Cape Chappell
Blean – MICRO Fall 2024
Published July 9, 2025
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Cape Chappell, Co-Founder of Blean based in Raleigh, NC. Blean promotes sustainable and safe menstrual care for individuals who use menstrual cups and need to enhance the cleaning experience in public settings.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: At Blean, we’re solving the challenge of using menstrual cups in public, where privacy and cleanliness can be difficult. My journey as co-founder began with inspiration from my partner, Paula Leon, whose expertise in design perfectly complements my background in Health and Human Services. Together, this unique collaboration has led to the development of a product we believe can solve critical issues that have long been overlooked by the market.
Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?
A: What makes us most excited is the broad opportunity ahead. Due to neglect of public cleaning products in the market by big name menstrual companies, we understand the vast open space we can fill with innovation. I feel we are the first to address the public cleaning of menstrual cups systematically targeting many of the pain points users have voiced.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: The NC IDEA grant will lay the foundation for Blean, helping us validate our product and refine our business model. It provides access to invaluable mentorship for building strategic partnerships and connects us with a thriving entrepreneurial community. This support will be instrumental in kickstarting our journey and setting strong pillars for future growth.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
A: What I’ve enjoyed most is discovering how my strengths complement those of my co-founder. Through open collaboration and constant feedback, we’ve not only learned from each other but also developed new skills along the way. Together, we’ve built a strong partnership that allows us to tackle challenges head-on and move forward with confidence and resilience.
While visiting Raleigh, Cape recommends:
- I would suggest the authentic Italian restaurant “Tuscan Blu”, in downtown Raleigh. The owner Maurizio uses fresh organic products from local farms and is available everyday at his restaurant to make sure his vision of the Tuscan countryside is brought to each person who enters.
Support Blean and Cape by:
- Those reading this can support Blean by connecting us with community leaders and influential decision-makers who can amplify our mission. Follow us on social media, share our story, and help spread the word about our company. You can also become an early adopter and provide valuable feedback to help us refine our solution and make a greater impact.
