Since her early twenties, Kellie Johnson’s life was controlled by debilitating endometriosis symptoms. It overtook her personal life and career, even affecting her fertility and ultimately led to Johnson and her partner experiencing five miscarriages.
After seeing an endless amount of specialists, undergoing several surgeries and trying every pain-alleviating product and medication on the market, she realised there was a major gap in the market for endometriosis sufferers: a safe and hands-free heat pack.
“I needed two heat packs because the pain would spread through my back and down my legs but it was so hard to get the heat in the right spot and I would end up with burn marks but no relief,” Johnson told news.com.au.
“I really wanted to create a solution that would allow me to get up and move around while also completely enveloping my torso in heat.”
“The first time I used it, my pain disappeared quite quickly, which had never happened before, I almost cried in relief,” Johnson recalled after using her DIY heat pack.
“It just made such a difference to my pain and was actually so soothing and comfortable that I thought if there was any chance that other people with pain similar to mine would find it useful, then I owed it to them to get this option on the market.”
Over the next few months, Johnson dedicated her days to perfecting a 360-degree heat pack and heavily researched the best fillings, designs, fabrics and safety requirements needed to make a product that would give herself and others suffering in silence, some relief — and in 2023, everything fell into place.
Kosi - a play on the word ‘cosy’ - caught the attention of thousands after Johnson started creating “basic” social media content from her loungeroom - the same space she also operates the entire business - while caring for her newborn daughter. As a result, she’s already organically garnered an Instagram and TikTok following of 2.5k and 2.4k respectively, only a few months after launching.
“I didn’t think anyone would be interested but I was flooded with responses and so much excitement to try Kosi and share to their followers because they thought they would benefit,” the proud mother-of-one said.
Australian influencers have even caught the eye of the Kosi hype and after trying the product to ease their abdominal pains, have gone on to vouch for the effectiveness of the product to their millions of followers.
“One of the best moments so far was when Isabelle Mathers messaged me saying she has found me when searching online for a heat pack for her period pain and would love one, and then shared to her two million followers,” the Kosi founder exclaimed.
Over a thousand units of the 360-degree heat pack have already been sold with many customers having to place pre-orders for the next stock drop.
The $74.95 heat wrap has essentially become the go-to “burn-free” and "hands-free” solution for not only easing endometriosis symptoms but also general abdominal discomfort like period pain.
“Our product and our story have really resonated with so many who have also battled with chronic illness, endo or infertility,” Johnson noted.
The 360-degree torso heating, soft plush fabric and genius hidden velcro design is the winning trifecta that gives Kosi an incomparable cosy feeling compared to other heat packs on the market.
The Kosi heat pack aims to give you 360 degree relief. Image: Kosi
“The combination of these things gives it the cosy feeling so loved by our customers and such a feeling of relief.”
Plus, its simplistic solid pink design caters to TikTok’s ‘clean girl’ era.
“We figure that periods can be pretty sucky so anything we can do to make your period a bit more fun or make you feel like you’re wearing something cute, the better,” Johnson noted.
“Heat parcels traditionally have either grandma prints or boring navy colours and we wanted people to feel pretty and cute at that time of the month.”
Kosi has created not only a game-changing product, but a community. Image: Kosi
The trusting community Johnson has built is proof Kosi’s exponential growth is not just a result of another passing trend but instead, a long-term and sustainable business that will continue improving people’s quality of life — which is and continues to be, the ultimate goal for the brand.
“We are looking to give back to the endo community this year and contribute to funding research for endometriosis so that one day we can find a cure,” Johnson revealed.
“We are so incredibly grateful to every single person who has supported us on our journey so far.”
For more products to help make your cycle easier, check out our top picks for period undies and period swimwear, plus tips to ease period pain, according to a doctor.
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