemen and couldn't afford to buy them all.

What inspired you to create your business?
I had no plans to start a business, it all just sort-of happened. Me and a bunch of friends were sending care packages to women we knew in Yemen and I was trying to think of something that would be beneficial for them. I was currently using a menstrual cup with cloth pads as backup and decided to try my hand at making some cloth pads... I started doing research as to what the best fabrics would be and started designing them - I was the tester. I have a ridiculously heavy flow and being that I was the tester they were designed for me; to withstand even the heaviest of flows!

Once my friends saw some of my first creations they were interested in them. After a few months of making them and rave reviews from friends it was suggested that I make a website and try to sell them. So that's what I did ! I ended up on eBay and that was the start of Ama'z Padz.

What did your family say when you told them you were going to be an entrepreneur?
They were/are all very supportive.

If you could do any kind of work you wanted, other than the business you now have, what would you be doing?
I love what I do and wouldn't change it for anything!

How did you get into being a rock-climbing instructor? Do you have any favorite places to climb/hike or favorite outdoor activities/sports?
I got into rock climbing when I was switching gyms. I belonged to the same gym since I was 17 so I was looking for a change and in researching different gyms in the city I found one that had a climbing wall. After I joined I took a lesson and fell in love with it. I was there almost every day and after some time they offered me a job. We used to take trips to the Shawangunk Mountains aka the "Gunks" in NY. The climbing routes were from about 150 feet to 300 feet.

What's your favorite product from another WAHM/WAHD?
My FAVORITE WAHM product is definitely Dundies by Davina of http://www.davinawear.com/. They are no-ride, non binding panties that just look so cute on and are the ultimate in comfort.

If you have time for hobbies, or outside interests, what are they?
I LOVE to read! I just recently taught myself to knit and crochet so I've been making some wool covers for the baking bean. It's definitely addicting and so much fun. I sew clothing for my husband and plan to make some stuff for the little guy when/if I get some free time.

Is there anything else you would like to learn?
I would love to learn another language. I have tried classes and even home study programs but without someone fluent in the language that I can converse with on a normal basis, I lost almost everything. I'm hoping one day we can travel to another country and be immersed in another language & culture.

If you could have a day to yourself (spouse and kids could be cared for if you wanted, and you were all caught up with sewing), how would you spend it?
I love ME time. I like to just kick back with a book and cup of tea/coffee and read.

http://www.amazpadz.com/
Products Include:
Ama'z original 2 part pads, AIO pads, panty liners, nursing pads and wetbags.