Buying lingerie has almost become a right of passage. As we pass into grown woman territory, those brightly-colored polyester undies from the department store just don't cut it anymore. Whether the need to upgrade comes from wanting to get rid of the fraying panties we've hoarded over the years, wanting to give bae a sexy surprise or just wanting to look and feel your most confident--we're here for it! When your lingerie is on point, you're setting yourself up to look and feel your best.
One woman who totally understands the need for having top-quality underwear is Ade Hassan, founder of Nubian Skin, a lingerie line that matches the diverse skin tones of multicultural women. Beyond the classic black or feisty printed bra and panty set, a staple lingerie choice in a women's collection is nude. And not nude by society's standards, which matches literally one skin tone, but inclusive nudes that are available for women with the fairest of skin tones to the deepest. That's where Nubian Skin steps in. Ade has created a range of undergarments that are not only comfortable, but also designed specifically for women of color who have repeatedly been left out of the 'nude' conversation. Nude lingerie is not one-size-fits-all, and now with Nubian Skin available at shops like Nordstrom and ASOS, it doesn't have to be.
We connected with London-based Ade Hassan to get the inside scoop on how she launched her brand and what Nubian Skin's plans are next.
Real Beautiful: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?
Ade Hassan: I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so even though it can be a lot of work, it’s also incredibly fulfilling and I’m very grateful. Both my parents are entrepreneurs and have set a great example for me.
RB: Why lingerie? What made you want to delve into the undergarment business?
AH: Nubian Skin was essentially born out of frustration. I wanted a product that I couldn’t find in shops, so I decided to create it. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who felt the same way. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I’ve always wanted my business to be fashion related. I had several ideas in the past and a few that I looked into moving forward with. Ultimately when this idea came into my head, it truly stuck. I realised it was something I needed and was so essential, that it had to be something other women of colour would want.
RB: How has starting Nubian Skin influenced how you view the fashion/beauty industry?
AH: We’ve started to notice a lot more diversity in the fashion industry. Diversity in fashion is something that is definitely changing which is great, it is empowering to see someone who looks like you in a magazine.
RB: Do you have any words of advice for women looking to start their own business but don't have access to capital?
AH: Firstly, It’s really important to research your idea to make sure that whatever it is, it’s valid. Make sure you really believe in the idea especially if you’re working in another job. If you’re up at 4:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. working on this, then you want to believe in it. You also need to be willing to work really hard. Everybody who is going to start something anticipates that it’s going to be difficult, and that it’s going to be hard, but it will be so much more difficult and so much harder than you can prepare yourself for. And also – have faith in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, then who will?
RB: How did the Formation tour request from Beyoncé come about? That's amazing!
AH: It was a huge shock! I got an email from her stylist and I thought it was a scam! However, I asked my friends in the fashion industry about the person who emailed me, and they all said: 'Ade, this is real! You need to respond!'
Photo: Beyonce Instagram
RB: Congratulations on the Black British Business Awards nomination! What does being nominated for that award mean for you and your brand?
AH: Thank you! I am really proud to have been nominated for the Black British Business Awards! It really means a lot to have received recognition for what we’re doing at Nubian Skin.
RB: What's next for you and Nubian Skin?
AH: We have just launched a brand new venture! The Africa Collection with a luxury lingerie and sleep wear collection inspired by and made in Africa called ‘Moroccan Nights’. Other than that - we are hard at work on our fuller bust bras! We do have a few other exciting ideas in the pipeline, so watch this space!
