Womaness Woman: Somi Javaid, MD

Interviews & Essays - January 19, 2022

By: Womaness Editors 4-Minute Read

Dr. Somi Javaid is living proof that a woman with a vision and a mission can change the world. She's dedicated her life to educating, advocating for, and empowering women, and from a quick look at her accomplishments, it's easy to see that that's exactly what she's done. Not only is she the founder and Chief Medical Officer of HerMD, the platform that makes exceptional female-focused healthcare (from women docs!) more accessible, she’s also changing the conversation both online and off.

She spoke about gender disparity in healthcare on the TEDx mainstage, was featured in Women on Topp as a trailblazer in women’s sexual health, and was most recently named a finalist for the Female Founders Alliance Champion Awards in the Advocate category. We’re honored to feature Dr. Javaid as a Womaness Woman—read on to get to know more about what keeps this powerhouse going behind the scenes.

First thing I do each morning

“Drink coffee—and if it's nice outside, I'll sit on my porch in the fresh air. I then go over my calendar, check email, and read the news. I also love to spend a little time with my family before everyone heads out for the day.”

Three things I always keep on my nightstand

“You'll always find these three things on my nightstand:

1. A book I am reading. I am an avid reader and will read anything from autobiographies to thrillers to historical fiction.

2. Water. Hydration is key! I always feel better when I am drinking water throughout the day. I can always tell when I am dehydrated—I have less energy and even my skin starts to feel thirsty.

3. My glasses. I'm always worn glasses and now that I am 46, I need readers as well. I love the fact that there are so many more options for women who are wearing readers that are functional and make you feel good as well.”

My go-to beauty hack or wellness ritual

“My beauty hack: sunscreen, vitamin C, and growth factor serum! I put sunscreen on every day—in the winter, in the fall, even when I am not in the sun. ZO Skin Health’s Growth Factor Serum is a must as well. My skin always feels nourished when I put it on. Also, it's important for me to move every day, laugh, and eat clean.”

My inner age (the age I really feel) and why

“It depends on the day! When I’m traveling and learning about new things, I feel like a kid. I have a lot of energy and passion with my work, so I feel like I’m 30. My kids and family will tell you that I oftentimes have more energy than them! Running a company requires lots of responsibility and I could not have made it without all the experiences that brought me here, so I feel every bit of 46. I’m proud of it.”

"Looking back at all I have learned and experienced—it all happened for a reason."

Advice I would give to my younger self

“Enjoy every moment along the way. Looking back at all I have learned and experienced—it all happened for a reason. It helped me to learn and grow, it made me the person I am today, and it led me to this incredible journey I am on now. Don’t allow noise to take up valuable headspace—your time is too important to let distractions get in the way of your dreams and goals.”

We don’t believe in “The Pause.” Tell us, what are you not pausing on?

“I founded HerMD, a women’s sexual health and menopause company on a mission to provide all women with access to exceptional healthcare. We are now poised to open centers across the country. I won’t stop until women have access to this type of healthcare and are free of stigma or shame. We are revolutionizing healthcare for women as we know it and are focused on educating, advocating for, and empowering women.”

Word that best describes your Womaness

“’Gristle’—Grit and Hustle. Being an entrepreneur and a woman takes a lot of grit and hustle. No one day is ever the same. Sometimes you rely more on your grit to get through tough meetings, and some days you have to hustle to get it all done. But—I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.”