EP14: Priya Downes, Founder and CEO of Nudea, a B Corp Certified underwear and sleepwear brand

In this episode of the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, host Jo welcomes Priya Downes, the founder and CEO of Nudea, an ethical and sustainable underwear and sleepwear brand. Priya shares her inspiring journey from working at the World Bank and luxury fashion houses like Chanel and Burberry, to launching and growing Nudea. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to focus on creating comfortable, well-fitting bras and sleepwear, the challenges faced, and how thorough research and customer feedback were instrumental in shaping her brand. Priya also delves into the strategic pivots Nudea has made, including their approach to online and retail sales, the importance of diverse and realistic marketing, and the role of innovation in their product offerings. The episode ends with Priya sharing her "3-2-1" list: three things worth every penny, two things she wishes she'd done differently, and one person she'd like to thank for their support.

00:00 Introduction to the Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:14 Meet Priya Downes: From World Bank to Nudea

00:52 The Birth of Nudea: A Journey into Underwear

03:22 Challenges and Innovations in Bra Shopping

03:55 Building a Brand: Research and Customer Engagement

07:08 Marketing Strategies and Model Representation

13:49 Launching Nudea: From Idea to Reality

19:10 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges

24:05 Embracing Failure and Pivoting

24:55 Navigating the Pandemic

25:34 Retail Partnerships and Challenges

27:34 Digital Marketing Strategies

30:57 Expanding into Sleepwear

34:14 Personal Motivation and Legacy

36:20 Final Insights and Reflections

Priya's 3, 2, 1s:

3 things you've invested in that have been worth every penny:

1. Childcare, I could not have built the business without help

2. Investing in the business myself, I am the majority shareholder for now

3. A good book keeper tat help me keep financial control 

2 things you wish you could have done differently

1. I had been clearer about my exit strategy from the beginning 

2. I wish I had started 10 years earlier

1 person you'd like to thank:

James Eden, and early angel investor who really saw her vision - which considering he is a man and has no experience in this space gave me a lot of confidence. 

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Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: [email protected]

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith
Contact: [email protected]
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com