Lingerie Shop Designed with Breast Cancer Survivors in Mind

WINCHESTER, Va. – Whether it’s the uncomfortable process of getting fitted, or dealing with self-esteem issues while trying on colorful lace – picking out lingerie isn’t always an easy process.

But for women recovering from breast cancer surgery, that uneasy process sometimes isn’t even an option.

“Every time I went in to get my prosthesis and bras, [the store] was so medical,” said Martinsburg resident Bonnie Bell. “There were so many white walls, and the first thing they would say was, ‘how do you feel?’ And I would say, ‘well, I don’t know. How am I supposed to feel?’”

Inspired by her own experiences with cancer, Bell decided she was through with the white walls.

On January 20, Bell opened up BB’s Health Boutique and Fine Lingerie in Winchester, a safe and fun place for women recovering from breast cancer to purchase their medical bras.

“I didn’t have any money. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I wasn’t an entrepreneur,” Bell said. “The only thing I knew about prosthesis [was how to put] mine on, and that was it.”

Bell’s first experience in a “health boutique” was April 2008, when she visited a store in Rockville, Md.

“I stepped out the dressing room, and I just started crying,” she said.

For the first time since being diagnosed with breast cancer, Bell said she finally felt pretty and feminine in her undergarments again.

“After that, I just knew this was what I was meant to do,” Bell added. “And that was how it all started.”

Having been diagnosed with cancer four times in the last twenty years, Bell said she knows exactly what her clients are going through, and what they want.

“We’ve already had cancer! We’ve already been sick! Our fun doesn’t stop because we got sick,” Bell said, with a laugh. “I wanted to have pretty things. [Once I had them,] I wanted to be able to fit more women.”

Not only can clients purchase the necessary prosthetics and undergarments needed after a double mastectomy, but also wigs, hair scarves and other lingerie designed for breast cancer survivors.

“We’ve got shampoo for wigs, and for real hair, bustiers, chemises, robes, nightgowns,” Bell said.

Bell also has plenty of products designed for all women, whether they are a breast cancer survivor or not.

“I tried on this chemise that didn’t have a cup [to hold my prosthetic breast], and I felt so pretty. My husband loved it. He even asked, ‘do they have any more colors?’”

Bell said the main reason for opening up the health boutique, which is a 501c3 nonprofit, is to help families recover from cancer.

“When you get sick, it shakes the whole household,” Bell said. “This was the best thing I could have done, because now I can help all women.”

All proceeds from the shop go to benefit the nonprofit foundation Breast and Body Health Inc.

You can learn more about Bell and her health boutique by clicking here.

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