Members in the News

We all know that the women’s health industry has changed throughout the years. For Nancy Gunderson, this change is a good thing. Celebrating her 40th anniversary in the industry, Nancy has had years of experience and has great expertise when it comes to mastectomy fitting. Though many aspects of women’s health have changed over the years, the importance of making personal connections with customers and helping them feel good about themselves is a value that Nancy has carried with her

EW Member Second Act was recently featured in Newsradio 780 WBBM’s “Made in Chicago” series.  Second Act provides breast prostheses breast forms, pocketed mastectomy bras, as well as wigs and compression garments. During this feature, owner Pattie Cagney Sheehan shares how long she’s been in the industry, how her business expanded, and how her boutique provides services that meet the specific needs of her clients.   Read the Full

Newsradio 780 WBBM featured a story on Sen. Tammy Duckworth's visit to Essentially Women member Second Act, LLC in Chicago. Scroll down to listen. If you are interested in inviting and hosting legislators at your facility, let Essentially Women know at 800-988-4484 or [email protected] and our team can assist.  

“It was magical. I felt human again,” said breast cancer survivor Patti Kane. Kane's first visit to "Perfect Match Boutique" --post breast cancer-- was unforgettable. A new breast form and a new bra made her feel like a new woman Thank god we have this place,” said Kane Jill Robbins and Terry Scott purchased Perfect Match Boutique because they knew that they wanted to do something meaningful that would help other women in the community and give back. Perfect Match

Kim Neel of Alala When a woman hears she has beaten breast cancer, her life should improve. The fight is over, she’s in the clear, it’s time for things to go back to normal. But, as everyone in the industry knows, that is simply not the case. Side effects of the treatment that saved her life can lead to conditions like lymphedema – a condition that can cause fibrosis, infection, pain, and impaired functioning of the affected body part. Kim Neel, cofounder of Alala, has made it

Essentially Women member, Mary Walsh Aframe from Women's Image Center, was recently featured in a lifestyle publication based out of Boston. Women's Image Center is a post-mastectomy boutique that focuses on custom breast prosthesis, breast forms, post-mastectomy garments and wigs.  Aframe spent much of her early career working as a dental hygienist, while training to be a certified mastectomy fitter.  “Helping a woman look and feel her best while she’s

“As a small, woman-owned business, I had no idea how easy a target we were for a ransomware attack. In August, 2018, we were attacked and it was an experience beyond our wildest imagination. We wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” Vicki D. Jones, President/CEO, WHBoutique Inc. dba Women’s Health Boutique. The healthcare industry has become one of the top, if not THE top target for hackers. Healthcare data is rich with information hackers can exploit to make money. And it’s

Interview with Lori Conard-Miller Breast Cancer Awareness month is only a few short months away, which means for most post-mastectomy boutiques, it’s time to prepare for the busy season! Many of our members host, sponsor or attend breast cancer awareness fundraisers, walks or runs. Essentially Women member, Lori Conard-Miller from Studio I in Saint Joseph, MI and Mishawaka, IN and Naturally Yours in Willowbrook, IL recently discussed with EW what Breast Cancer Awareness season looks like

Essentially Women member, Silhouette Mastectomy Boutique, was recently featured by their local news media. Silhouette Mastectomy Boutique was founded in 2008 by John Robb and Julie Beach after they realized the demand for mastectomy care in their area. The boutique offers more of a shopping experience for women's healthcare, offering pre and post-surgery education, quality products and exceptional customer service. As the day-to-day operations manager, Teresa Kelly has clients ranging from teens

EW member Underneath it All was recently featured on their local news station, KARE 11. As a mastectomy boutique, they fit for prostheses after a mastectomy, sell mastectomy bras, camisoles and swimwear. Lorraine Dressel and Cathy Rieckenberg's business started as a Mobile Medical Closet, which had a mobile medical equipment lab. Through their travels, they started getting questions about where to get mastectomy fittings. They then decided to sell Mobile Medical Closet and opened a