Iceni Warrior Interview: Alice Pelton
Alice Pelton is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Lowdown, the world's first review platform for contraception. She studied at the London School of Economics, before working in strategy and product management at the publisher News UK. She set up The Lowdown in 2019, and is based in London.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Everything! From a policewoman to an artist - there were very few jobs that I wasn’t interested in. My difficulty was choosing which one to pursue.
What has been one of your proudest moments and why?
Probably raising our recent round of investment for The Lowdown. Like many people, 2020 and the start of 2021 had been a difficult time. Getting through it and persuading some brilliant investors to back The Lowdown with their money at that point was a huge turning point.
What is the scariest thing you've ever done?
I made a decision and had to have a very difficult conversation with someone that had very difficult and expensive consequences.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Tea. I drink this stinky stuff called Lapsang Souchong, mixed with English Breakfast. When I was travelling I had to carry it around the world with me.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You can’t change people. Spend money on holidays. Nothing is ever as good or as bad as you think it will be.
What is one sport or skill you wish you could master?
Having a poker face.
What movie or TV show would you recommend?
The Wire
What is something you are scared of?
Urinary tract infections
If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?
Would love the ability to be someone else for a day - see what the world is like from their eyes and perspective
How do you find strength when you are going through difficult times?
Exercise and calling my mum
Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
My Aunt. She is a very successful businesswoman who showed me what hard work and high standards look like.
At what age did you start your period, and was it a scary experience?
I started my period when I was 12 years old whilst I was on an Easter skiing holiday with my family. I remember going to the toilet whilst on the slopes and seeing this strange browny red stuff in my pants. I told my mum, and naturally she decided to embarrass me in front of my whole family and announce that I’d ‘laid an egg’. I have vivid memories of trying to figure out how to use sanitary towels on that holiday, and I struggled to use tampons for years.
What do you find the hardest to do whilst on your period?
I actually find things hardest the week before my period is due to start. I get really bad PMS and find my mood, appetite and even strange things like my sensitivity to sound changes! I often feel less social, and want to spend time alone doing boring repetitive tasks like cleaning. These feelings tend to lift a few days after my period starts.
Check out Alice's website The Lowdown and follow their Instagram here.