Miki Agrawal’s path to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur and the founder of the groundbreaking bidet company TUSHY is a story of resilience, passion, and the ability to transform personal experiences into impactful ventures. Her journey began on September 11, 2001, when she narrowly escaped the tragic events at the World Trade Center, where she was supposed to start a new job at Deutsche Bank. This life-altering experience prompted Agrawal to reassess her priorities and pursue her passions: soccer, film, and entrepreneurship.
Despite facing setbacks, such as tearing her ACL twice while playing semi-professional soccer, Agrawal remained undeterred. She channeled her energy into the film industry. Still, she soon found herself disillusioned with the unhealthy food options provided on set. This realization led her to establish WILD, a farm-to-table, gluten-free pizza restaurant in New York City, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey.
Agrawal’s next venture, THINX, revolutionized the feminine hygiene industry by introducing period-proof underwear. The idea for THINX came to her during a family reunion, where she and her twin sister, Radha, were defending their title in a three-legged race. When Radha got her period mid-race, Agrawal recognized the need for a more convenient and sustainable solution. THINX provided an innovative product and supported women in developing countries by donating reusable menstrual pads to schoolgirls in Uganda.
The creation of TUSHY, Agrawal’s bidet company, was inspired by her own struggles with health issues exacerbated by harsh toilet paper use. Determined to find a more hygienic and eco-friendly alternative, she designed a sleek, affordable bidet attachment that could easily be installed on existing toilets. TUSHY’s mission is to reduce the environmental impact of toilet paper production, promote better hygiene, and educate the public about the benefits of bidet use.
Agrawal’s marketing savvy and bold approach to advertising have played a significant role in TUSHY’s success. Agrawal fought back when the company’s artful yet provocative imagery ads were initially deemed “inappropriate” by the advertising agency responsible for New York City’s subway ads. She pointed out the hypocrisy of allowing advertisements that objectified women while rejecting those that promoted a product empowering them. Her persistence paid off, and the ads ran as initially submitted, sparking conversations about gender equality and the normalization of menstruation.
As a thought leader and sought-after speaker, Miki Agrawal continues to inspire others with her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social causes. Her best-selling books, “Do Cool Sh*t” and “Disrupt-Her,” serve as guides for aspiring innovators, encouraging them to question the status quo and create positive change in the world.
Agrawal’s success story is a testament to her ability to overcome adversity, think outside the box, and fearlessly pursue her goals. From surviving 9/11 to revolutionizing the bidet industry, her journey is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of entrepreneurship to make a difference in people’s lives. As TUSHY continues gaining traction and changing how Americans approach bathroom hygiene, Miki Agrawal stands as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that anything is possible with passion, determination, and a willingness to challenge societal norms.
