Meet the wonderful team of ladybugs. Each passionate and dedicated beyond measure.
Gigi Ady
Lucy Chen
Gabby Flores
Amy "Drea" Dorman
Who is The Ladybug?
My name is Crystal Arellano and I am the Founder of The Ladybugs Movement. I graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with my Masters in Social Work and Public Health. I am currently pursuing my career as a medical social worker at a Southern California hospital.
Crystal Arellano
The Story Behind the Inspiration
For the past 3 years I've had a deep desire to give back and create something meaningful in communities. Through these years I've traveled, volunteered, and learned so much beyond textbooks.
In July 2016, I found that 'spark' and created something that incorporated the concepts of womanhood, homelessness, public health, and the community of Los Angeles.
My latest trip to Cuba put all of these ideas together. It was a busy day in Havana, and without a proper notice (as always), you can already guess what happened; THAT moment. Yes, I started my period. I was very unprepared, no stash in my purse, without any CUC's (Cuban pesos), no ATM access (because it's Cuba), hours away from our hotel and basically in a "crisis". Now I know I must not be the only woman who has been in this situation, so that is why this moment turned out to be so magical.
I had no other option than to turn around and secretly ask the ladies who were with me. "Do you have a pad or a tampon?" Anything to save me from my embarrassment. It didn't take long for all the ladies to get together, spread the word in secret and within 5 minutes hand me a hand-full of feminine hygiene products. Different colors and sizes of pads, tampons, and panty liners. It was beautiful. When handing me this they said "here, this is from all of us, choose your kind" and that's when I thought "this is it!!!!" It took 5 minutes for these beautiful ladies to get together, spread the word and help me out in a time of need.
It made me think deeper. I thought about how woman menstruate every month. About our constant need for feminine hygiene products. Then, I thought, what about those who can't afford them or those who can't access them.
It was also during this moment when I realized the privilege that I had. I had people around me who I can ask for help and I also knew that they would have the resources to help me. Not everyone has this! Not everyone has friends they can ask, a place to receive these products, an opportunity to buy these products for themselves or have the joy to help someone else in need.
For all these reasons and more is why this movement means so much to me. I used my embarrassing moment to think deeper about our womanhood, hygiene, health and vulnerable populations.
For that moment in Havana, Cuba I was the one in need, tomorrow it can be someone else or one day even you.
That was the start of The Ladybugs Movement.
The creation of the logo came about much later. First and foremost, ladybugs are so unique and rare. They have been my favorite since I can remember. I used to climb my guava tree as a child and collect so many ladybugs to bring inside my house in a jar. Wishing that they wouldnt get away because I never knew when I would be lucky enough to find more. With The Ladybugs Movement, I wish that we can provide women the same happiness ladybugs have always gave me. And, not just luck for a day, but throughout their time of need.
I chose to include 3 ladybugs to symbolize the unity and love I have with my sisters. The two of them have continued to motivate and inspire me to pursue my dreams. Therefore, I owe my dedication and passion to them for setting such a great example.