Get to know our beloved founder, Rachel Raab! In our Q&A, learn all about Rachel’s inspiration to start Buddha Pants, her favorite hobbies and resources, and more.
What inspired you to start Buddha Pants?
I’ve been wearing harem pants for 30 years. I had a hard time finding harem pants that were made well or had pockets, which was frustrating. After owning and operating a boutique print shop for 8 years, I wanted to do something that I was passionate about. So I moved to Miami, started the research and development, and Buddha Pants was born!
What are your favorite parts of starting and running a company?
My favorite parts of starting a company is the branding, photography, setting up the site, social sites - I LOVE doing! During the first three years of Buddha Pants, all of the shows were my favorite - we did over 200 shows around the world. Traveling and getting to see people’s excitement when they put on the pants was the best!
Right now, running the company, I love collaborating. Collaborating with my team and getting excited about new designs and projects, as well as collaborating with influencers and partners around the world.
What keeps you inspired and motivated?
Our customers, the warehouse, and the amazing handful of women than surround me every day. Most recently we started working with non-profits and foster kids to give back to the community. I think this project will turn into something even bigger than I expected. I know this will inspire me to help more and bring a whole new aesthetic and look to the next couple of lines.
What are some of the biggest challenges you had when you first started the company?
Learning everything - I had never run an online business. Right now we operate 25+ apps and have over 8 partnerships than make the wheels turn everyday. It took me 8 years to learn and implement thousands of tasks.
Describe the Buddha Pants brand in 3 words:
Fun, cozy, and free.
Favorite books?
Anything by Seth Godin
Favorite podcasts?
Anything on MasterClass. DVF or Sarah Blakely.
What’s your go-to mantra or quote that helps you stay aligned with the Buddha Pants purpose?
“Pants that make you dance” - I always try to bring back the fun and freedom of the way the pants make me and others feel, especially when life gets stressful and serious.
Outside of Buddha Pants, what are your favorite hobbies and activities?
I have two toddlers that keep me REALLY busy. I cook 3 meals a day for them, so I’m practically their personal chef. 😂 We swim every day. Before kids I used to bead all the time and hope to go back to that. I also love to make mosaic pavers. I love to wakeboard or paddle board when I have the opportunity.
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