Boobs, Business + Burning Bras with PastedNip
LL: Let’s get into it! How did you two meet each other?
Roxanne Kaiser: Audrey & I met at our first job out of Georgia Tech in IT Consulting. We would travel together every week for over 6 months, back and forth from Atlanta to Chicago. Our client at the time was ULTA and we worked very closely together on the same project. This is how we knew we would do really well working together because when you travel AND work with someone on a weekly basis for months….you really get to know them.
LL; How does your experience as Georgia Tech alumni, help with the creation of PastedNip?
Georgia Tech has been a pivotal part of our success in entrepreneurship. GT is known for their rigorous classes and challenging academics - which really helped us learn how to balance stress, a heavy workload and time management. At GT, we were required to take computer science classes (regardless of our major) and other technology courses, which really enabled us to have a technology + business background. Although 6 out of 7 days we wanted to cry from class stress (lol) - it really helped us build a foundation to overcome challenges post-graduation. Georgia Tech also helped curate a spirit of resilience in both of us - this helps when things don’t always go exactly as planned - which happens a lot when owning your own business.
LL: What inspired you to create PastedNip?
Roxanne Kaiser: I have ALWAYS loved pasties. Anyone who has known me since I was young, knows my love for pasties. I also knew that there was a way to make them better - more comfortable, better quality, last longer - while being a brand that represents empowerment and badass. I essentially wanted to create a better pasty for anyone out there who wanted to go braless - and that is exactly what we did. We took the components from other pasties that we didn't like and made them better and more unique.
LL: What is PastedNip’s mission?
Roxanne Kaiser: Aside from wanting to create the BEST nipple cover on the market - we equally wanted to create a brand that screamed women’s empowerment and confidence. From day 1, I remember telling Audrey that my goal was to help women feel sexy going braless in anything they wear. One of our favorite aspects about owning PastedNip is being sent hundreds and hundreds of pictures from different women wearing outfits paired with PastedNip. The mission is for women to feel confident and sexy - in whatever they have on!
LL: What makes your brand different from your competitors?
I mean… our pasties are truly like no other on the market. PastedNip is waterproof & sweatproof up to 15 wears. They are razor thin, providing the smoothest, most comfortable nipple coverage. Our pasties apply onto nipples seamlessly, has a ‘no hurt’ peel off, matte finish & our unique adhesive TRULY LASTS!
Our pasties also come in our PastedNip travel case - which our customers LOVE to take with them on trips.
LL: Any big plans for you two and PastedNip in the next year? What do you see in PastedNip’s future?
To keep growing and pasting titties! We are currently working on R&D to extend our product line. The goal is to introduce new bra-less alternatives into the market that our customers have been asking us for!
LL: What has been the biggest life challenge that you have overcome?
Roxanne Kaiser - I think for me, it was knowing that I have always had a deep desire to be a business owner and in turn, knowing how much sacrifice it would take to accomplish it. As women, I think some societal pressures make us feel as if we need to be on certain timelines in life (whether it be to get married, have kids or whatever that ‘next step’ in life is). The biggest challenge for me was mentally putting aside any of these pressures and just to focus on my dreams and goals to start a successful business.
Audrey Shlapak: - For me, it was coming to the realization that I was struggling with anxiety and depression and seeking help for it. I don’t think I would be where I am today in my career or personal life if I hadn’t sought help. One of the things I love about PastedNip is we strive to help women feel confident, and having dealt with mental health hurdles, I know what it’s like to struggle with confidence.
LL: Outside of business, what is most important to you?
Roxanne Kaiser: - Staying grounded and spending time with my family.
Audrey Shlapak: - Taking care of my health, both mental and physical so that I’m able to be present and a good friend and family member.
LL: Any advice for women, starting a brand or struggling with sales?
Just START! There is truly NEVER the right day or time to dive in. Start with an idea, think of a name, incorporate your business and just MF go for it! Adjust & adapt as needed. It takes so much bravery to just get started on something - so that in itself is impressive.
Use your existing family and friend connections to get the word out. Shift your mindset to take ALL criticism as feedback to improve. When we first started PastedNip - we had a lot of pushback; “there are already pasties out there”, “won't it be weird talking about nipples all day?”, “how will you mass-sell your pasties to big box and franchise boutiques?”, “Is your family uncomfortable with your product?” - ALL we can say is, we had a vision for PastedNip and what it could be and stuck with it! In the very beginning, focus less on sales and more on GROWING your brand, product/company quality and network - the sales will come as you build a solid foundation from the ground up.
LL: How do you stay focused and positive when life throws you curveballs?
Roxanne Kaiser: - In the past 2 years, I have really taken up meditation and hot yoga (if yall dont have the CALM app - I suggest you download it right now). But seriously, I do a 10 minute ‘day time’ meditation and then one every night to fall asleep - otherwise my mind will race with everything I need to get done. I also love to go on walks without my phone in-hand to clear my mind and remind myself that no matter what, everything is going to be okay.
Audrey Shlapak: - I try to practice gratitude for all of the things I do have when things don’t go right or as planned. Sometimes I’ll have a glass of wine and vent it out with a trusted friend. But I try to adhere to the belief of if it’s not going to severely impact my life 5 years from now then it’s not worth agonizing over too much. I’ve learned through experience, that life has a funny way of showing you better things than what you thought you wanted.
LL: Anything else you would like to mention that we haven’t asked?
Do not be afraid to ever ask for advice, help or guidance. The best thing you can do when starting a business is to be a sponge - soak up ALL the knowledge you can from other entrepreneurs. When we first started PastedNip, we reached out to multiple business owners to learn from their business experiences.
The worst thing that can happen is someone will say ‘no’ or not answer your DM, email or call (which has happened to us more times than we can count)!