Episode 67: Reinventing Women’s Underwear | Isabel Muller | Founder of SWTCH
Isabel Muller is the founder of SWTCH, an innovative underwear brand that lets you change into a fresh pair without removing your shoes or layers, solving a problem most women have experienced on camping trips, ski slopes, or busy days on the go. She shares how a personal need sparked the idea, what it took to design a Minimum Viable Product, and why she’s using her platform to create honest conversations about women’s health and bodies. From postpartum comfort to preventing UTIs and yeast infections, Isabel’s work is about practicality and empowerment. Her story covers building a brand from the ground up, navigating crowdfunding with Indiegogo, and the lessons she’s learned as a female founder committed to changing an everyday essential.
“When you realize that your needs matter the most, that’s when you’re powerful. Being of service, that’s another level of power. ”
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MVP - Minimum Viable Product
NDA - Non Disclosure Agreement
UTI
Yeast Infection
Postpartum
Indiegogo
Creative Writing
Interior Design
Eating Disorder
Covid 19
Disney Princess
Pocahontas
The Color of the Wind
Thrive Collective
Anxiety
Santa Barbara
Los Angeles
FIDM
Excel
Alder
Vaginal Discharge
Ovulation
Gynecologist
Texas
Colorado
Disney
Ragnar -
Follow along using the Transcript
Chapters
00:00 Meet Isabel Muller
03:40 The Moment That Sparked SWTCH
08:15 Why Fresh Underwear Matters for Women’s Health
12:50 Designing the Minimum Viable Product
17:20 Navigating NDAs and Protecting Innovation
21:15 Postpartum, UTIs, and Yeast Infections
26:05 Balancing Brand Mission with Product Development
30:20 Running an Indiegogo Campaign
35:45 Building a Brand That Talks About Real Women’s Bodies
40:30 From Creative Writing to Interior Design to Entrepreneurship
45:10 Lessons from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
49:55 Advice for Female Founders
My whole life I've noticed that I, I am really good at following my intuition and that has always led me to the right spot and that is something that is invisible and I can't touch, but I know I really have to trust even if I'm terrified.
That's Isabelle Mueller and this is The Powerful Ladies Podcast.
Hey guys, I'm your host, Kara Duffy, and this is The Powerful Ladies Podcast where I invite my favorite humans, the awesome, the up to something and the extraordinary to come and share their story. I hope that you'll be left, entertained, inspired, and moved to take action towards living your most powerful life.
Have you ever been on a camping trip or snowboarding and thought, I really wish I could change my underwear, but I you don't, because it'd be a complete pain in the ass to take off your shoes and your pants, and then your base layer and like everything else you're wearing just to change your underwear.
Great news. Today's guest, Isabelle Mueller has solved this problem. Her brand switch created underwear that you can switch out at any time without taking off all of your layers, so you're always wearing a fresh pair. On this episode, we talk about where this idea came from, why it personally matters to her, and how her business is changing the way we'll all think about underwear forever, all that, and so much more coming up.
But first, if you're interested in discovering what possibilities and businesses are available for you to create and to live your most fulfilling life. Please visit the powerful ladies.com/coaching and sign up for a free coaching consultation with me. There is no reason to wait another day to not be living your best life when you instead could be running at full speed towards your wildest dreams today.
Well, welcome to the Powerful Ladies Podcast.
Thank you so much for having me.
Of course. My pleasure. Um, I am really excited for everyone listening to hear about your business and how it can revolutionize women's lives in ways they never thought they needed revolutionizing.
I am excited too.
Well, let's begin.
Let's tell everyone who you are and what your business is.
Sure. Uh, my name is Isabelle Muller and, um, my new business is called Switch. Our MVP, our minimum viable product is, um, a sporty and sustainable mid-rise bikini underwear that I designed for the active woman. Um, and that means that there is a fastener, like a flat and fa, a flat and flexible fastener at each hip that is super seamless.
You can't see under your clothes, and it allows you to change your underwear without having to take your whole outfit off. So like, if you're on the way to work after the gym, or you're in a tiny airplane bathroom, you don't have to strip your whole outfit off just to switch out your underwear. Um. And I guess I can start by talking about how
Yeah, please.
I thought of the
idea. Okay, sure. Um, so I, I, um, I've had the idea for years. It would just kind of pop up in scenarios when I wished I had the product. But it wasn't until last year, um, when I was on a camping trip. Um, it, it, it would come up a lot for me when I was camping. Like, um, for the campers listening, you know, when it's cold, you're especially wearing a lot of clothes, um, you know, maybe a couple pairs of leggings, socks, shoes, and to change at night, like, say you wanna get in your pajamas or if you need to change for a hike, you have to take off your shoes and then lie down and change in your tent.
I mean, depending on what type, type of tent you have, if you have like an eight person tent, it's different. But, um, my partner and I, uh, backpack and also camp, um, you know, do car camping, but we have a pretty simple setup and you have to lie down and like shimmy your pants off. Yeah. Um, and then, you know, change your underwear and then put them all back on.
Those were the most inconvenient moments. And, um, finally last year, I was just like, I, I'm over this, this, there's gotta be mm-hmm. A sporty chic, like athletic vibe, underwear out there that fastens at the hips. It's made, it's like made for backpackers or athletes, um, or anyone. Like, there has to be a product out there.
So I was finally like, well, I'm going to, you know, do my research and, um, see if there's one out there. And after doing research I, and asking around, um, like I googled for hours and hours and hours and I couldn't find anything. And I was really, I was really, really surprised, um, because this was, this was something I needed and I wanted so bad.
And talking to other friends and other women, they're like, oh yeah, that has to exist. Right? Um, but hadn't thought about it. Um. So that's when I kind of got a b in my bonnet about figuring this out. Um, still at that point I hadn't, I hadn't thought that I would, you know, make it or anything, but I, um, I wanted to talk to someone about it.
I, you know, I have a background in interiors, so I don't, um, I, I don't, I didn't at the time know a lot about the fashion world and how that works, but I imagined it was similar to the same process of, you know, designing custom furniture. Like, you know, reaching out to the right people and knowing who can make it.
So I just, I put out a couple feelers and, um. I like, the first text I got back was within 15 minutes. I, you know, I texted my cousin who's been in LA for a while and she, she has been in the fashion world and has a lot of connections and I, I asked her, do you know anybody that is in product design or the fashion world that I might be able to run an idea by just to see, you know, if they know if it exists or if it doesn't.
Maybe I could, I don't know. I didn't know, like I didn't have the confidence at that point to be like, I'm gonna make this. Um, but I, um, so I, I heard back from my cousin really soon after texting and she was like, yes, I have the perfect person to connect you with. Um, her name is Kay. She, um, is a friend of mine and she's been in the fashion world for like 30 years.
I'll text connect you guys, see what happens. So she group texted us and she was like. Ryland's cousin Isabelle has an idea. She just wants to run across. Um, do you have time? And she, Kay texted back and she said, Hey, so nice to meet you. I'd love to talk about it. I'm so slammed right now, uh, is on retainer for some big athletic companies and is, was slammed at the time.
Mm-hmm. Um, but she was so kind and was like, I'd love, you know, she's all about female creators. And was like, I'd love to hear your idea. Please send me an email. I have no idea when I'm getting back to you, but just send it all happy to sign an NDA, uh, if you, uh, need me to. Didn't know what an NDA was.
Google that, um, non-disclosure agreement. Um, and I, I sent her this big email with all my hopes and dreams for the, for the product. And, you know, it's, it, it's so much it beyond camping, I. I've spent my whole life kind of needing and wanting this product, but never really knowing exactly what it looked like.
