The Kaplan brothers grew up on Manhattan's tony East Side and enjoyed a privileged background (their great-grandmother, Lena Bryant, pioneered the plus-size market and their father led the Lane Bryant chain until it was sold to Limited Inc.). But they learned early on that nothing would be handed to them.

"We knew that after college, we were basically on our own," Michael Kaplan said. "There was no magic pot at the end of the rainbow. Our family taught us you had to make things happen for yourself."

The brothers took the lesson to heart. Initially, Michael, 34, headed for finance, working as an analyst and venture capitalist. He also co-founded alight.com, an on-line shopping site for plus-sized women.

Nicholas, 32, opted for retail. He served as a buyer for Saks, Inc., a merchandise manager at bluefly.com, and a co-founder of The Designer Warehouse, an off-price retail chain. Although they never intended to go into business together, they joined forces in 2004 to open Fashion To Figure. The store puts a modern spin on plus-size retailing, providing a wide variety of fashion brands in a friendly, inviting setting. Michael developed thr concept while at Harvard Business School. The fledging company, which has two successful locations, blends Michael's business acumen with Nicholas' merchandising expertise.

"It was my idea, but it was my brother's particular skill set that helped make it a reality," Michael said. "He's a true merchant."