What woman doesn’t want to look and feel fabulous? Combining elegance and luxury, contemporary lingerie and lifestyle brand, Naked Princess, encourages women to embrace their femininity through the empowering daily ritual of ‘boudoir’. The brand firmly believes that boudoir is not just space, but a state of mind… lasting confidence that can only be attained through unapologetic self-care.
Angela Sara West talks Jordana Woodland about her timeless loungewear, lingerie and beauty products, her celebrity fans and the secrets to her sensational success.
As the CEO and Creative Director of Naked Princess, what drives and inspires you?
I know it sounds cliché, but honestly, love is what drives me. The love for my children, my work, my family, my friends… it’s what inspires me every day.
Who are your business icons?
There are so many! But to name one, I would say Jessica Alba. She juggles being a successful businesswoman, loving mom and a generous public figure with tremendous class, savvy, and grace.
You set up your company in 2011. What was your inspiration for creating a lifestyle brand?
As a young girl, I fell in love with the “art of dressing.” I believe that creating a boudoir is not only about curating a beautiful physical space, but an emotional place for women to balance the many facets of their daily lives. It’s about taking a moment for unapologetic self-care. Naked Princess’ products are created with this passion. I wanted to create a company that made women feel confident, sexy and honored.
What have been the biggest challenges of starting up and running your own business?
I had no idea how to run a business when I first started Naked Princess, so for the first year I ran into many roadblocks and felt completely blindsided at times. But those hardships were integral to the growth of the company. The hiccups and setbacks helped to define my vision and focus on what I truly wanted this company to be.
The biggest challenge now is attempting to take on too much. When you’re passionate about something, like I am about Naked Princess, you want to do everything you can to see it thrive and flourish. That’s a beautiful aspect of loving what you do, but it can also be the biggest test. It’s a constant learning curve of when to push harder and when to just let go. When I’m worn out and overworked, I try to remind myself that I can’t really give my best. Confidence and clarity are key components for success, and you can’t have either if you’re stretched too thin.
Are you very ‘hands-on’ with every aspect of your business?
You have to be! If you can’t stand behind your products 100%, then why be in business? There’s a fine line between being “hands on” and “micromanaging” though, so it’s definitely a balancing act. I work with an amazing team that I sincerely trust, which is unbelievably important. I can’t do it all – it takes a village. But at the end of the day, it’s up to me to ensure my vision for the company remains on track.
How would you describe your style?
Feminine, sexy and sometimes playful. Every woman is our ideal customer, and, of course, the men who appreciate them! Our company is all about promoting confidence in women; encouraging them to take time for themselves, even if it’s just a quick moment to spritz on their favorite scent as they are heading out the door… The woman who wears our loungewear and lingerie wants quality pieces that are effortlessly chic and luxuriously comfortable.
Which are your go-to pieces to make you feel your most attractive and confident?
For me, a matching bra and panty set underneath my outfit is a big confidence boost. I love waking up in the morning just so I can pick my favorite set of lingerie to wear. It sets my mood for the day.
What sets your brand apart from similar high-end offerings?
Naked Princess isn’t just about offering quality and timeless products, our passion lies in how those products come together to create the ultimate boudoir experience.
Cindy Crawford is among your famous fans. Are you willing to divulge a few more big names from your celebrity clientele?
Sure – Mindy Kaling, Catt Sadler, Gina Rodriguez, and Arielle Kebbel.
What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
Hearing how Naked Princess positively affects our customers. Whether it’s that special lingerie set that makes her feel sexy and confident, the lip gloss that instantly makes her feel “put together” or the candle that calms her down after a hectic day… hearing our customers speak about their purchases in that way motivates me. It shows me that we’re on the right track and that all of the hard work is making a difference. What we do is enhancing someone’s daily experience, and that is unbelievably rewarding.
What are your top tips for women setting up a business?
Believe in your vision, believe in your products and know your customer. Those are the key building blocks for success.
You’re not only a CEO but a mother, a model, and a muse. As a working mom with endless creative meetings, photo shoots and red carpet events to attend, how do you maintain a successful work-life balance?
I’m not going to lie, it’s a constant whirlwind. I try to take an hour each morning, before anyone else wakes up and my emails start coming in, to just look at what my day is going to be like. As the CEO of my household and my company, I write everything down and assess my day accordingly. I try not to take too much on, while also trying to tackle as much as I can. It’s always a balancing act and some days I find a better balance than others, but that’s just a part of being human. As a mom, you learn the art of patience and perseverance.
You were born in the Philippines and now split your time between Montana and Los Angeles. Do your travels inspire you?
My business travels mainly consist of flying back and forth between my two hometowns; Whitefish, Montana and Los Angeles, California. Both places inspire me in their own unique ways, so having the privilege of being able to call both of them home is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Where do you head for some well-deserved R&R?
I love Kauai at any time of the year. The culture and laidback atmosphere always make me want to turn off my ‘phone and force me to recharge my batteries.
What’s hot this spring season in the lingerie, accessories and beauty world and what pieces should we be adding to our wardrobes to ensure we’re on-trend this summer?
Honestly, I say wear what makes you feel good. It doesn’t matter if it’s on trend or not. If you feel sexy and confident in it, then own it!
You have also created custom-formulated beauty products and gifts… What are your top beauty must-haves?
Lip gloss, lip gloss, and more lip gloss!! I must admit, I’m a bit of a lip gloss junkie and never leave home without it. I keep a small collection with me at all times. It’s the easiest way to pull an outfit together or just give yourself a little afternoon pick-me-up.
And your beauty, diet and exercise tips?
Everything in moderation and doesn’t forget to have fun. Nothing is less motivating than a stale routine. Make sure to mix things up every once in a while. Try something new.
What’s the secret to your success?
Having the courage and perseverance to learn from my mistakes, to own my vision and never lose sight of what’s important.
Where do you Naked Princess in five years’ time?
We are focusing heavily on expanding Naked Princess through our wholesale and e-commerce platforms, which is really exciting. We feel so honored to be carried in prestigious hotels, spas and boutiques around the country (Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and more). I’m excited to see our company reach the next level of success and go global in the next five years.
Finally, how can women create instant glamour and inner confidence?
I think women feel beautiful and fabulous when they take time to do something for themselves… whether that’s getting their nails done, having a massage, going shopping or just generally spoiling themselves, without carrying around any guilt. When we allow ourselves this time, our mind and body feel refreshed and recharged. As simple as it sounds, trusts me… it’s a beautiful outcome! Surround yourself with what you love, experience each moment and live the boudoir life!
To find out more, visit www.nakedprincess.co