Mm-hmm. Um, you know, leaving hot yoga and wanting to go get lunch with friends, but like, oh, I gotta shower. I got a change. Like I don't have time. Mm-hmm. Saying no to so many, um, experiences and activities and social gatherings because I was afraid that I was gonna get a UTI if I sat in my wet underwear any longer.
Mm-hmm. Or like a yeast infection, or I was very limited because I didn't have this solution. So I really poured my heart out to this woman that I was putting trust in, and I emailed her this whole, you know, uh, and. I was like, okay, that feels good. Like, I had an idea and I emailed someone about it, like, that's an accomplishment.
Um, cool. Like maybe she'll, she'll know what to do. Uh, and I was like, I'll probably hear back from her in a couple weeks. It was a Friday afternoon and I, um, I had been, you know, at that point kind of getting excited about the idea. Like, oh, like I'm connected with someone, you know, I put a feeler out and I got a reaction.
This is cool. Um, so I sent that email out and it was like three in the afternoon. And then I remember I was out, um, to dinner with, uh, some friends and my partner, and I remember an email popping up on my phone and it was like 10:00 PM and I was like, what? And I got an email back from her and long email, it was like, and it started.
I forget the exact sentence, but she was basically like, this is fucking amazing. Like, I have to be a part of this. I have so many ideas. She just, there was a novel of like, relating and other ideas and other concepts and how this product could really help all the, this slew of women, you know, she brought up the concept of moms, you know, postpartum or during pregnancy, like when you can't even, you know, see your toes and it's, you kind of peed your pants or like you just need to change your underwear.
Like you're managing like all these toddlers or you know, postpartum. Like you have no idea what's going on there. Mm-hmm. And you don't, you can't rely, and, you know, other, other, um, situations came up like, um. Moms was a huge one, just like athletes in general on the slopes, you know, you get your period, what are you gonna do?
Um, or like leaving the gym and wanting to go hang out with friends, which was a huge scenario of mine. Or, um, traveling like on a road trip for hours or, you know, and it, it was just, it was really incredible to get such positive, strong feedback from someone who is like, well recognized. Mm-hmm. And someone who knows what she's doing.
Mm-hmm. Um, so I've gone on a tangent, but No, this is perfect. It's great. Okay, great. Um. She believed in me, you know, and I, up until then, I'd just been talking to my partner about it, who is a man. So he, he's relating, but he doesn't actually relate, and my friends. And, um, it was just really inspiring to get that email.
And then from there I was like, maybe I could do this. Maybe I could make this a product. So that was last July. Um, and now we are, we just recently launched, um, kind of soft launched mm-hmm. Our website. And, um, it's been really tricky because of the pandemic, you know, we'd never planned to launch right now.
Um, so it's a, it's a pretty big obstacle. But, um, we've, we've pivoted and checked in every step of the way to kind of figure out what is the next, next. Best step for switch and how to get it to the people. Um, so that's why we launched on, uh, Indiegogo, uh, uh, like with a pre-order format, um, not only to expand our community and um, figure out what our first production might look like, but um, get more funding as well.
Mm-hmm. We did a, uh, friends and family fundraising round and it ended a little bit before COVID started, so it was kind of cut short and, um, very hectic. So we decided to continue through that. So that's where we're at now. Um,
yeah. When you, um, you know, look back at your life before you started taking on Switch and brainstorming and figuring it out and launching this business, did you imagine yourself becoming.
Underwear, like having an underwear empire. Was that ever in the game plan?
No, no. For so many reasons. I, you know, I was looking at the questions that you typically ask in your podcast, and it was like, one of them was like, what are you shocked by? And I was like, but I'm an entrepreneur. Like, what am I, I laugh at it a lot, you know, when I'm not completely terrified of my life, I laugh at it.
And, um, no underwear. No, I, you know, I, I always thought I would do something creative. Um, you know, I, I grew up being passionate about creative writing. I was a huge poetry girl. Mm-hmm. Like, I, that's how I dealt with my feelings was writing. And, um, I ended up majoring it. I majored in poetry in college for my first semester.
Um, that didn't work out, but, um, and ended up studying interior design, which really clicked for me. Um. So I'm not, I'm not surprised that I'm still going in the design direction. Mm-hmm. Because, uh, technical and like engineering and, and, um, creative design really makes sense for me because I feel like my, my brain is very split.
Um, you know, my right left brain Yeah. Are balanced rather than being like extremely creative and, you know, not as much, um, balance analytical. Yeah, exactly. Mm-hmm. Um, but so it makes sense because I need that balance. I really like, you know, the organization and then the creation. Um, me too. Yeah. It's, it's just, it feels good.
Mm-hmm. It feels bright. Um, but the fashion world is not where I thought I would be, just for so many reasons. I, you know, I, um. A major reason is that I, when I was in my, like mid-teens, I wasn't diagnosed till I was 18, but in my mid-teens I developed an eating disorder. And that has been something that I, you know, have struggled with my whole life.
I'm in recovery, I'm doing great. Mm-hmm. But it is a disease and it is a disorder, and it, um, every day is a struggle in its own little way. Mm-hmm. But having a career that's based around the female body and, and how it moves and how to make it comfortable, uh, you know, the idea of making it comfortable in addressing female needs, I understand how I'm there.
Mm-hmm. Um, but the fashion aspect and the, like, the highlight of the female body is, and being in this industry now is very interesting to me. Mm-hmm. But, um, I'm sure it all. Is part of the plan, you know? Um, and breaking through the barriers that I need to in my recovery and, um, my, my progress, you know?
Mm-hmm. What, so yeah,
what are you putting in place or how are you thinking about it differently knowing that, you know, that's what you're recovering through and that's what you're working through? Um, I am
very, um, observant, observant of how women are portrayed when they're modeling product. Um, a huge challenge for me that has come through because of the pandemic was doing an in-home photo shoot.
Mm-hmm. We were scheduled to do this really cool. Photo shoot with a real studio and models. And I drafted this really amazing, diverse group of women to present this product. And we had a producer and a photographer like I, yeah, not my first time doing all that. So it was exciting and um, but it all got cut short because of COVID and not being able to.
You know, meet in person. So, um, but I didn't wanna stop our progress, so I figured it out. And I'm quarantining with my partner Kyle, and then my cousin Vanna. And, um, she just happens to be a model actress and works in the social media world. So that has definitely come to my advantage. Um, and Kyle is a photographer and they both do video, so it kind of just lined up and I was like, okay, fuck it.
I, I guess I'm modeling and so are you Vanna and Kyle's gonna take our pictures. And it was really a family, friends and family effort. And, um, my, you know, we borrowed all this equipment from a photographer friend who used to shoot all my interiors and it really, um, and I, but I was really nervous. I was really nervous to, to make sure that I was portraying my.
Product in a, uh, a way that made women feel good about their bodies. And it's so hard these days, like I was self-conscious about, you know, the lack of diversity culturally in the photo shoot. Mm-hmm. And also like, you know, since there's only two of us, there's not really a diverse representation of body type.
Um, but it just was a compromise we had to make to get the product out there. And, you know, we really, my goal is to be as representational as they can be of all women while still targeting our main demographic. Mm-hmm. Which is, which is really tricky. Um, and I think because I have a history of body dysmorphia and, um, eating issues, I, I'm hyper aware.
Mm-hmm. Um. Maybe to a fault. Like it doesn't let me relax about it. I'm like, oh, you know, does this person look too thin here? Or like, can I even say that? Like mm-hmm. It's hard. And um, even with that, like when we were choosing the models for our photo shoot that someday we will have, I, I felt so out of my element, like judging people to, to fit my brand.
