Meet Raven Mills. Virginia Solis Kamerie Crenshaw | Menstrual Health Educators & Advocates

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Mills. Virginia Solis Kamerie Crenshaw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven Mills. Virginia Solis, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing outsiders are probably unaware of about the menstrual health industry is the significant lack of education and resources available for young girls, especially in underserved communities. Many girls start their periods without truly understanding what’s happening to their bodies or how to manage their cycles confidently. This education gap not only leads to confusion and stigma but can also negatively impact their mental and physical health.

At Cycle Sisters Academy, we aim to change this by creating a safe, supportive environment where young girls can learn about their anatomy, menstrual cycles, and hygiene products in a way that is approachable and empowering. Our goal is to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and provide knowledge that promotes confidence and self-care. It’s not just about teaching them what they need to know—it’s about fostering a sense of pride and community as they grow into young women.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Cycle Sisters Academy, we are dedicated to educating and empowering young girls aged 8-15 about menstrual health, hygiene, and self-care. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and stigma-free environment where girls can learn about their anatomy, menstrual cycles, and the variety of products available—from pads and panty liners to tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties. We go beyond the basics by addressing common symptoms, such as cramps and acne, while also providing tips for comfort and self-care during their cycles.

What Sets Us Apart
What truly makes us unique is our holistic and inclusive approach. While many educational programs on this topic are surface-level or overly clinical, we focus on fostering confidence and community among the girls we serve. Our workshops are designed to be engaging, relatable, and empowering, allowing participants to connect with others their age while learning valuable information. We also provide free menstrual products to those in need, ensuring that no girl is left behind due to lack of access.

We’re particularly proud of offering free courses to underserved communities and involving parents in the process of creating an open dialogue at home. This emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity sets us apart in an industry that often overlooks the importance of education for both young girls and their families.

Our Journey: From an Idea to a Movement
Getting to where we are today has been anything but easy. When we started Cycle Sisters Academy, we faced several challenges, from breaking societal stigmas surrounding menstruation to finding the resources needed to offer free classes and products. However, we overcame these obstacles through perseverance, community support, and an unwavering belief in our mission.

One of our biggest turning points was partnering with incredible supporters like Terrell K. Porter of Opaque Motion Pictures, who has believed in us from the very beginning. His contributions—capturing our vision through stunning photos and videos—have helped us convey our message to a wider audience. Along the way, we’ve learned the value of teamwork, the power of storytelling, and the importance of staying true to our mission, even when the path forward felt unclear.

What We’re Most Proud Of
We are most proud of the impact we’ve made in the lives of the young girls we serve. Seeing them leave our workshops feeling more confident, informed, and empowered is the ultimate reward. We’re excited to continue expanding our reach, working towards a world where menstruation is no longer stigmatized but instead celebrated as a natural and beautiful part of life.

Lessons Learned
One of the most significant lessons we’ve learned is the importance of creating a supportive community—not just for our participants but also for ourselves. Building a business in a space that’s often overlooked or misunderstood requires resilience, creativity, and the ability to lean on others for ideas, encouragement, and motivation. We’ve also learned the value of adaptability; listening to feedback and being willing to adjust our programs has allowed us to better serve the girls and families in our community.

What We Want the World to Know
Cycle Sisters Academy is more than just an educational program—it’s a movement to break stigmas, empower young girls, and create lasting change. We believe that every girl deserves access to knowledge, resources, and support during one of the most transformative times in her life. Our story is rooted in passion, persistence, and a desire to make a difference. We want the world to know that periods are not something to be ashamed of—they’re a natural part of life, and with the right tools and education, every girl can embrace her journey with confidence.

Cycle Sisters Academy isn’t just about teaching—it’s about inspiring a generation of girls to understand their bodies, advocate for themselves, and grow into empowered young women. We’re proud to lead this charge and excited to see where this journey takes us next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Exploring the Best of LA

• Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at the iconic Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles for some classic LA comfort food or head to The Breakfast Club for a fresh and flavorful start to the morning.

• Morning Activity: Spend the morning at The Broad Museum checking out inspiring art. Take your time exploring and be sure to grab a photo at the famous Infinity Mirrored Room—it’s a must-see.

• Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Brazilian-inspired lunch at Bossa Nova. The food is flavorful, filling, and a great way to recharge for the day ahead.

• Afternoon Adventure: Get outdoors and hike to the Hollywood Sign. This trail is a mix of exercise and stunning views, plus it’s the perfect spot to take photos with one of LA’s most iconic landmarks.

• Shopping: After the hike, take it easy with a walk down Melrose Avenue. Check out the cool shops, find some vintage treasures, and take in the colorful street art that lines the area.

• Dinner: End the day with dinner at Toca Madera West Hollywood. The stylish atmosphere and delicious Mexican dishes make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the evening.

• Evening Fun: Finish off with a comedy show at The Comedy Store. This legendary venue always brings the laughs and is a great way to cap off a busy day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to dedicate our shoutout to Terrell K. Porter with Opaque Motion Pictures. Terrell has believed in us since day one, and his unwavering support has been instrumental in our success. He took our photos and videos, capturing the essence of our mission beautifully, and constantly contributes to our growth with creative ideas, words of encouragement, and support whenever we needed it.

His belief in Cycle Sisters Academy has not only boosted our confidence but also reminded us of the power of having someone in your corner who truly understands your vision. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done to help us bring our mission to life and create a positive impact in the lives of young girls. Thank you, Terrell, for being such an integral part of our journey!

Website: https://www.cyclesistersacademy.com/

Instagram: @cyclesistersacademy

Twitter: Cyclesisterss

Facebook: Cycle Sisters Academy

Other: TikTok- Cycle Sisters Academy

Image Credits
Photos by: Terrell K. Porter with Opaque Motion Pictures