Beauty Boss: Stephanie Montes, Founder of Nue
Stephanie Montes.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Stephanie Montes, Founder of Nue—an innovative line of breast tape that is more than just a bra alternative. A former beauty editor and fashion designer, Montes was inspired to create her company based on her need for a good breast tape that was comfortable and effective.
Available in three natural-looking shades that match a variety of skin tones, the breast tape makes it easy to customize the look you want without the need for straps, clasps or cups. Not only is it comfortable and customizable, but it is invisible under clothing, sweat-proof, water-proof, and is painless to remove. What’s more, a percentage of all proceeds are donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation—so you can feel good about your purchase when you wear it.
We chatted with Montes, who shared the inspiration behind her successful brand, favorite beauty and wellness tips, best advice, and more.
When was Nue founded? What does the name mean?
Nue launched on January 31, 2020. Nue is the French word for nude—it’s a reminder to always feel comfortable in your own skin. We pride ourselves in celebrating body positivity and inclusivity of all skin tones always.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
The idea from breast tape came from my own personal need. I’ve never had perky breasts, so I needed a solution for wearing backless and strapless styles without the clasps or straps of a traditional bra showing.
One day in a dressing room, I tried on this super chic jumpsuit with a high waist and plunging neckline. It was too good not to get, even if my boobs didn't look so hot in it. So, right there in front of the store's fluorescent-lit mirror, I made the conscious decision to take the jumpsuit and get my hands on some duct tape. Duct tape has long been a celebrity red-carpet boob hack—Kim Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, and Cardi B are just a few who have Instagrammed it—so, I tried it.
Can I just tell you, my boobs looked fantastic? They had never sat up this high (not even in a push-up bra) and I didn't have annoying straps peeking out of my jumpsuit. But the cons were significant enough for me to swear off duct tape forever! The tape crinkled under, which made my boobs look lumpy. It didn't stretch, so certain movements would pull and pinch. And holy hell, removal was no joke! It hurt so badly, my nipples were sore for days and my chest was left raw and red. My skin was so itchy and irritated, I had to pick up a bottle of calamine lotion!
It wasn't long before I set out to brand a chic, inclusive, and gentle alternative to the duct tape hack. I figured if I needed a solution, there would surely be countless women needing the same. Nue is hypoallergenic, latex-free, easy to remove, sweat-proof (because...you know!) and water-proof (I've never needed more support than in a stretchy bathing suit!) And it stretches, so it feels like a second skin while you're wearing it. NUE is soft to the touch and won't pull or pinch as you're wearing it.
Do you have a hero product?
Our “Boob Job in a Box” is our hero product. Our breast tape makes it easy to customize the look you want without straps, clasps or cups. Just cut to your desired length, lift in place, and stick for all-day wear. It's comfortable, customizable, invisible under clothes, sweat-proof, water-proof (hello, bikini season!), and easy to remove.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
I’m obsessed with our breast tape because it’s opened me up to so many new clothing options. I was so limited in my styles before—I couldn’t wear anything that required me to go braless. But now that I can just tape up “the girls” and go, I find myself buying more backless, strapless, and thin-strap styles.
Where are your products sold?
Nue is sold on our website as well as at select boutiques across the US.
Future plans for the brand?
Breast tape is such a new category that straddles the intersection of fashion and beauty, and I’m proud that Nue is on the forefront of that innovation. In the future, I plan to continue creating new-to-market products that rival the current shapewear landscape.
Nue breast tape makes it easy to customize the look you want without straps, clasps or cusps and comes in three natural-looking shades to match a variety of skin tones.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by my peers. My career path has been windy—I started as a fashion designer, then made a name for myself as a beauty editor and now I’m a brand founder—and along the way I’ve met so many inspiring, driven, entrepreneurial women. I always aspired to be like them and as they grow, I continually feel inspired to keep going and never give up.
Secret to success?
I have four tips I always share with anyone trying to break into the fashion and beauty industry or entrepreneurship:
Be nice to everyone. Your reputation is everything in this industry. I’ve always treated everyone with respect, from interns to CEOs, because with the climate constantly changing, you never know where those people will end up and if you might cross paths again.
Don’t be above working for free. In my early days assisting and interning, I worked for free a lot. The lessons I learned and the contacts I made in those days have been invaluable to my career.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I still reach out to my peers for advice or opportunities. If I’ve exhausted all other avenues on my own and I still find myself in a bind, I don’t shy away from a helping hand.
Pay it forward. I never could’ve made it to this point in my career or business without the help from others. When I can, I always pay it forward by helping others.
Beauty secrets?
My favorite skincare tip is completely free. Keep a clean washcloth handy for when you wash your face morning and night. Rinse it under hot running water, wring it out, and apply it to your face. It’ll create a gentle steam that opens the pores, releases dirt and oils, and seriously relaxes you. Then, gently massage the washcloth into skin for a light exfoliation and to remove all traces of debris and makeup.
Wellness tips?
I don’t think this is a wellness tip (maybe mental wellness?), but I’m a firm believer in vision boarding. At the start of every year, I start fresh with a new poster board (some people like digital boards, but I prefer a physical version) and create a collage that includes my goals for the upcoming year. It includes everything from personal goals and travel inspo to professional milestones. I hang it somewhere I can see it every day, I add things as the year goes on, and I sometimes meditate in front of it. It keeps me focused and inspired.
Best advice?
Work hard, but know when it’s time to take a break. Running your own business is hard work and requires long hours, but for me it’s so important to take nights and weekends off. Stop glorifying the idea of being “too busy.” My days are packed with running Nue, not to mention continuing to contribute regularly to my editorial bylines, but I’m never too busy to take evenings off, sit at the dinner table with my husband, visit my parents on weekends or catch up with friends. If I have a seemingly impossible to-do list, I rearrange things, but you’re never too busy to prioritize the things that really matter to you.
How do you like to relax?
I’m a homebody, so anytime I can just stay in and do nothing, I consider that a relaxing time. Breakfast in bed on the weekend, watching a movie on the couch or carving out time for a nap in the middle of the day are all ways for me to relax.
For more information, visit thebrandnue.com and follow on Instagram: @the_brand_nue
[Images courtesy of Nue]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk