Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Helya Mohammadian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Helya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Slick Chicks we pride ourselves on being much more than just a clothing brand in the fashion industry. We are a mission-driven company founded by a woman, and our journey began with a real story that has shaped every aspect of our brand. Our primary mission is to make fashion accessible to everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or background. We firmly believe that everyone deserves to express their unique style and feel confident in what they wear. We are committed to designing clothing that is not only fashionable but also comfortable and functional, catering to diverse bodies and needs. Our brand was born out of personal experience and a genuine desire to create a positive impact. My journey started after seeing my sister struggle with bending over to get dressed following an invasive surgery. Not wanting to see her in so much pain, I searched the internet for accessible products for her. I was astonished to find that the market was full of sterile, medical products. Think adult diapers. How can anyone feel confident or dignified wearing those? My sister’s struggle inspired me to build a brand that would address these gaps in the market and empower others facing similar challenges. When I started the company, I listened to our community and understood the unique pain points they encountered while shopping for clothing. Through empathy and innovation, we crafted each piece with attention to detail, ensuring that every garment serves a purpose and makes a positive impact in someone’s life. Community lies at the heart of everything we do. We have cultivated a warm and welcoming space where everyone feels heard, valued, and celebrated. At the end of the day, it’s not just about selling a product, it’s about putting people first, showing empathy, and finding a solution to a real problem. Behind every purchased product is a real person with a real story and a very real need Our mission, our real story, and the supportive community we have built define the essence of Slick Chicks, and this is what sets us apart from other brands.
Helya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In 1985, me and my family immigrated to Ruston, LA from Iran. I was 2-years-old at the time. My parents made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to seek asylum in the United States due to the Iran-Iraq War causing their freedoms to be taken away. My family lived in a tiny mobile home and we initially struggled to learn the language and to create a new life. My mother and father worked tirelessly to provide. My mom worked as a hair stylist for many years until she opened her own salon. Entrepreneurship runs in the family! My parents continuously encouraged hard work, education and independence in us. Their sacrifices and courage have been a true testament to the American Dream. I was always passionate about fashion and dreamed of living in New York City as a fashion designer. After countless late nights and steadfast grit in college, my dreams of moving to New York came true. I was accepted into The Fashion Institute of Technology. After graduating from F.I.T, I spent several years as a personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman. I worked with famous celebrities, well-known socialites and the “who’s who” of New York’s Upper East Side. Graduating from F.I.T., a career in fashion felt like a natural fit, but I began to feel like something was missing. The high fashion, big money environment was leaving me unfulfilled. This is when I decided to go back to the drawing board to make my own magic happen. At the time, my sister Rana was recovering from a debilitating C-Section. In order to help with her recovery, I began researching accessible clothing. In my search for an alternative to adult diapers, I quickly realized there were no options on the market. So I decided to create my own design for adaptive underwear and Slick Chicks was born. From the very beginning, our mission has been to revolutionize the fashion industry by making it more inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities or challenges. We believe that fashion is not just about clothing; it’s a powerful means of self-expression and a reflection of one’s identity. However, traditional fashion often falls short of addressing the diverse needs of people with varying physical abilities. For me, this venture is deeply personal.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
From the very beginning, our mission was clear: to create a space within the fashion industry where everyone feels seen, heard, and represented. We understood the challenges faced by individuals seeking adaptive clothing that seamlessly combines comfort, style, and functionality. Inspired by the stories and experiences of those in the adaptive community, we embarked on a path of innovation and collaboration. Through tireless research, design iteration, and close engagement with our customers, we have strived to craft apparel that not only meets physical needs but celebrates individuality. Our commitment to inclusive design has been the cornerstone of our reputation within the adaptive apparel market. By listening to the unique requirements of our customers, we’ve been able to develop garments that empower, inspire, and truly make a difference. Inclusion is more than a buzzword for us; it’s at the heart and soul of everything we do. Our design process is rooted in understanding the diverse body types, abilities, and preferences of our community. We collaborate with adaptive individuals, advocates, and experts to ensure that each piece we create is a testament to their stories and aspirations. Our reputation in the adaptive apparel market has been built on genuine empathy, a dedication to quality, and an unwavering commitment to progress. As a female-founded startup, we are proud to champion the spirit of innovation that pushes boundaries and redefines what is possible in the world of fashion.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
At Slick Chicks we believe that true success lies in the connections we forge with our customers. As a female-founded mission focused company, we’re dedicated to creating more than just clothing; we’re cultivating a community where inclusivity and accessibility are celebrated. One of the key ways we foster brand loyalty and keep in touch with our valued clients is through consistent communication. We understand that each individual’s needs and preferences are unique, and we’re committed to being accessible to our customers every step of the way. Our inbox is always open to you. Whether you have a question, feedback, or simply want to share your experience with our products, our team is here to listen. We also actively engage with our community on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. These spaces not only allow us to tell stories and share our designs and collections, but also provide a platform for meaningful conversations. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive online environment where everyone feels welcome. As a part of our commitment to our community, we offer exclusive content that goes beyond just product promotion. From behind-the-scenes glimpses into our design process to informative articles and resources, we strive to provide valuable insights that resonate with our communities interests and needs. with you on a more personal level. Slick Chicks is more than a clothing company; we’re a family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slickchicksonline.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slickchicksonline/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slickchicksonline
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slick-chicks/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/slickchicksnyc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@slickchicksonline
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/slickchicksny/
Image Credits
Roohi Photography