Founder Series: An Interview with Helya Mohammadian, Founder of Slick Chicks

Entrepreneurship is about solving real problems, and few embody that better than Helya Mohammadian, founder and CEO of Slick Chicks. Inspired by her sister’s post-surgery struggles, she set out to make dressing easier for people with disabilities, injuries, or mobility challenges. Slick Chicks creates stylish, adaptive undergarments and loungewear with Velcro® side-fastening closures and soft, stretchable fabrics—designed for independence and comfort.

With 15+ years in product development and supply chain management, Helya has turned her vision into a recognized, mission-driven brand, earning support from the Tory Burch Foundation, Spanx, ABC’s “Funderdome,” and more. Slick Chicks is making adaptive fashion mainstream, available at Target, CVS, Amazon, and their website.

We spoke with Helya about her journey, the impact of inclusive fashion, and how Slick Chicks is transforming lives—one outfit at a time.

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What inspired you to start Slick Chicks?

Slick Chicks began from a deeply personal experience. Initially, I designed our first product as a post-operative care solution for my sister, who was struggling with a difficult recovery after surgery. I saw firsthand how something as routine as getting dressed could become a frustrating and even painful experience when mobility was limited.

But as I started researching more, I realized that this wasn’t just a short-term struggle—it was a daily reality for millions of people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or limited mobility. The fashion industry wasn’t prioritizing accessibility, and adaptive clothing options were either non-existent or lacked style and functionality. That’s when I knew this had to be bigger than just one product.

Slick Chicks evolved into a mission-driven brand focused on empowering people through accessible fashion. Clothing isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about confidence, independence, and self-expression. Everyone deserves to feel good in what they wear, without struggling to get dressed. That belief continues to drive everything we do today.

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Can you share a pivotal moment or decision that significantly contributed to your brand's growth recently?

A major turning point was raising another round of funding last year. As we secured larger wholesale orders from Target and CVS, we needed more capital to scale production, inventory, and logistics. It was a huge opportunity but required significant upfront investment.

This funding allowed us to take that leap and position ourselves for long-term success. It reinforced the importance of balancing growth with financial sustainability. Now, as we expand into more retail doors, we’re focused on optimizing margins and ensuring we scale strategically.

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Who is your target demographic, and how do you engage with them through marketing and product development?

Our target demographic includes individuals with disabilities, limited mobility, and those recovering from surgery—anyone who needs clothing that makes getting dressed easier without sacrificing style. We also serve caregivers and healthcare professionals looking for adaptive solutions.

Being a small team allows us to stay closely connected to our customers. We engage through social media, emails, and newsletters, creating an open dialogue where they share experiences and feedback. This input directly shapes our product development. Whether through customer surveys, focus groups, or casual online interactions, we prioritize listening, learning, and improving.

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What was a challenge you didn't expect, and how did you overcome it?

Scaling logistics for large retail orders was an unexpected challenge. When we secured partnerships with Target and CVS, the excitement was huge—but so was the operational complexity.

Fulfilling large-scale orders meant tighter inventory planning, streamlined shipping processes, and adapting to compliance requirements. There were unexpected delays and cash flow challenges while waiting for retailer payments. We tackled this by investing in better inventory management, strengthening partnerships with 3PL providers, and securing the right funding. It’s been a learning process, but each step has made us more efficient and scalable.

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What sets your products apart from competitors in terms of quality, pricing, or consumer appeal?

Slick Chicks was the first to patent adaptive underwear in 2017, pioneering a category that had been largely overlooked. Our products combine function and fashion, offering easy-to-use side fastenings, soft stretch fabrics, and tagless labels for ultimate comfort. Unlike traditional underwear, ours can be put on while seated, lying down, or with limited mobility—making them truly inclusive.

We also focus on affordability without compromising quality, ensuring adaptive fashion is accessible. While many brands are just starting to embrace inclusivity, we’ve been committed to this mission from day one, and that authenticity resonates with our customers.

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What are some strategies that have helped Slick Chicks gain more brand recognition and awareness?

Our ambassador program has been a powerful tool, featuring real people sharing real stories about how our products impact their lives. This has allowed us to connect with our community authentically.

We’ve also focused on strategic retail partnerships, like Target and CVS, to bring adaptive fashion to the mainstream. Social media and PR have played a huge role as well—we ensure our messaging isn’t just about selling a product but about advocating for accessibility and inclusion in fashion.

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Where do you see your CPG business in the next 5 years? What are your short-term and long-term goals for brand growth and market expansion?

In five years, I see Slick Chicks breaking more barriers in adaptive fashion, expanding our product line, and becoming a household name for accessible apparel. We want adaptive fashion to be a standard in retail, not just a niche.

In the short term, we’re focused on scaling retail partnerships with Target and CVS, optimizing sell-through, and strengthening our e-commerce presence. We’re also developing new adaptive products and exploring licensing collaborations to meet diverse needs.

Long term, we aim to expand internationally, secure more strategic retail partners, and continue innovating in adaptive design. More than just growing the brand, our goal is to make sure inclusivity is embedded in mainstream fashion, so adaptive clothing isn’t an afterthought.

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As a founder, what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to establish their own successful consumer goods brands in the coming years?

There’s no such thing as overnight success. Building a brand is a grind—it’s messy, unpredictable, and hard. If you’re not in it for the long haul, you’re in the wrong game.

Be ready to work your ass off, especially when things get tough. Don’t chase quick wins—build something real that stands the test of time. Stay focused, stay hungry, and trust the process, even when it feels like you're crawling forward.

Want to learn more about the brand? Discover more about Slick Chicks here. 

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