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Writer's pictureEnthuse Foundation

How Five Women Turned a Breast Cancer Diagnosis into a Business Plan

Updated: Oct 29

When anyone hears the words' you have cancer,' their world is forever changed.


According to the American Cancer Society, "breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It is about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new cancers in women yearly."


A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments could provide an opportunity to view the world differently. They can change perspectives about someone's future. 


In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, meet some incredible women entrepreneurs who have their own connection to breast cancer. 

"Breast cancer was an unexpected plot twist in my life! During treatment, my family and I had a tough time keeping track of all the medications I had to help manage the side effects of my treatment. To help alleviate some of the stress, I created a little system to help us keep track of everything. That little system became my invention and tooktake; now it's my business. I wouldn't recommend cancer as a business strategy, but life has a funny way of surprising us. Now, not only am I a survivor, but I'm also the proud owner of a business that started with a problem and a crafty solution. It's like turning lemons into a full-blown lemonade stand." Leeanna Gantt, tooktake

"My breast cancer journey instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, highlighted the irreplaceable value of time and emphasized the importance of pursuing passion with unwavering urgency. I laid the foundation of my business from the chemo suite at Mt. Sinai and the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center in Harlem. Beyond being a business pursuit, it was also a much-needed distraction from my health challenges. The paradox of building a business amidst the looming shadow of mortality provided me with profound insights. However, I had yet to anticipate the hesitation from investors, many of whom seemed deterred by my health journey. Their inability to see the strength derived from overcoming cancer was disheartening. Despite these challenges, I pressed on independently, bootstrapping my venture. I'm proud to say that we've since secured our products' presence in CVS, Target, DoorDash, and Amazon." Suzanne Sinatra, Private Packs

"My breast cancer journey further reinforced my company's beliefs in creating the healthiest products imaginable, using organic ingredients, and avoiding toxins like BPA in our packaging. It also taught me that there are no dress rehearsals in life. This is it. And this life is my shot to do all I can to help make the world a better place. I want to use my time on Earth to have a positive impact on the health of people and the health of the planet." Christina Dorr Drake, Willa's Kitchen

“Losing my hair to breast cancer and chemotherapy taught me that a queen sometimes has to create her crown. The turbans I created for myself during treatment inspired me to launch StyleEsteem, where we now design one-of-a-kind headpieces to empower women facing cancer. As we expand our collection into couture and lifestyle, we remain devoted to impacting patients through our non-profit and hospital partnerships. We want to remind every woman walking this path that her beauty transcends hair and that fashion is her medium for identity and expression during diagnosis. Join our movement by following us on Instagram and YouTube at @StyleEsteem." Sonya Keshwani, StyleEsteem


"My breast cancer experience ultimately ignited my entrepreneur journey! I was diagnosed on a routine mammogram at age 40 with no known risk factors or family history. After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy followed by reconstruction, I was shocked to discover that getting dressed in the morning became one of my most significant challenges. My old lingerie no longer fit and caused pain. Garments designed for after-surgery were synthetic, scratchy, and, quite frankly, ugly. In a moment when I wanted to adorn my body with something beautiful and comfortable, nothing existed.
Two hundred bras later (literally), I started speaking with other women - only to find this issue universal. I also learned that this challenge went far beyond clothing - that the inability to start each day free of pain or discomfort represented a barrier to healing on deep emotional and psychological levels. And it was with this realization that I vowed to pay my good prognosis forward and solve this problem for others. Three years later, the Everviolet intimate apparel collection was born to help women reclaim a sense of self and femininity following change and make them feel like people first and patients last. Adaptive, sustainable, beautiful, and functional, our lingerie and loungewear adapt to women's changing bodies following breast cancer, GYN cancers, surgery, disability, pregnancy, menopause, and much more.
While I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, the experience of being able to turn a challenging situation into good for others gave me a purpose I had never felt before. I still think it to this day. Through the steep learning curves, hiccups, and opportunities to take on new roles, I have leaned heavily into the wisdom I gained while navigating cancer. Cancer taught me that I have more strength than I ever thought possible. It showed me how resilient and determined I am to endure hard times. And it led me to lean on others when I needed them. These teachings are at the heart of my journey as a CEO and founder.
Everviolet's tagline is Beauty of Change because, at some point, we will face physical changes. But what we do with those changes and how we handle them ultimately defines us as people. I am proud to have battled back to excellent health, and I'm grateful that the experience opened a door I never could have envisioned before that experience. #beautyofchange” Keira Kotler, Everviolet, Inc.

We are here to empower, inspire, and connect women in all stages of their entrepreneurship journey. For your business to be in tip-top shape, you, the owner, must care for yourself. Early detection is vital for breast cancer survival. Check out the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc  for tips on caring for your breast health.  


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