Pemlab: Women’s Wellness Boutique Secures Investment & Plans Expansion

A new retail concept focused entirely on women’s health and wellness has emerged in Paris, born from founder Léa Deturche’s personal frustration with the lack of dedicated spaces for female-specific needs. Pemlab, which opened in 2023, aims to fill this gap by offering a curated selection of products alongside consultations in naturopathy, psychology, and holistic medicine.

A Growing Venture

The impetus for Pemlab came from Deturche’s own search for menstrual underwear, which highlighted a broader absence of retail spaces catering specifically to women’s wellbeing. The business is already expanding its offerings beyond curated products to include its own line of goods, beginning with a range of herbal teas designed for stress relief, menstrual discomfort, and support during preconception.

Did You Know? Pemlab’s founder, Léa Deturche, identified a complete absence of retail spaces dedicated to women’s health and wellness in Paris prior to launching the business in 2023.

Deturche has partnered with three associates, including singer Lorie Pester, who brings a personal connection to the mission. Pester, who has faced challenges with endometriosis, adenomyosis, egg freezing, IVF, and ultimately a hysterectomy, believes artists have a responsibility to advocate for causes they believe in. She stated that Pemlab is working to address “40 years of delay” in prioritizing women’s health.

Seeking Investment for Expansion

Pemlab is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy, initially planning to open three to five company-owned stores before transitioning to a franchise model. On February 12th, the founders appeared on the television programme “Qui veut être mon associé?” seeking 100,000 euros for a 10% stake in the company.

a deal was struck with Jean-Michel Karam, who negotiated a 15% equity share for the investment. Deturche emphasized the value of Karam’s experience in the beauty and wellness sectors, as well as his established network and franchise expertise. The team is already collaborating with Karam’s team and has begun creating promotional content together.

Expert Insight: The willingness of an entrepreneur to cede equity in exchange for expertise and a network suggests a strategic focus on scaling the business efficiently, rather than maintaining complete control. This is a common trade-off for startups aiming for rapid expansion.

With the new investment, Pemlab intends to expand its product line and increase its marketing efforts. Beyond the existing teas, the company plans to introduce dietary supplements to its offerings.

Future Growth Projections

Pemlab’s financial projections indicate significant growth potential. The company reported 280,000 euros in revenue in 2025 and anticipates 350,000 euros in 2026, 2 million euros in 2028, and 5 million euros in 2029. The founders envision expanding their presence throughout France and internationally.

The initial focus for expansion within France will be major cities like Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris, Lille, and Marseille over the next three years. Looking further ahead, Pemlab could potentially expand into Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal within five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the creation of Pemlab?

Léa Deturche created Pemlab after realising there were no dedicated retail spaces in Paris focused on women’s health and wellbeing.

Who is involved in the Pemlab venture?

Pemlab was founded by Léa Deturche and currently includes three associates, one of whom is singer Lorie Pester.

What are Pemlab’s future plans?

Pemlab plans to open more stores, potentially through franchising, and expand its product line, with a goal of reaching 5 million euros in revenue by 2029 and expanding internationally.

As Pemlab looks to expand its reach, how might a dedicated focus on women’s wellness reshape the retail landscape?