Mm-hmm. You know, like it really should be anybody. But like, we also wanna have a balance and we need to make sure, you know, there's one of each size sample. We only have five samples circulating right now. And so that's all been a struggle, but it's also been very interesting. Um, but I think that, you know, to get back to really your main question, I think that my, my goal for our brand is to be as inclusive as possible while encouraging.
Uh, that versatility and, and, um, athleticism and power that we all have. Um, and making sure that women who are seeing our content feel included, but also inspired to be, to be comfortable voicing their needs, which is what Switch is really all about. Um, you know, we have vaginas, we need options. Yeah. Um, and that being okay, so,
yeah.
Well, I think that's a perfect segue into what do you really think makes a powerful lady, and what do those words mean to you separately, and what do they mean to you when they're combined?
I think that for me, what it means to be powerful is. Being comfortable voicing my needs. I, I've spent so much of my life not feeling comfortable, having needs and feeling like my purpose was fulfilling the needs of the people who love me. Mm-hmm. To make them continue to love me. And I think the switch in your brain when you, no, no pun intended.
Um, maybe it was right when you realize that your needs matter the most,
that is when you're powerful, um, when you know that, but also make yourself of service to what you're passionate about. I think that is even more powerful. Mm-hmm. Um. I think it all really comes back to intuition. For me, my whole life I've noticed that I, I am really good at following my intuition, and that has always led me to the right spot.
And that is something that is invisible and I can't touch, but I know I really have to trust, even if I'm fucking terrified. Mm-hmm. It's like a pull. I can't resist. Like, I can't, there's not really an option. Um, but it's also really hard to follow your intuition because of everything we grow up knowing, you know, like it's still, um, written, you know, in our childhood that, you know, as girls you can be awesome and brave and accomplish things and be great, but in the end you're, you're gonna be married and you know.
That's your, that's your goal. Mm-hmm. You know, and Disney princesses. I was thinking about that today because I had a song from Pocahontas stuck in my head, Lord knows why. Um,
just around the river band. Was it that way? Uh,
uh, the one that's like, do you ever hear the wolf cry to the blue? Oh, the color of our color
of
the winds.
The color of the wind. Uhhuh, I dunno. Um, I meditated and then that popped into my head. Um, anyway, I was thinking like, oh, that's such a great, like, powerful female movie, but you know, it's all about her. Just like ending up with John Smith at the end, like, you know, uh, media and movies and books. Mm-hmm. Like, well not books, but social media and movies are really starting to change finally.
But I think for my generation and like a little bit in and around. That still is in your brain. Yeah. Like your goal is to serve someone else and be good at it. And that's not okay. Like our, our goal should be to serve ourselves in a really like honest, intuitive way and then see what happens and see what like love and opportunities grows around that.
Um,
I love that. Yep. Well, um, in the month of May in Thrive Collective, we were taking on clarity and you know, one of the first conversations we had was, what does it mean to really listen to your knowing, right? We all have this knowing, like we already know the answer most of the time when we're trying to make a decision or make a choice.
Um, and we were talking about like different ways that we can listen to that more, right? Our intuition, the knowing whatever's already there. What do you do to stay connected to it with it being so important to you and the path that you've been on so far?
It's really hard. Um, I, I've especially been struggling in quarantine.
Um, my, I, I really struggle with anxiety, which I think is at times, I think that's the one thing that's louder than my intuition for me. Mm-hmm. It really fights it, they're like opposite batteries. Yeah. You know, that, you know. Um, so when my anxiety is so loud and I, you know, I often wake up with, it feels like a, you know, those weighted bands that you put around your ankles and run, like, it feels like one of those is strapped around my heart and lungs when I wake up in the morning.
And that is, that is. Huge obstacle for me. So I guess in two parts, like honoring my anxiety and working through it is the only true way that I can really connect with my intuition. Mm-hmm. Um, it's, uh, it was easier before I was trapped inside, um, with nothing but my body and my computer. Um, but I've also noticed, and this is, uh, still something that I'm still understanding, but I've also noticed that whether I like it or not, my intuition is driving me.
I think the important part of it is remembering that it's happening. Mm-hmm. You know, anxiety can really cloud me and feel like. Nothing is gonna work out and nothing's gonna be okay. And why did I do this? And who do I think I am designing underwear and like I'm not. Mm-hmm. I'm not valid, I'm not capable, I'm not strong.
Um, but whether I like it or not, like it's like a seed. It's like it's growing whether I like it or not. Um, even if there's rain or storm or, um, so what I really try to do and honestly preparing for this podcast, like looking through your questions and really writing and, um, understanding my answers to what might come up.
Mm-hmm. Um. It, it made me really proud of myself. Um, so I, I really do try to look back and remember of what I have accomplished. Mm-hmm. And that helps me listen more clearly to the knowing the intuition. Like, I got an alert on my phone a couple days ago that I graduated from community college Graduat five years ago.
And like, the amount that I've accomplished during that time is like, blows my mind.
Like
what,
what are some things you're proud of?
Um, well it kind of just re reminds me of the path that's kind of taken place since. Since I graduated, um, my graduation day was a little sad because I didn't have any family there, but my friends grouped together and my boyfriend at the time and like to really support me and like, you know, I was graduating from community college.
I didn't think that that was a big of a deal, but my friends were like, no, it is a big deal. You're graduating college. Mm-hmm. We love you. They took me out to dinner. It was incredible. And then I, um, that was a big summer for me because that's when I moved from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. And, um, of, and it just reminds me of this huge, pivotal moment in my life where I was planning to move to Los Angeles.
And go to fit mm-hmm. To continue my interior design degree. But, um, after I moved to LA with that plan, like I had it all planned out. I had been working for this interior design firm in Santa Barbara. Um, but they were based in la mm-hmm. So I was gonna go to school and then I was going to work part-time at this firm.
Um, I was so ready to sign my name on that $50,000 loan, like I was all in. Mm-hmm. And then one month into moving to LA like the month before school, I had been working for this firm and, um, full time. 'cause I had the time and I needed the money and, um, they were like. So you don't need to go to school.
You're, uh, you're great. We love your work. You're, if you fit in here, you're helping us. Like, we'll give you a job. Like, don't go to school. We'll give you a job. And I was like, what? I was mad, I was happy, I was excited. I, you know, mainly mad because I had made all this, this entire plan for myself and I was in control of this path that I was on.
And I moved to la I got an apartment. We decided on the apartment because it was between my partner at the Time's work, and it was between my work and school. And then, um, you know, them being like, we'll give you a full-time job as a junior interior designer. And that's like the job after the job that I'd be looking for after school.
Right. To get to skip a few spaces.
Yeah. So it was a huge decision for me to make. Um, I, in the end, decided to take the job and it's probably one of the best things I ever did, um, financial society. Um, but that reminds, that's just, it's kind of like all these, like, jumping off points. Like it reminds me of that moment and then being like, wow, I'm really good at this and I really love it.
Like, this is cool. Like this is, you know, I love design and I love this job and I love my coworkers. And, um, and then every year I, I just felt myself getting more ambitious and more ambitious and like, mm-hmm. I can do more. I can have a higher position. I can handle that. Um, honestly, I probably took on way more than I could emotionally and mentally take.
Um, but an interesting part of my.
Disease is that I am constantly trying to be better. Mm-hmm. Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. Um, but I kind of think of my disease and that other as another person. Yes. I'm like two, I'm two people. That evil girl who shames me is in the back of my head. And sometimes she like picks herself up and starts walking around the room and talking to me.
