We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mahwash Bhimjee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mahwash below.

Alright, Mahwash thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

When I first had the idea for Meadow, I knew there was a real need for soft, comfortable bras designed for women going through changed in their body after surgery and treatment. But having the idea was just the beginning—the real challenge was figuring out how to turn it into a reality.

The first major hurdle was manufacturing. I needed to find a factory that could produce high-quality intimates, but launching during COVID made that even harder. Many manufacturers turned me down because my order quantities were too small. I kept reaching out until finally, a factory I had worked with in the past agreed to take a chance on me. From there, I worked with a technical designer to create prototypes and sent samples to survivors for feedback. Their insights were invaluable—they helped refine the fit, comfort, and function of the bras, making sure they truly met their needs.

Once the product was ready, I launched Meadow, thinking that the hardest part was behind me. But I quickly realized that having a great product wasn’t enough—building brand awareness was an entirely different challenge. In today’s competitive market, small businesses can’t rely solely on paid ads to reach customers. I had to find other ways to get Meadow in front of the right people.

I started working with content creators and advocacy organizations that aligned with Meadow’s mission. I built relationships with nonprofits and support groups, knowing that trust was key to reaching the women who needed our products most. I also took a hands-on approach to retail, knocking on the doors of every boutique in the Bay Area, pitching Meadow in person, and convincing store owners to take a chance on a small brand. At first, it was difficult—many were hesitant to stock a new product. But over time, as people saw the quality of the bras and the impact they had, trust began to grow.

The journey from idea to execution wasn’t easy, but every challenge pushed me to think creatively and find new ways to build Meadow. Looking back, the key to getting here wasn’t just having a great product—it was persistence, community-building, and a willingness to keep knocking on doors, even when they didn’t open right away.

Mahwash, 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?

I’m Mahwash, the founder of Meadow, a brand dedicated to creating comfortable, stylish, and supportive intimates for women experiencing body changes due to treatments, surgery, and sensitive skin. My journey into this space was deeply personal—Meadow was born out of my own family’s experience. When a family member was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, I saw firsthand how difficult it was to find soft, functional, and beautiful bras. That experience, combined with my background in the intimates industry, led me to create a brand that prioritizes comfort and care.

At Meadow, we focus on softness, front closures, and breathable fabrics—essentials that help women feel supported through life’s transitions. More than just a product, Meadow is built around a community-driven approach. We collaborate with advocacy groups such as The Breasties, For the Breast of Us, and the Young Survival Coalition who support women facing breast cancer, especially women of color and younger survivors. Additionally, we work alongside clinicians, physical therapists, and advocates to ensure our products meet real needs.

Beyond lingerie, we are committed to uplifting and connecting women through advocacy, partnerships, and meaningful conversations. Whether it’s through collaborations, sponsorships, or resources, we want every woman to feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Meadow is more than a brand—it’s a support system. Our mission is to ensure that no woman has to navigate these challenges alone.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, I work directly with a factory to manufacture my products. When I launched Meadow during COVID, finding the right partner was challenging—many factories rejected me due to my small order quantities. But I persisted, reaching out to a factory I had worked with years ago. After multiple follow-ups, they agreed to a small production run.

I worked closely with a technical designer to create prototypes, which were tested on survivors to ensure the best fit. There was a lot of back-and-forth, and we made sure that quality was never compromised. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that choosing the right manufacturing partner is everything—expertise, reliability, and commitment to quality make all the difference. Manufacturing, especially in intimates, requires patience, negotiation, and attention to every detail. In the end, taking the time to refine my product led to a bra that people truly love.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for Meadow has been a mix of strategic collaborations, community partnerships, and word of mouth. As a self-funded, bootstrapped business, we focus on creative, organic ways to reach our audience.

Partnering with nonprofits and advocacy groups is at the heart of what we do, allowing us to connect with women who need our products while fostering a strong, supportive community. We’re also building referrals from medical professionals—plastic surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, and certified lymphedema therapists—whose recommendations add credibility and help patients find the support they need.

Additionally, media features, brand collaborations, and community events have kept us visible across multiple touchpoints. Rather than relying solely on ads, we focus on ensuring potential customers hear about Meadow through trusted voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meadowforall.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/meadowforall
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowforall
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meadowforall

Image Credits

– Mariah Crenshaw
– Michelle Kang
– Katie Thompson