By Catalina Girald, Founder and CEO, Naja

During my 18 months of backpacking through some of the most remote countries in the world, I was inspired by the women I met. I appreciated how each culture had its own way of sewing. It was a very social event where women gathered together and helped each other in different ways. I also admired that the women I met were so confident in their bodies. There was this sense of acceptance that I feel is missing in the United States. It led me to realize that if I had the right tools and resources, I could help inspire other women.

That’s why I started Naja: to empower women through lingerie and create a culture where women help each other. We did away with the everyday model approach (fake wind-blown hair) and created a brand that highlighted the everyday woman instead: smart, courageous and sexy.

We always want to make sure we're giving women what they want, as well as something different—something they wouldn’t typically see in a department store. Naja undergarments are therefore characterized by extreme attention to detail, similar to that found in luxury brands. Examples include memory foam cups so your bra won’t wrinkle when you travel, and interior prints for an extra special something. We think about what women want first and foremost, and the best part is we don’t believe you should have to pay $80+ for a high quality bra. Our goal is to democratize good underwear for everyone – and let every woman feel good in her body.

Underwear for a Purpose

Naja’s commitment to women extends beyond our customers. Through our partnership with the Golondrinas Foundation and our Underwear for Hope program, Naja helps educate single mothers so that they can learn marketable skills.

Additionally, a percentage of every purchase made on Naja.com goes toward supporting our entrepreneurial sewing program for women. And for every bra purchase, the proceeds go directly to the employment of a single mother. How it works: When you buy a bra, Naja gives you a lingerie wash bag so that you can wash your undergarments. Each lingerie bag is made at home by one of the women that we employ through Underwear for Hope.

Technology for Good

We strive to give women the underwear that they want, when they want it, and to stay on top of fashion trends through technology.

As I was gearing up to launching Naja, I held a Facebook focus group with 600 women to learn what they really wanted. Those insights (things like women’s opinions on where lace should go or the different bra cup sizes we should offer) were put into our first collection, and proved to be invaluable.

Kickstarter has also been instrumental in growing Naja. We put in a bit of our own money and also raised some money to start producing our first collection, but we needed to raise just a little bit more to finish it off. We wanted to expand our range of sizing to include as many women as possible and also offer more choices for basic panties. I was able to reach my goal and knew that I had found my calling.

Lingerie and Beyond

I want to grow Naja to be more of a lifestyle brand that women can trust, and continue to empower the women who create our products. I can’t wait to see where Naja goes next! I’m excited for the journey and to continue to help women every step of the way.