And sometimes she's like in her corner and I've got her like suit. She's in
timeout. Right.
So my ambition kind of has two, it's like the two, you know, the devil and the angel on your shoulders. Yeah. They both
contribute to your ambition.
Yeah. In a good way and a bad way, but mostly honestly Good. Um, but only when I'm working on it.
Yeah. Um, so anyway, I. I took that job, I worked there for a few years, and I, and then that reminds me of, oh, you left that job for a reason. And I left that job because of a lot of reasons. Mm-hmm. But I mainly was feeling stifled. Mm-hmm. And, um, wanted to grow more and felt like I wasn't being able to, um, connect with my creativity very much.
So I made the choice to leave and explore other parts of the design field. So I did freelance staging and, um, I did like freelance project managing for another firm. And that's when I started to realize that I can create and design my own life and like mm-hmm. Have it actually do what I want it to do while accepting that.
Shit's gonna come outta nowhere.
Um, so, and how exciting is that? Like I think that's a really profound thing to know. Like that's honestly the thing I want everyone to know, which is why I created powerful ladies.
Yeah. It, I mean, it's in, it's incredible. Like sometimes nothing goes as planned, but sometimes it doesn't matter 'cause you're still reaching like the end goal.
Mm-hmm. But those decisions I kept making were building this confidence mm-hmm. That I didn't know I was building. But um, I started to build this confidence around my creativity and my eye. Up until that point, like working at a firm, I was doing very tedious, like similar. Work, you know? Yep. Um, and I, I never really had the opportunity to be like, let's do this.
Yeah. You know, for the, for the actual like concept mm-hmm. I was more behind the scenes. Um, so to start doing like decorating and, um, being looked at as more of a, like a singular professional, not just someone else's employee really. I started to be like, oh, like people listen to me. Like I can, I can say words in them happen.
Um, so that really started to build this nice foundation in me and I, um, that's what inevitably led me to feel confident enough to start my own interior design business. 'cause all of a sudden I had people asking me to design their house and. I did it. That's another thing I, I always say Yes.
And then you do it.
Yeah. And then I do it. I just do it. Mm-hmm. Even if I, even if I don't really know what I'm doing, I figure it out, but I never say yes. Mm-hmm. Unless I know I can figure it out. Yeah. And I think that goes along with the, you know, fake it till you make it thing
or, I, I think it's the real secret. I think that's the secret to being an entrepreneur, right?
Like, you never know all the answers, but you just have to start. And there's a few key things that I wanna really highlight for you and everyone listening, because you mentioned like following your intuition, making decisions that like kept building on each other and you were really making choices that you're like, well that sounds more fun.
That sounds more interesting. That sounds like I get to be more of me. And like you kept kind of following what gave you access to more of you. And that's where like crazy things show up. Like when you get to be more of you, then all of a sudden all these people show up and you're like, but wait, where did you come from?
Like, like you said, you're like, people do what I say. It's weird. Yeah. You, you just described it really well. Yeah. Um, so are you still currently, um, do you still have your interior design business while you're creating switch?
I, I am slightly. I've, I've stopped, um, accepting new, I've stopped accepting new clients, but I am still working on one project at this point.
Mm-hmm. Um, and seeing it through, yeah, it's, it's very tricky with quarantine 'cause a lot of my job is done on site, so I've had to shift to do it all virtually, which is hard on me and my client. We're making it work. Um, and it is, it is really difficult to toggle between, even though they're both in the design world.
Um, it's, it's hard for me to shift gears, but, um, I'm really grateful because, you know, that's income and that's still me creating and mm-hmm. So, but I am looking forward to be able to focus on one company, at least for now. Yeah. At least for
now. Yeah. Um, yeah. Most entrepreneurs I know are all Ultra-Preneur, especially the creative ones.
'cause you just have too many ideas. Like they don't, it doesn't stop. So. You need to kind of give them all a place to live. Right. And you just like you were, you know, assigning, uh, identities to different parts of, um, your brain. I encourage clients to do that all the time, right? Like, sometimes Patty Perfect shows up and she's nuts, wasn't invited to the party, right?
How do tell her to come back? And it's true, right? We all have these parts of, um, our personalities or our brains that. Everything's a yin and a yang. It helps us do this, but it shouldn't do this, right? Like when party animal shows up and it's a work function, it doesn't go so well. When they show up and it's a party, it's great.
So how do we, like, how do we get into control? Kind of like the Disney movie, um, inside Out, right? How do you, I love that movie, right? How do you so good? Tell it when to show up or encourage it or tell it like, Hey, I heard you. You're here 'cause you're freaked out. I heard the message. I'll take care of it.
You can sit back down.
Right? Sometimes it feels like that last scene though, when you're in a, when they're in a cat's brain. That made me laugh so hard. I don't know, I laugh. Maybe it's 'cause I have cats, but just like stomping all over the buttons
for sure. That's how I feel. No, I um, I totally understand that.
Right? And every entrepreneur has founders fraud. Regularly, if not daily or hourly, because when you're in the project, you're so excited and you're like, okay, and you're doing the work, and then you pick your head up and you're like, wait, I thought there was somebody above me. What happened? I'm, I'm in charge.
Shit. Yeah. Oh shit is right.
What did I do?
Yeah.
What did I get myself into? Yes. That still like, um, reminds me of. You know, back in the day when we wrote our resumes and knowing Excel was really important. Yes. I, I, it's still important, but I just, I laugh all the time at the phrase proficient in Excel. Yes.
Because everyone wrote it on the resume, but you didn't really know how to do Excel, but you knew that if you got the job, you'd learn it. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That's like the fine line. But that's, that's kind of always how I feel. Like me just being like, I'm proficient in Excel. Yeah. Okay. Uh, I can do this.
Like no one watched me Google all the answers and functions.
Right. Just like low key on YouTube, figuring
out how to, how to make spreadsheets. Turns out I'm amazing at Excel now, but when I started writing that I was not good. Um, but that's still how I feel. I feel. I feel like an imposter.
Yep. It's pretty common. Yeah. Mm-hmm. So the good news is you're in great company.
Thank you. But I, and I think also you're talking about how you've been gaining confidence, right? You've been gaining confidence by doing it. Like you weren't sitting at home being like, today I'm adding two scoops of confidence. Like that's not how it works. So, um, the same thing will happen in being an entrepreneur, right?
Every milestone you check. That's why it's so important to celebrate those things. And there are moments in my entrepreneurial journey where I wish I knew less than I do because there's a part where you know too much and like, you know, just enough where you're like, I am not doing. Steps like eight through 20.
Uh, and you know they're there, but you don't know what parts of them you're not doing right. Mm-hmm. Um, and then, you know, so I think sometimes people who really just like have no idea what's supposed to happen. Like it's easier 'cause you're like, I don't know, we'll figure it out tomorrow. Right. And I'm so, like, I'm envious of that sometimes.
And I think being able to just know, like you've said, like you can figure anything out and if not you, you know how to phone a friend, right. Google. That's how the whole world works. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Google phone a friend, go to the library. Right.
I, um, I definitely feel the pressure though, of needing to, I think I'm suppo even though I know.
Mm-hmm. I don't know what I'm doing. A lot of the time I feel pressured to know it's like. How dare I try something without knowing how to do it. Like it's your own fault. You're anxious because you didn't go to school for this. Like, it's your own fault. You're scared because you weren't already an entrepreneur.
Like also, I, I still, I'm still getting used to saying the word entrepreneur. 'cause I always think of a man when I hear that word. Yeah. And I hate it, but I, I, it's still, there's this little part of me that's like, I'm not an entrepreneur, I'm just like doing some stuff, you know? Um, or I, I equate it with success as an entrepreneur.
