We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mahwash Bhimjee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mahwash below.
Hi Mahwash, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Entrepreneurship & Confidence: Learning to Bet on Myself
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build, moment by moment, choice by choice. Looking back, I realize that every big leap I’ve taken, from moving countries to launching a business, has been about believing in myself just enough to take the next step.
I grew up in Pakistan in a household where my parents treated my brothers and I as equals. In a society where gender often dictates opportunities, they made sure I never felt that limitation. They instilled in me the belief that I was capable and I could go after what I wanted.
But confidence is tested when you’re pulled out of your comfort zone. When it came time for college, I faced my first real test—I chose to leave home and move to Canada. I had never experienced extreme cold, never lived alone, never had to navigate life in a new country. It was overwhelming at first. I was lonely, unsure of myself, and questioned whether I had made the right choice. But little by little, I figured things out. I made friends, learned how to take care of myself, and realized that I could build a life anywhere. That experience taught me a fundamental lesson: even when something feels impossible at first, I will find a way.
In 2020, I did it all over again. I moved to the U.S. with my husband, landing in San Francisco—a city I had never even visited before. But this time, I didn’t just have to adapt to a new country. I also started a business and became a mother, all within a short span of time.
I had spent years working in the intimates industry, and I knew I wanted to build a brand of my own – something that was centered around women and their experiences. But launching Meadow wasn’t easy. I knocked on countless doors, walking into boutiques with my bras in hand, hoping they would take a chance on me. Many said no and there were moments of doubt—about myself, my product, my ability to make this work. But with every rejection, I reminded myself: if I don’t believe in what I’ve built, why would anyone else?
Eventually, the yeses started coming. More and more boutiques began carrying Meadow, and now, we’re stocked in 20 retailers across the country and continuing to grow. Every order, every repeat customer, every woman who tells me our bras made a difference in her life reinforces what I’ve always known deep down:confidence isn’t about the absence of doubt—it’s about pushing forward despite it, betting on yourself even when the odds feel uncertain, and trusting that you’ll figure it out—just like you always have.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Spreading the Word About Meadow
I’m Mahwash Bhimjee, the founder of Meadow, a brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed intimates that support women through life’s many transitions. My background in the intimates industry, combined with a deeply personal experience, led me to launch Meadow.
The idea for Meadow was sparked when a loved one was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I saw firsthand how difficult it was to find mastectomy bras that were comfortable, beautiful, and truly supportive—both physically and emotionally. I realized that so many women, whether due to surgery, treatment, or simply body changes, struggle to find bras that feel good. I wanted to change that.
What Makes Meadow Special?
What excites me most about Meadow is that it isn’t just another lingerie brand—it’s built with care, community, and real women’s experiences in mind. Our bras are designed to be incredibly soft, wire-free, and gentle on sensitive skin, with front closures that make dressing easier. But beyond the product itself, Meadow is about empowerment—helping women feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, no matter what they’re going through.
Unlike mainstream brands that prioritize trends over function, we create intimates that truly put women first. We also partner with small boutiques, clinicians, and advocacy groups to ensure women who need our bras the most can find them.
What’s Next for Meadow?
There’s so much in the works! Some exciting things we’re focusing on include:
Expanding our retailer partnerships so more women can discover Meadow in their local boutiques and wellness spaces.
Growing our clinician affiliate program, partnering with physical therapists and lymphedema specialists who work closely with women recovering from surgery and treatment.
Continuing to build our community, collaborating with survivors, advocates, and organizations that align with our mission.
At the heart of it all, Meadow is more than just a brand—it’s a movement to make comfort, confidence, and care accessible to all women.
If you’d like to follow along or try Meadow for yourself, you can find us at www.meadowforall.com and on Instagram @meadowforall.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three Most Important Skills & Areas of Knowledge
Looking back, three skills and areas of knowledge have been the most impactful in shaping my journey as an entrepreneur and building Meadow:
1. Product Development & Industry Expertise:
Understanding every technical detail about my product was crucial to making Meadow successful. From my years in the intimates industry, I learned about fabric selection, fit, construction, and the needs of different body types—knowledge that became the foundation of Meadow’s designs. I also gained insight into the retail journey, how buyers think, and what makes a product truly sellable.
Advice: Whatever industry you’re in, become an expert. Study the technical aspects of your product or service, learn the production process, and understand the customer journey inside and out. The more expertise you have, the more confident you’ll be in selling and scaling your business.
2. Marketing & Brand Positioning:
A great product means nothing if no one knows about it. One of the most valuable skills I developed over the years is knowing how to position a brand, market a product, and communicate its value. I learned how to craft messaging that resonates with customers, leverage PR opportunities, and build a strong brand identity. This skill has been key in getting Meadow into 20+ retailers and growing our online presence.
Advice: If you’re just starting out, invest time in learning marketing. Study digital marketing, branding, content creation, and consumer psychology. Even if you eventually hire a marketing team, knowing how to position and promote your own brand is invaluable.
3. Sales & Business Development
Sales isn’t just about transactions—it’s about storytelling and relationship-building. I had to learn how to pitch Meadow not only to boutique buyers but also to customers through my online presence—my website, social media, and brand messaging. Every touchpoint is designed to make customers feel seen, understood, and connected to the brand.
Advice: Whether selling to buyers or customers, craft a brand experience that resonates emotionally. It’s not just about what your product does—it’s about how it makes people feel.
Final Thoughts
Mastering product expertise, marketing, and sales has been the backbone of Meadow’s growth. If you’re early in your journey, focus on building these skills—know your industry inside out, learn how to market effectively, and sharpen your ability to sell. These three areas will help you build a brand that not only survives but thrives.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Meadow is an inclusive brand focused on building a strong, supportive community. We’re always looking to collaborate with individuals and organizations in the women’s health space—whether you’re a advocate, clinician, wellness expert, or a brand that shares our mission of empowering women.
If you’re interested in working together, let’s connect! You can reach out via our website www.meadowforall.com or DM us on Instagram @meadowforall. We’d love to hear from you! 💛
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meadowforall.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/meadowforall
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/meadowforall
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meadowforall
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.