Giving Tuesday: Hoopsy’s Story of Hope and Gratitude
That spirit of giving is what inspired me to join Pledge 1%, making a commitment to give back in recognition of all I have received.
Hoopsy was born out of a deeply personal experience that sparked an unexpected discovery. After two failed embryo transfers during an IVF journey, I found myself reflecting on hope, resilience, and, surprisingly, waste. The IVF process, in particular, ovulation and pregnancy testing, meant to bring life, was creating another kind of problem: plastic waste. Every test I used, even for only a few minutes, added to a growing environmental burden. The realization that millions of women went through the same thing I did every month was sobering: a joyful and intimate process for many was silently contributing to a global plastic crisis. Determined to change that, I founded Hoopsy in 2021.
The name Hoopsy comes from the old Dutch word hoop, meaning “hope.” It symbolizes the optimism of trying to start a family and the perseverance required to navigate life’s challenges, the hoops we all jump through to achieve our dreams.
Hoopsy’s mission is ambitious yet necessary: to create sustainable, plastic-free diagnostic tests and set a new industry standard for environmental responsibility.
In 2022 and with immense support from so many people, we launched the world’s first 99% plastic-free pregnancy test in the UK. But the journey did not stop there. In pursuit of total sustainability, in 2025, I relocated to the United States to lead the development of a 100% plastic-free pregnancy test, currently undergoing clinical testing for FDA approval, expected by July 2026. Alongside this innovation, Hoopsy is pioneering an eco-friendly packaging solution to ensure every part of the testing experience aligns with our mission of protecting the planet.
Through Hoopsy, I am redefining what hope looks like, not only for those dreaming of parenthood but also for a world striving to live more sustainably.
Most importantly, giving back has been at the core of our business model. Thanks to Pledge 1%, we have been able to donate over 20,000 plastic-free pregnancy tests to university students in the UK, making a direct impact on young women’s lives. Each donation is a way to return the generosity I have experienced throughout my startup journey, creating a cycle of support and empowerment.
As Hoopsy grows, our commitment to community and sustainability remains stronger than ever. This Giving Tuesday, and every day, we celebrate the power of giving, the connections we build, and the positive difference a founder can make by paying forward the support they have received.