Mm-hmm. But it doesn't matter if you're succeeding or if you're failing or just you putting yourself out there and like. And you putting yourself out there with an idea that you're passionate about and trying to make a business out of it makes you an entrepreneur.
Yes. Yeah. There's a course I do or workshop called From Creative to Entrepreneur, and it's targeted to people who are creatives that are making stuff that aren't giving themselves credit as entrepreneurs.
Hmm. And just need to layer in a few things, like really make it work. 'cause the only gap between a business and a hobby is that you get paid to do one and the other one costs you money. So all, there's like so few things to put in place to turn what you're already doing into a business.
Mm-hmm.
And you know, that's the other foundation of powerful ladies and the coaching business because whether you do eyebrows or you, you know, are the, you know, Spanx, Sarah Blakely, it's all.
Female, like people who own their company, they're, they're like owner operated businesses.
Mm-hmm.
And they all have the opportunity to have whatever is in the ENT entrepreneur bubble. Right. Like, we think that an entrepreneur has to be Steve Jobs, Y Combinator, millions of dollars, all this funding. Right.
And it's like, no, that's actually not most small businesses. It's not most businesses at all. Mm-hmm. Like 80% of of small businesses are self-funded.
Mm-hmm.
It's like, it's wild. And I was looking at a statistic the other day of like what the average income is in America for a small business like sales.
And it's like $80,000 a year is the average income. Wow. Or average sales for a small business in America, because that includes everything, painters, electricians, plumbers, nails, hair eyebrow, anyone who doesn't have a boss. Wow. And so I almost feel like we need to kind of reclaim that entrepreneur word.
Yeah. And it's just like two generations ago, there were way more entrepreneurs because everyone just had to like, figure out how to make money themselves. Right. And so I, I am glad that we're kind of back in this renaissance of people realizing like, we gotta figure this out for ourselves like no one else has ever.
You can't, it's really hard. It's not impossible, but it's hard to get breakaway time or breakaway money when you're employed by somebody else.
Right. But you're, what you're saying reminds me of this frustration, this frustration that came up for me the other day from not being well funded, you know?
Mm-hmm. We did our, we did our work to get some funding to get our product created. It was a lot of research and development and branding and, but I. I've been researching constantly researching new ways, um, to promote our Indiegogo campaign mm-hmm. And get eyeballs, you know, like we talked about the other day.
Um, and, you know, we are doing Facebook ads, we are doing Instagraming. I've started to email everyone on the planet sent out like 3000 emails last week. Congratulations. Thank you for following the instructions. I know. Thank you. I actually got, this is another story, but I actually got blocked out of my email.
Like they were like, you, you reached your quota.
That happened to me. I forgot to tell you that part. Sorry. Thanks. Yeah. For everyone listening, we had like an hour huddle last week about things she could do. Yeah.
Yep. Uh, but it made me laugh really in the end. But anyway, I, um, I wanted to, I actually reached out to a couple other female founded, um, startups who had an Indiegogo campaign or had a successful one.
And I was like, Hey, I'm like you, I'm trying to raise money. Do you have any tips for me? And I heard back from this wonderful company, um, I can't wait for their product. They're called Alder. They're making these rad outdoor pants, um, that are like, they look like trousers, but they're made for fitness.
Mm-hmm. It's totally up my alley. Um, and I asked them, and they gave me so much great advice, and one of them was, um, to check in with, um, some marketing agencies that are specific to Indiegogo and Kickstarter. And I was like, okay, but they, they sound expensive, but I'll check it. Mm-hmm. And I got a couple quotes and I talked to them and it made me so frustrated because everything that they do, you know, and I'm not saying this company Yeah.
Anything, I'm just saying that they require so much money upfront mm-hmm. To. Get your Indiegogo campaign funded. And I, it made me mad. 'cause so many startups and so many entrepreneurs are successful because they start funded and we're very lean, DIY mm-hmm. Situation. Like I was bootstrapping this project until I, you know, created a pitch deck and reached out to my friends and family and I was like, please invest in this product.
It's gonna be big. It's gonna be amazing, trust me. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And I was so excited and felt so supported to get to our goal. Well get close to our goal. Um, but, but beyond that, like, I don't have $10,000 to pay for marketing. Mm-hmm. And, um, and PR and all this stuff. Like, and it, and it, it made me feel really down talking to the, these companies.
'cause they were like. We can't really help you. They're like, we don't know if we're a good fit for you. And I just don't under, I, I don't understand. Mm-hmm. You know, like I'm a DIY startup, like I'm a startup and I need help promoting my Indiegogo campaign. And their, their dynamics and their strategy is all about putting money into it first.
Mm-hmm. And then, you know, getting funded in the first day and it's all about, yeah. Putting the money in first and then, you know,
yeah. I'm sure their method works and it's that leap of Totally, it's a leap of faith, right? Like if they went 10,000, then how much do you need to make on the Indiegogo to make it worth it?
Right. So you get all your money back, plus the funding that you need. I mean, I totally hear where you're coming from. Like, most of the clients that I have like would cry if somebody asked them to spend $10,000 on. Anything. Right. That wasn't like product oriented. Right. Right. Directly to what their, their cost of goods sold or services are.
Yeah. And,
um, it was just a little, it was a little frustrating that it, you know, it highlighted the part of the startup world and the entrepreneur world that favors already wealthy people. Um mm-hmm. Not to generalize it, you know, a lot of people do, you know, take their steps and, you know, um, do their due diligence to like mm-hmm.
Plan it out and get, you know, prioritize marketing. But I wish there were options out there to support people who, that are bootstrapping their projects. Mm-hmm. Um, to, you know, and I think. The wonderful thing that women can, can spend time learning is knowing that there's people out there like you and there's other women coaches and other entrepreneur coaches that can kind of help steer in the right direction without Yeah, this enormous price tag, um, and attitude.
It was all about the attitude. Like, and it wasn't just one company. It was like, well, you should probably just start over and just send us your product and we'll deal with it. And I was like, no.
Yeah, yeah. It's so, you're right. It's rude. Right? And, and my unsolicited business advice to that firm is you should never say no to somebody without giving them another option.
Like if, if I totally understand, if like they've set their threshold at 10,000 and you can't afford it. But then the next thing they coulda should have done is, Hey, here's a checklist that we have that you could follow to like, take some action on your own. Totally. Here's another firm that we know is more approachable.
Here's someone who could just do social media for you. Like if you are in the business of providing people a solution, you haven't, every person that walks through your door, you should be providing a solution to. Mm-hmm. It doesn't need to be your 10,000 or 10 million option, but if you're committed to helping people, then help people.
Like they're, they're, I don't know. It's just, it, it, it makes me mad. Like I'm like, after this call, tell me who they are. They need a phone call. Right. No, it's, um. And yes. And after this podcast as well, there are so many people I know who, um, would love to support what you're up to that are way less expensive or might even do some stuff for free.
So we'll talk about that too. But thank you. Sounds great. There's so many options and doing things like this, like telling people and sharing and asking, which you're so good at, is how those things get uncovered. Like you really never know who has the key that you're looking for. And sometimes getting like going down a path and getting so mad is what leads to the solution or actually leads sometimes to a whole new business.
That's how half of my businesses have started,
right?
I went down a path, got horseshit, that everyone was making it so hard when I knew it was not that hard, right? And I was like, that's it. I'm figuring it out and we're selling this instead. Great.
It, it reminded me of one of my favorite, um. So just the scenario, right?
