We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Delgado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, thanks for joining 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

Not Only Pants started during a very difficult time of my life. Right after a car crash left me with a spine injury that turned everything upside down. There I was, trying to find my footing again in the middle of weight changes, endless physical therapy sessions, and feeling really low.

I needed leggings that did more than just fit. I was after something that made me feel good about myself, hugged me in all the right places, and kinda said, “Hey, it’s okay. You’re doing great” every time I put them on.

I had no idea how to get started and I was swamped with doubts. “Who am I to do this?” “Is this even a sane idea?”

I spent the next three years buried in research, hunting down the perfect fabric, and figuring out how to make leggings that everyone would love, not just wear.

I watched countless videos, read articles, went to conferences, and took online courses on e-commerce and marketing. Along the way, I found some amazing and talented people who lent their brains and hearts to help me.

We started from the ground up, bootstrapping our way with a basic website. My family and friends became the first models of our designs, and our first customers too. We even gave away our first batch of leggings to get the word out. And just like that, Not Only Pants was no longer just an idea; it was real.

Looking back, it’s wild to think about how far we’ve come. Not Only Pants is so much more than leggings. It’s about bouncing back, finding your tribe, and rocking what you’ve got.

Every pair we make carries a bit of this journey, a reminder that with a dash of crazy, a heap of hard work, and some solid support, you can make magic happen.

Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About me:

I was born in Colombia, raised in the Netherlands, and immigrated to the United States at 20 years old when my dad suffered a stroke shortly after we moved to the States, flipping our world on its head. My brother and I worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. I was, juggling jobs at CVS, Ikea, and wherever else I could, all while dreaming of a life where I wouldn’t have to clock in and out for someone else.

Brazilian Jiu jIts was my escape and my revelation. It was there, where my instructor at the time needed help with his digital presence, and I dove headfirst into the world of marketing, website design, social media, google with nothing but a basic grasp of WordPress and a ton of dedication, spending time in forums and learning from friends who knew how to code.

Fast forward through years of learning, freelancing, and then diving deep into the martial arts world with my who is now my husband, opening and operating Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools.

It was after a car crash a couple years a later, that the seed for Not Only Pants was planted.

-What type of products I provide:

The most comfortable and flattering leggings, capris and shorts designed for women of all shapes, sizes and for every occasion (S-5XL).

Our promise to our customers is simple: Products that make you feel confident, no matter what your day holds. From hitting the gym, running errands, to lounging at home, we’ve their back!

-what you think sets you apart from others:

We are a 100% female team and our mission to redefine the way women experience fashion. We understand that true confidence begins when you feel comfortable in your own skin. Thats why our products aren’t just about comfort; they’re about empowering women to embrace their unique beauty and feel unstoppable every day. We celebrate inclusivity, ensuring that every woman, regardless of size, can find leggings that fit and flatter her.

-What are you most proud off?

Staying loyal to our core values is our badge of honor. Authenticity is the heartbeat of our brand, and we are committed to showcase real women just as they are, radiating confidence in our leggings. You wont find retouched images and unrealistic beauty standards. We believe that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and our brand reflects that belief.

Our models? They’re the everyday heroes among us—stay-at-home moms, dedicated professionals, spirited athletes, loving sisters, devoted wives, and cherished grandmothers.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There’s an abundance of free resources available that can foster growth for any of us, but I’ve found that the real magic lies in identifying actionable strategies. The following tools have been instrumental in shaping my approach to productivity and management:

Pomodoro Technique: This has been a game-changer for maintaining high productivity levels and staying within my optimal work zone. By working in focused sprints and taking scheduled breaks, I can recharge and move my body.

Themed Days: Structuring my week around specific focus areas has streamlined my workflow remarkably. I dedicate Mondays to administrative tasks, Tuesdays for unleashing my creativity, and Fridays serve as a reflective pause, allowing me to indulge in personal rituals like enjoying a book at my favorite cafe. This division helps maintain clarity and momentum throughout the week.

Delegating to a Team: Embracing the role of a visionary rather than micromanaging every aspect has been crucial. Starting with just a virtual assistant or a freelancer for a few hours each week can significantly lighten your workload, enabling you to concentrate on strategic priorities. Building a team allows me to leverage my strengths, and being the captain of my ship instead of navigating it all by myself.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn is my understanding of success. My journey has taught me that success doesn’t look the same for everyone; it’s deeply personal and uniquely defined.

I learned to cherish the small victories just as much as the big wins, realizing that success is a matter of perspective, and is connected with how much you grow as a person.. As I evolved, so did my business.

I learned that grit and resilience are not just things that one day you decided to have; they are qualities that you work on everyday. There are days you move one step forward and there are other days you might have to take one step back in order to take two forward. You learn to work around the obstacles.

Adopting the mindset of a white belt, always eager to learn and be coached, has been instrumental. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you come, there’s always room to grow, learn, and improve. This approach has not just shaped me as an individual but has fundamentally influenced how I view and measure success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notonlypants.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notonlypants/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notonlypants
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDeU81aGF9ScObDX4qaKAQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Ashley Heden @ashleyjadephotographyllc