About this episode
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 Podcast00:14 Meet Priya Downes: From World Bank to Nudea00:52 The Birth of Nudea: A Journey into Underwear03:22 Challenges and Innovations in Bra Shopping03:55 Building a Brand: Research and Customer Engagement07:08 Marketing Strategies and Model Representation13:49 Launching Nudea: From Idea to Reality19:10 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges24:05 Embracing Failure and Pivoting24:55 Navigating the Pandemic25:34 Retail Partnerships and Challenges27:34 Digital Marketing Strategies30:57 Expanding into Sleepwear34:14 Personal Motivation and Legacy36:20 Final Insights and ReflectionsPriya'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 help2. Investing in the business myself, I am the majority shareholder for now3. A good book keeper tat help me keep financial control 2 things you wish you could have done differently1. I had been clearer about my exit strategy from the beginning 2. I wish I had started 10 years earlier1 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. Support the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change. Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneurContact: enquiries@