Me? One of my favorite, what's the word? Theories. Mm-hmm. Business themes. Yeah. I never come to my client with a problem, an issue or the word no. Unless I have a solution or another. Yes. Mm-hmm. And I think that's what make business owners and you know, the, yeah. People that are own bosses, great and successful because they know that they're, they're always looking for a solution.
Mm-hmm. Um, and so that conversation with this man who like didn't really get my product, um, made me almost feel more. Determined. Yeah. I was like, I'm gonna reach my goal dammit, and I don't need you.
Um, so yeah. Thank you for sharing that. Um,
yeah. And for everyone who's now also fired up and is like, I'm supporting her Indigogo right now, what do I do? Where do they go and what do they get if they support you?
Awesome. Okay. So we have our Indiegogo campaign up and I can send you the link or I don't know how we can make that available, but it's live.
We have like 40 days left. We have around 30 K left to raise, and there are a few different perks, which all are different packages of our underwear. Mm-hmm. So they're all set sold in twos. They're prepackaged in a handy go bag so that if you're wearing switch one day, you can keep a fresh pair in your bag or desk or your backpack, um, and then switch out easily and then put the used pair back in the bag and, um, throw 'em in the wash.
And, um, so there's the first perk, which is 60 bucks, and it's two pairs of underwear with the go bag. And then the next two perks are, um, you know, three sets and then two sets, and then three sets. Mm-hmm. Um, and then every perk comes with an additional, uh, product and gift. Cool. Um, so we're kind of addressing it like pre-order, but also we wanna reach our goal and we did the math and we need, we only need like 500 more.
60 bucks contributions. Mm-hmm. Which I know we can reach. Um, so even if you are listening and you can't contribute, you know, these are really hard times. We totally get it. If you can't contribute, if you can just share the ideas, share our page with a few of your friends, a few other women, or just people who love supporting women, um, I, I would just be so grateful or just share on Facebook.
Mm-hmm. Um, just tell people about it. That's, that's, we rely heavily on word of mouth. Um, and even if you think that you can't help, or your efforts won't work, they will work. Even if you just mention the product to someone, it could just kind of stick in their brain and they mention it to someone else and they mention it to someone else.
And that's, that's really what's gonna help us succeed. Um, so thank you in advance for any. Utter of the word switch in your future because
it is helping Yes. Switch underwear and if they wanna Google it right now, they can just put in, uh, switch underwear into Indigogo. I'm sure it'll pop up.
Yeah.
We'll also have all the links, um, in the show notes@thepowerfulladies.com.
Um, so you'll see it everywhere and we'll tag. Everything on Instagram as well. Right. So you can find it in our Instagram right now. Um, but I mean, ultimately, like Jesse and I were talking about the product after we had the call. 'cause for those of you who know Jesse, he like jumped in and we started, you know, he was throwing us some marketing ideas, which made us all like, cry with laughter.
Yeah. Um, 'cause there really are so many comedic elements to, um, this product, if you like. There's so many practical uses, but there's also ways to put comedy across it. Um, totally. And we know that Jesse's already like the first male customer who wants his own set, but like to me it's like we need this. I I want every underwear to be like this now.
Right? Like it, this isn't a two pair option. It's like, how do I get my seven days a week? Right. Kit. Right. And if you don't have that, I'd recommend adding that to Indiegogo because like. I, you are gonna need seven pairs because you're not gonna wear any of other underwear unless you have a specific underwear need.
But once you realize you can't remove the underwear you have, you're gonna be horseshit.
My favorite part of starting this brand is the ideas that come from other people that I didn't previously think of, like my real, um, you know. Drive behind the product is that I grew up. It's, it's, it's really a determination of frustration around, um, the, uh, the openness and the open discussion, the lack of open discussion around female anatomy and sexuality.
I grew up thinking that vaginal discharge was wrong. I grew up thinking it was weird. I went to my doctor and she didn't tell me it was okay. She just said, yeah, you know, you're probably just gonna have to wear a liner every day. And I was like, what? Like, that's insane. That's insane. At the time I wasn't like, that's naughty friendly.
'cause I didn't know yet that those will never die. Um, you know, the first pad ever made is still in our landfills. Um. That's a whole nother tangent. But I, you know, I, and I didn't feel comfortable until my early twenties talking about my vagina. Like, Hey, I have discharge every day, and when I ovulate, it's out of control.
Like, what is going on? And my friends being like, oh, that happens to me too. And, you know, talking to my gynecologist more, reading more about it, um, and, and knowing that it's completely normal. Um, and also learning that I learned that every woman has completely varying levels of it. I think it's a quarter to one teaspoon a day.
You can vary between all that. You know, when you're ovulating, it's more, um, some people don't even have vaginal discharge. You know, I've had some women being, you know, I did a, I did a survey, um, to get more information from women. I, um, it's an ongoing survey and a huge percentage of, or, you know, a big enough percentage of women.
I think it was like five to 10%. Didn't know really what vaginal discharge was until taking that survey. Um, and then it was so interesting to see like where they learned about it. A small portion of it was at school. This should be front page sex ed. Like your vagina is perfect. It's okay. The stuff coming out of it is fine.
You'll know if something's wrong. Like, yes, you'll, yes, you'll, um, but, you know, people had to Google it. People had to ask their parents like, so. Vaginal discharge was the main catalyst for me to, to really want to pursue this. But a lot of people just don't like wearing pads or tampons, and they leak through their underwear and they need to change their underwear.
A lot of people have bladder leaks. Um, no matter what age, you know, pregnant postpartum, once you get in your fifties, sixties, like sometimes you just don't know that you're not done peeing yet. And it's like, okay, it's not, it's not weird. It's not gross. It's just, it happens. Um, sweat. Some people sweat a ton, you know, some people's underwear are just completely dissolved by 12:00 PM like, it's, it's not comfortable and, you know, you feel embarrassed talking about it.
And I think the, the biggest. The biggest reason is the lack of representation because of the diversity of women. We're not talking about it, you know, everyone's talking about periods now. 'cause everyone gets their period. Most people get their period. Um, but the other things, the other leaks, like, they're kind of under the surface and I'm, I'm just so ready to pop that bubble and people talk about what's coming outta their vaginas and it's totally normal and it's totally okay.
And, um, wanting to change your underwear is okay. Um, and no, you know, encouraging the, um, availability of that information, you know, especially to girls in middle school and, um, high school and, um. It's actually been really cool to see through like my ad insights that, you know, a lot of 18 to 24 year olds are like on board with Switch.
And I think that's because a lot of information is more readily available. Girls are talking about their vaginas, they're more open about their sexuality. Mm-hmm. Like their bodies, they're more accepted. Um, anyway, that was a long tangent.
Well, and they're up to things, right? Like whatever, wherever you're at, like, it's just like they're practically, you just are up to things.
Yeah. Like, like you're,
we're busy. Yeah. We're, we're so busy. And you know, we don't, some people are like, what? It's not that big of a deal to change your underwear. Granted that sentence is mostly coming from men. Um, but. It isn't convenient. Like I don't wanna step into my work stall and like drop my underwear accidentally on the floor and let you know.
It just, it's just about the convenience and like, back to me saying what my favorite thing was. My favorite. I love it when women say, oh my God, I get these texts all the time. Like, I get texts, I get dms. Like, ugh, I was, I really wanted your underwear the other day. Like, and they hadn't been thinking about it previously.
Yeah. Like the, like my friend the other day was like. I went on a jog, and this is even in quarantine. Yeah. I went on a jog and I had a conference call and I just wanted to change my sweaty underwear. Yeah. And I totally wanted switch. And she was like, I'm so ready for switch life. Like, I'm so ready. Or, you know, um, new hashtag, hashtag switch life.
