Pill Management Made Perfectly Pleasurable (Win!)

We’ve been there: multiple pills to take, and no decent (read: smart and stylish) way to store, organize or remember to actually take them. Enter Loba: a pill organizer that’s set to fit your home and take pressure off your busy schedule. The idea for Loba was conceived when founder Kate Bouchard was starting her own wellness journey in her late 20s. After some health challenges, Kate began a naturopathic treatment plan that included a wide range of vitamins, medications and supplements. When looking for a way to keep track of all of them, she couldn’t find a pill organizer to suit both her needs and aesthetic, let alone one that reminded her to take them. We chatted with Kate to learn more. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create Loba, a brand focused on stylish and functional pill organizers, and how did you identify the need for this product in the market?

I was inspired to create Loba based on my personal experience with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, and a thyroid imbalance. These health challenges were impacting my ability to get pregnant, and like one in six women worldwide, I struggled to conceive.

I began working with a naturopath and added supplementation to my routine, alongside a thyroid medication. When I went to find something to organize them in, there was nothing that fit my needs. Traditional organizers didn’t hold enough pills, remind me to take them, or look nice in my space. And to be honest, I associated traditional organizers found in the pharmacy with the elderly, which didn’t represent who I am as a user.

It made me feel like something wrong with me, which is the last thing you need when struggling to conceive. I learned that there was an entire segment of sophisticated customers — those who invest in their wellness, their homes, and themselves — who were being ignored! So, I created Loba.

As a founder, it’s been amazing to hear how we are making a positive difference in the lives of our customers. Many are dealing with infertility, hormone challenges, chronic illness, or are neurodivergent, and they want something that both looks good and feels good to use.

Loba’s Smart Pill Organizers are designed to be both practical and visually appealing. Can you walk us through the design process and how you balance aesthetics with functionality?

My goal with Loba was to create a product that looked great in your space and that you could display with pride. Having a background in design, aesthetics are important to me in both the spaces I choose to occupy, and the products I chose to bring into my home. I worked with architects and furniture designers on initial stages of inspiration curation and material exploration to ensure we were creating something that added to the aesthetics of one’s home, while also meeting functional needs of our audience. The early design process was my favourite part of developing Loba.

What challenges did you face when developing Loba, especially when it comes to ensuring they are user-friendly and durable for everyday use?

I had never designed nor manufactured a physical product before, so there was a ton of learning and research that went into the process. It could be overwhelming at times. Luckily, I surrounded myself with the right people and was determined to bring my vision to life!

Loba bring a touch of luxury to a traditionally utilitarian product. Why do you think it’s important to elevate everyday health-related items, and how does this impact users’ experiences?

When the items in our life are beautiful, we are encouraged to use them more! This is true whether it’s a new fit you feel great in helping you get to the gym, or having a gorgeous pill organizer on your counter that enhances the style of your home. We use this psychology to create and elevate healthy daily habits, including taking your pills and supplements. I’ve heard from customers that just seeing Loba light up when it’s time to take their pills, or receiving a warm, encouraging notification on their phone, creates a positive experience that encourages continued healthy behaviours.

Sustainability and ethical production are increasingly important to consumers. How does Loba incorporate these principles into the materials and manufacturing of your pill organizers?

At Loba, we are committed to leaving this world a better place than we found it, and have outlined our Contribution Philosophy for all to see on our website. Our approach focuses on working with manufacturers who adhere to ethical standards, and on contributing in our communities in the areas of mental health, gender equality, and sustainability. Personally I am passionate about mentoring women in business, and support numerous charitable causes, including volunteering with the Looking Glass Foundation and raising money to send 6 girls through the BeYOUtiful Foundation’s confidence programs.

As the business grows, I’m excited about the positive impact we can make.

What’s one thing you’re working on at the moment that’s exciting you?

Right now I’m most excited about having partnered with Oko Strategy and BEAU Salon in Yaletown, Vancouver on an upcoming VIP event collaboration that is anchored in the connection between wellness and beauty. What’s happening with your hair and skin health is often indicative of what’s going on inside. Consistency in self-care—through supplements, wellness routines, and hair and skin care—helps build beauty from the inside out!

Win! A $175 Loba Smart Pill & Supplement Organizer in BLACK!

Congrats Lisa P. of Toronto, ON, who will receive a $175 Loba Smart Pill & Supplement Organizer in BLACK! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.