Fashion for All: Monique Bailey’s Crusade for Inclusive Lingerie
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
my journey to where I am today has been both challenging and rewarding. My story is rooted in a simple yet powerful realization – the lack of lingerie options that truly celebrated and complemented the beauty of curvy girls.
Growing up, I always had a passion for fashion and a keen interest in promoting body positivity. However, I noticed a significant gap in the lingerie market when it came to inclusive and stylish options for curvier women like myself. The majority of lingerie brands seemed to cater to a narrow definition of beauty, leaving many women feeling underserved and unrepresented. Driven by this observation, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I embarked on a journey to create a lingerie brand that not only embraced diversity in body shapes but also celebrated the unique beauty of curvy women. This endeavor was fueled by a desire to empower women to feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in their own skin.
The road wasn’t easy. I faced many challenges, from sourcing the right materials to navigating the complexities of the fashion industry. However, my commitment kept me going. I collaborated with talented designers who shared my vision and worked tirelessly to create lingerie pieces that combined style, comfort, and inclusivity.
Overcoming obstacles became a testament to the importance of representation and inclusivity in the fashion world. The result of this journey is Shop Unmentionables, a brand that not only provides high-quality lingerie but also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-love.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Absolutely, the journey to building a brand that celebrates and empowers curvy women has been filled with its share of challenges. One of the primary hurdles I faced was the resistance within the traditional beauty standards prevalent in the fashion industry. Convincing stakeholders that there was a significant market for inclusive lingerie and challenging the status quo required persistence and a strong belief in my vision.
Logistical challenges also presented themselves. Sourcing materials that met both quality and ethical standards was a meticulous process. I was determined to offer lingerie that not only looked and felt great but also adhered to ethical and sustainable practices. Navigating through the complexities of supply chains and ensuring the production met these criteria added an extra layer of difficulty.
Building a brand from the ground up meant I had to wear many hats – from a visionary and designer to a business strategist. Balancing the creative aspects with the business side of things demanded a steep learning curve. Financial constraints and the need for strategic partnerships were hurdles that required careful negotiation and perseverance.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
At ShopUnmentionables, our specialization lies in crafting lingerie that goes beyond the conventional norms, embracing the diversity of women’s bodies. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, quality, and the empowerment of women.
Our specialization revolves around creating lingerie that not only fits well but also makes every woman feel confident and beautiful. We understand that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and our designs reflect this ethos. From intricate lace details to comfortable yet stylish everyday wear, our collections are curated with the intention of celebrating the unique beauty of every woman.
Quality is at the forefront of our work. We go the extra mile to source materials that are not only luxurious but also sustainable and ethically produced. Our commitment to ethical practices extends from the sourcing of materials to the manufacturing process, ensuring that every piece we create is a conscious choice for both the wearer and the environment.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success?
Don’t give up. In the pursuit of success, you’ll undoubtedly face challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when things don’t go as planned. But remember, every successful journey is marked by resilience.
Embrace failure as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Learn from each setback, adjust your course, and keep moving forward. Success often lies just beyond the point where many choose to give up.
Surround yourself with a supportive network. Seek guidance from mentors who have walked similar paths. Share your dreams with those who believe in you, and let their encouragement fuel your determination.
Define your goals clearly, break them into manageable steps, and celebrate small victories along the way. Persistence is key, and those seemingly small wins build the foundation for more significant achievements.
Stay adaptable. Life is unpredictable, and success may come in forms you didn’t anticipate. Be open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to pivot if necessary.
Most importantly, believe in yourself. Trust your abilities and acknowledge that setbacks are not reflections of your worth. Success is a journey, not a destination, and your unwavering commitment to your goals will pave the way.
So, when the road gets tough, and it feels like giving up is the easiest option, remember this: Don’t give up. Your dreams are within reach, and your perseverance will be the driving force that propels you toward success.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
To me, success transcends mere achievement; it’s a deeply personal and evolving concept. It’s not solely about reaching a destination but embracing the journey and the growth that accompanies it.
Success means living authentically, aligning my actions with my values, and continually striving for personal and professional development. It’s about finding fulfillment in what I do, contributing positively to the world, and fostering meaningful connections with others.
It involves overcoming challenges, learning from failures, and using setbacks as opportunities for growth. Success isn’t a static state but a dynamic process of continuous improvement and resilience.
Moreover, success includes the ability to inspire and uplift those around me. Whether it’s through mentorship, collaboration, or simply leading by example, true success involves creating a positive impact on others and contributing to a collective journey of growth.
Ultimately, success, for me, is a holistic concept that encompasses well-being, purpose, and the pursuit of excellence in a way that adds value to my life and the lives of those I touch. It’s about finding a balance that nurtures personal happiness, professional achievement, and meaningful connections, creating a tapestry of a life well-lived.
What’s next for you?
For me, the journey is an exciting continuum of passion and purpose. The next chapter involves pouring even more creativity and dedication into ShopUnmentionables. My focus is on continuously adding alluring and empowering designs to our collection at https://shopunmentionables.com/. The mission remains steadfast – to ensure that curvy women everywhere have a diverse range of options that not only fit flawlessly but also make them feel irresistibly sexy. I believe that every woman deserves to wear lingerie that complements her curves and makes her embrace her beauty with confidence.
In the coming months, anticipate a fusion of style, comfort, and empowerment in our new designs. I’m committed to pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and redefining the standards of beauty in the lingerie industry. This isn’t just about fashion; it’s about fostering a movement where every woman feels seen, celebrated, and confident in her own skin.
So, stay tuned for the unveiling of our latest creations. I’m thrilled to continue this journey, empowering curvy women one exquisite lingerie piece at a time. There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to share it with our amazing community.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
I’d love to connect with you and share more about ShopUnmentionables! Feel free to explore our latest designs and collections on our website: ShopUnmentionables. You can also stay updated on our journey and be part of our community on Instagram at ShopUnmentionables_ and on Facebook at ShopUnmentionablesNow.
Your support means the world to us, and I look forward to connecting with you through our website and social media channels. Feel free to reach out, share your thoughts, or just join the conversation about celebrating beauty in all its diverse forms. Thank you for being a part of the ShopUnmentionables journey!
https://www.shopunmentionables.com/