Right. Good, good one. Um, and then, you know, a friend texted me, she's like, I really, and, and this was so funny for me because she's not usually like, open about underwear stuff and she was like, I could have really used your underwear the other day. I like took my pants off and it looked like I had a P colada in my underwear.
Like she was like. I just love these senate, like, and my aunt texts me like every other day being like, it happened again. I left my house and I thought I was ready to go. And I guess I wasn't like, I keep, I just love those messages. And also just the idea that these women are being open with me and I love that my inbox is a safe space.
Like, I get it. I'm, I think about vaginas and underwear 24 7 and um, I'm, you know, I love hearing new ideas of how the product can be used. I love talking to Jesse when he was like, you know, I'd love to buy these for my mom, or like, I'd love to buy them for my girlfriend. Like they, there is a sexual innuendo to them.
Mm-hmm. Oh, the funniest question I get from men is so like, is this a shit your pants thing or a sex thing? Yes. That, and I'm like, I mean, honestly either, but they apply somewhere in the middle also. They apply and there's like six other options. Yeah. Like how fun would it be to just like, you know, you're on a date and you like, go sneak off into the bathroom and just rip your underwear off and like they're, they're totally fun sexual things behind it.
And women who are backpacking across country and wanna pack light, um, and women who are traveling for work a ton or like in LA traffic or mm-hmm. I think about women in Texas. Oh my God. If you've ever been to Texas, like, it's so hot. Or even Colorado. I went to Denver recently and I, we were just there visiting, having a nice time.
I was just a casual tourist and it was like 95 degrees. We went to the zoo and by noon I was like, I think I need to cut my underwear off, like. I like, I was genuinely afraid I was gonna get a yeast infection 'cause I was so sweaty and I ended up making my friends stop at a grocery store to get a pack of underwear, like Granny Hanes.
I was like, I don't give a fuck. Like I need a new pair of underwear immediately. Like, and if I had just had Switch on that day or like at Disneyland or at, you know, I've actually never been to Disneyland,
but I
imagine it would be like that. Well,
no, I, I have a great Disney story for that because we, we went on the, whatever the Log Flume ride is got, I was the only one that got soaked and it was like.
Sitting in a bucket of water. Right. And then I had to walk around the rest of the day. Right. Like a dry pair of underwear could have changed my life in that moment.
Totally. Totally. And, and you know, there's a, there's a few things there. Like, first of all, you're uncomfortable 'cause you feel like you're sitting in water, but there's also a whole urinary vaginal health aspect to that.
Mm-hmm. And you know, the women listening who are super prone to UTIs and yeast infections will really appreciate this. Um, you just, some women, some women, it's fine. Some women mm-hmm. You cannot be in damp underwear or bad shit's gonna happen. Mm-hmm. Um, and a lot of men don't know that. A lot of people don't know that, who don't suffer from these things.
But, you know, it's, you know, it's probably one of the first things your mom teaches you is like, pee after sex and change your underwear. Um. And, you know, sitting in damp, sweaty, or just damp underwear doesn't create a good environment for our vaginas or our urinary tract because it creates a habitat that's very tropical.
The rainforest. Right. It's like, ooh, bacteria party. Mm-hmm. And that will just sneak up into your parts and create, create infection. Um, and so it's just, there's so many areas we're targeting, you know, and a huge, another couple of huge, um, demographics that this product really works for is the diverse body and disabled community.
Um, I've gotten a lot of questions about that and, um, mainly being like, you know, this is, this would be great for like people in wheelchairs or people that are bedridden. Um, like, why aren't you specifically targeting them? And I, there are, there are already. Similar products that are, that are made for, um, diverse body individuals in the disabled community.
Um, but what I don't love is that they target them. Like, and this applies to older women who are starting to experience incontinence. They target them as if, you know, it's like, this is made for you because you're special and you have this condition and it's a secret. I, and it's a secret. Mm-hmm. And, um, you know, you're special.
So this will be different. So, so what I don't love about that is that, you know, I mean, I do love that products are being created for these, these groups of people. Great. Um, but what I love about the Switch mission is that. This is for all women, like regardless of your body type, regardless of your capabilities, regardless of your age.
Like, we wanna change our underwear and it's okay for any reason. Mm-hmm. And, um, here's the product, you know? Um, so yeah, there's just so many. The military, I've gotten a couple women reached out to us being like, this would be so key for training days. Like not having to take off all your gear and your combat boots just to change your underwear.
I can only imagine. And that, and that world is so geared masculine, geared towards mm-hmm. Masculinity and, and the, even the, um, apparel is just built from the male figure. And I know it's been adjusted over the years to, um, accommodate different body types and gender. But, um. Not that gender identity matters, but just, you know, creating it more accessible for females.
Mm-hmm. Um, they're not thinking about their underwear. Like, can you imagine, I, I mean, I obviously can't imagine 'cause they're not in the military, but like, being out on a mission and having a yeast infection because you had to like lie overnight in your, we, like, I, it's like this just has to be a staple.
Mm-hmm. Like, and
you can get military contracts. FYI, I've been looking into it. Good, good. No, I, I do, I mean, there's, there's endless opportunities and. I think it's great that you're leaning in on what your mission is and inviting whoever wants to show up to the party to show up, because there really are so many different ways that this can be used.
Right? You ride your, yeah, you ride your bike to work, you go to the gym, love during lunch, you, you know, a all of it. Like, and what, what freedom to like, not have to completely undress to change your underwear, which sounds right. Like a crazy concept right now, right? Mm-hmm.
It does, it does sound crazy. It's just, it's one of those things where like, you don't, you don't know you want it until you know about it.
Mm-hmm. Yep. And I think the biggest block in brains are like,
this is, maybe I'm projecting, but I think that the, I like, it's scary. It's scary to. Sign onto a product that's so different and so new because it hasn't been created before. Really. Like it has been created. Like I don't claim to invent, like I definitely designed a new product, but up until now this has only applied to specific people that are not like, um, marketed to in the mainstream.
Mm-hmm. Um, ad world. Um, and also the idea that your vagina has needs is still a burden mm-hmm. In a lot of brains. Um, like I don't wanna be different. I don't wanna have that need. I don't wanna be inconvenienced or a be an inconvenience. Um, so I think like, you know, pressing go on, getting a switch kit.
It's empowering. Yes. Like, like you're making the choice to prioritize your needs. Just, which is, it's a yes to fresh. That's great writing that one down.
Yeah. That's really what it is. Like, you know, do you choose fresh? Uh, yep. Yeah. I don't need to think hard about that choice. Right.
And it's not because you, it's not from a, you know, you need to be fresh. Like, God forbid you're gross. It's, you deserve to feel fresh, you deserve to feel dry, you deserve to feel comfortable.
Like there's nothing better than putting on a fresh, dry pair of underwear.
Mm-hmm. Especially when you've been not in one recently. Right. And like even it makes me think too of like the in insane endurance things, right? Like, I've run Ragnar before where you're in a van for 36 hours and you just keep running and.
That's incredible. Well, it's fun. I recommend it. Um, but that is another great place where you're like, oh, I wouldn't have to switch out my, 'cause usually I'm just running in leggings, right? So I'm like, oh, I wouldn't have to change my whole pants. I could have just changed. Right. Underwear. Good for you.
That's amazing. That sounds so, it's really fun, intense. Uh, it's more, uh, yes and no. I think once you've done it, it's more you realize it's more fun than it is intense, which is why people keep doing it. Um, but I recommend it if you haven't done one. Yeah. Yeah. Well, we ask everyone on the show where you put yourself on the powerful lady scale, zero being average, everyday human, and 10 being super powerful lady.
