Nadine Woods
My journey into the world of functional bras and shapewear began out of necessity after the birth of my daughter.
I quickly realized that the industry, dominated by men making executive decisions, largely overlooked women's health, opting instead to market products that often prioritized style over function.
Faced with a frustrating selection of utilitarian garments that lacked support and sustainability, I was inspired to create something better.
At Mayana, my mission is to eliminate the guesswork for women by designing health-focused pieces.
Each garment is constructed with your breast health and pelvic floor in mind, using fabrics that minimize chemical exposure and prioritize comfort, function, and beauty.
We believe in putting people and the planet before profit, creating intimates that empower women without compromising their sensuality.
Proud of Caribbean descent, a land of resistance and liberation, I draw from a rich heritage that celebrates body positivity. Our culture embodies the true spirit of carnival—celebrating ourselves rather than conforming to the standards set by others.
Sadly, a major fashion show commercialized elements of our culture, turning the essence of carnival into a spectacle, stripping it of its true meaning. What was once a celebration of self-expression and freedom was reduced to a performance meant to appeal to the male gaze.
At Mayana, we reverse that narrative—creating garments that make people feel empowered, not objectified. Our designs celebrate natural bodies as they are, honoring their beauty and resilience.
Growing up, I experienced the care and craftsmanship of visiting dressmakers in the Caribbean. The process was personal—you were involved, appreciating the labor and skill that went into every detail.
This connection made you treasure the piece even more.
At Mayana, we’ve brought that philosophy into our brand, creating intimate apparel that feels like it was made just for you. It’s not about mass production; it’s about creating something with intention, and made to be cherished.
At Mayana, we encourage women and gender-diverse individuals to reject the limiting narratives imposed by the male gaze and embrace their bodies' natural transformations as symbols of strength and resilience.
As a social purpose enterprise created by and for women, our mission sparks vital conversations around often-taboo topics like menopause, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and endometriosis.
Through our Bust the Stigma initiative, we cultivate community spaces where we can learn from one another and reimagine matriarchy—fostering solidarity, support, and leadership in health.
We stand alongside all individuals, acknowledging that health is multifaceted and transcends physical appearance. Together, we can dismantle stigma and reshape the narrative around health and well-being.
At Mayana, we believe everyone deserves intimates that genuinely support and celebrate their unique journey.
If you made it this far, book a fitting to get started on your personalized experience. ;)
With love,
Nadine