Where would you put yourself today and where do you think you put yourself on average?
So, I thought about this 'cause I know you asked this and. When I take away the element of financials, 'cause often I equate success to financials. Mm-hmm. Which I don't want to be doing. It's not about that. Um, right now I feel like a 10.
I love it. I don't always, right now talking with you, talking about my life, I'm surprised I didn't cry, honestly. I mean, I might still, but I was like, I'm so nervous, I'm just gonna burst out crying. Um, because I get emotional. Uh, I um, do you get emotional because you're proud? Um, that's a really good question.
I, I think I get, I think I honestly get emotional because I, I, I am, I. Now I'm gonna get emotional. I,
I think I get emotional because I'm so sad about how mean I am to myself. Mm-hmm. I think, I think on the daily, when anxiety is really rare in its head, and, um, that bad girl is there talking to me, I feel like a zero. Mm-hmm. I feel like an idiot. Like, why the hell would you even do this? Like, why can't you just have a normal job like nine to five?
You cannot think about work after work, go out to drinks, do the whole thing, do the normal, go camping, have money. God, I've been living paycheck, paycheck to paycheck since I was 18 years old. Um, and I'm, you know, those days I'm like, I'm so fucking tired of it. I just wish I had like a, you know, 90 K year job.
Like, what, what's wrong with you? But that all comes from insecurities that I grew up with that are not my deal. Like, I need just like give that up. Um. So, so when I remove those insecurities, like, and remember my past and remember the milestones and remember what I've done, I've never lived a day regretting my past.
Mm-hmm. And I've never lived a day knowing that if I died tomorrow, this sounds so cheesy, knowing that if I die tomorrow, what am I saying? I always live as if I was gonna die tomorrow. Mm-hmm. Like, I just, I don't want any regrets and I just do it. And, um, I think that because I do that, I feel powerful, but I did not expect to say 10.
I'm gonna say that right now. I'm always like, maybe I'm like a seven, but like what makes me not 10? Like I'm doing my best. I'm literally doing everything I can to pursue my passions. In, in all aspects of my life. It's not just my job or my career, right. What I'm doing. Like even with my relationships, like I've, I'm, I'm doing a lot of work this decade, you know, and I, and, and, and my relationships.
Um, I've painted the landscape of what I want my relationships to look like. Mm-hmm. Love and friendship included, and I'm making it happen. And I think that's also a really powerful thing. So, um, so yeah, to, to answer your question, I think some days I feel like a five, zero to five, but when I really think about it and take away the money insecurities mm-hmm.
I feel like a ton. You're a badass. Yep. Thank you.
Um, for everyone that's listening that. You know, is on the fence about should they start a business? Should they follow this idea? Um, what would you tell them? Like, what would, what would you, what would your advice be to them?
You know, my gut response is just do it. You know, because that is what we really live by and what we hear. But there are always so many variables, you know, like maybe you have families, maybe you have kids. Like there, there's a, there's a unit besides yourself that you do have to think of. Mm-hmm. But the difference between just going for it and just going for it, disregarding the rest of your life is asking the people who love you for what you need.
Like, babe, I need to pursue this. How can we together make this work? Mm-hmm. Or like. I want this job here, you know, I wanna do this here. Like you asking doesn't mean that you're not taking into account other people's feelings. Yeah. You're, you're, you're creating a positive boundary for yourself and you'll be surprised about, you'll be surprised by how much the people around you and the people who love you wanna make it a possibility for you.
And if they don't, then they probably shouldn't be in your life. Yes.
So not at least in the trust circle. Mm-hmm. Right. No, I think that's great advice is it allows you, as the person taking the leap of, of faith in yourself and, and your concept to, um, create it with other people and also allow people to be a contribution to you.
Mm-hmm. You know, like there's so many things that you're going to. We that we need help with and support with and reminders. And sometimes it's not like forwarding the business, sometimes it's, you know, reminding us that we have a life beyond the business as well.
Mm-hmm.
Um, so, you know, even things like in my life when, you know, I get the look at Jesse like, hey, like I, it, you know, he, we, we had a whole conversation about how important it's to him that we have dinner together.
Not every night, but like I love that this level of normalcy, right? Like he's really committed that I don't work 24 7. 'cause I, if I was not in relationship, I absolutely could. Oh yeah. And there are days when I'm like, oh, I wish he had plans tonight so I could keep working. Um, you know, like that's part of my brain.
'cause I know that like I'm in the groove or like if I just get this done today, I would feel so much better tomorrow. But I really appreciate that I have him to say. Like, no. Like you need to pause. You need to stop. Yeah. Like you can't run yourself into the wall, which I'm also good at.
I really appreciate you sharing that.
And he's, 'cause he's prioritizing you too, like Yeah. Something I really forget to do is prioritize myself care. Mm-hmm. When I'm working or I'm deep in some work shit. I think that completing the task I wanna complete is gonna make me feel whole and make me feel valued in myself. Yes. But I really, I need to eat lunch.
Yeah. You know? I need to eat. I need to eat lunch and I need to stick to my meal plan. I need to go to meetings. I need to go to therapy. I need to wash my face and brush my teeth in the morning and change your underwear and get outta my pajamas. Yeah. Change my underwear like. Prioritizing your wellbeing outside of your drive is really important.
Mm-hmm. And having partners like Jesse is so key, you know, 'cause they have your best interests at hand too, you know, at heart too. And um, you know, eating dinner with him is a huge positive to your day. Mm-hmm. Makes it just makes it better.
Yes, it does. Well, this has been so lovely. I've had such a pleasure to talk with you again.
I'm so excited about Switch underwear and I'm excited for everyone else to now know about it and go get themselves a pack.
Thank you so much. For having me. This is so fun. I feel like I just blacked out Black, did a little powerful blackout.
I was totally serious about wanting all of my underwear to be swish able underwear. I mean, once you've been able to change your underwear on the go, why would you ever accept one leg at a time, like old school underwear? I love how connected Isabella is for a brand and that she's not just solving a practical problem, but additionally giving a voice to women and a space, have real conversations about how real women's bodies function.
She really is a 10, and I hope she remembers that every day. To connect, support and felt, Isabel, you can first and foremost, get yourself some pairs of switch underwear at our Indiegogo campaign. If you go to indiegogo.com and you put in Switch underwear, S-W-T-C-H, you'll find it right away. Plus it's in our show notes@thepowerfulladies.com slash podcast.
You can also find her on Instagram at switch underwear. Again, s Wtch, and they're also on Facebook, and their website is switch underwear.com. Thank you so much for listening. I hope you've enjoyed this episode of The Powerful Ladies Podcast. There are so many ways you can get involved and get supported with fellow powerful Ladies.
First, subscribe to this podcast anywhere you listen to podcast. Give us a five star rating and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Follow us on Instagram at Powerful Ladies. Join the Powerful Ladies, thrive Collective. This is the place where powerful ladies connect, level up, and learn how to thrive in business and life.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube page, and of course, visit our website, the powerful ladies.com. I'd like to thank our producer, composer, and audio engineer Jordan Duffy. Without her, this wouldn't be possible. You can follow her on Instagram at Jordan K. Duffy. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode.
Until then, I hope you're taking on being powerful in your life. Go be awesome and up to something you love of.
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BUY SOME SWTCH: SWTCH Indiegogo
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Website: wwww.swtchunderwear.com
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Email: hello@swtchunderwear.com
Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud
