A woman who survived breast cancer has transformed her life-changing ordeal into a business triumph, launching an inclusive swimwear line specifically for women who have had mastectomies.
Melanie Luxton-Brookes, 47, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2017 after finding a lump in her left breast. Her treatment involved a full mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and several rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Once she was declared cancer-free a year later, Melanie and her husband Bruce, 57, planned a holiday abroad – her first since finishing her treatment. However, when looking for mastectomy swimwear, Melanie found it difficult to find options that were both stylish and practical.
Mastectomy swimwear usually includes special features like armholes to hide surgery scars and built-in pockets for breast forms, but Melanie found the market was lacking in fashionable and affordable choices.
Driven to address this issue, Melanie launched her own brand, Lady Survivors, to create swimwear that helps women feel confident and comfortable post-surgery.
“I was so excited to go on holiday back in 2018, but I couldn’t find suitable swimwear-I was gutted,” Melanie shared. “Everyone should feel seen through fashion. Wearing a swimsuit can already be stressful, and for women who’ve gone through a mastectomy, it can feel even more daunting. I want to help others feel comfortable and confident.”
Despite Lady Survivors still being a small enterprise, the impact has been significant. “The feedback from women who tell me they’ve fallen in love with my garments-and themselves-never fails to make me emotional,” she continued.
Melanie’s entrepreneurial journey mirrors findings from recent research by Virgin Money, which explored the catalysts that inspire individuals to start small businesses. The survey of 500 small business owners found that identifying a market gap, as Melanie did, motivates 12% of entrepreneurs to take the plunge.
The study revealed that 84% of entrepreneurs act on their business idea within a year, with 35% launching within a month of identifying their trigger. Almost seven out of ten reported an improved work-life balance after starting their business, and over half stated they could never envisage working for someone else again.
Melanie and Oladele Ajaui, a 40 year old Londoner, epitomise the growing trend of entrepreneurs who turn setbacks into business breakthroughs. After his career in finance ended in redundancy in 2017, Oladele reskilled as a plumber and established Deka Plumbing, boasting a turnover of £400,000 last year.
Oladele found that running his own enterprise allowed him to blend his practical abilities with the drive he had developed in the financial sector, granting him valuable family time and better work-life balance.
In order to bolster business figures like Melanie and Oladele, Virgin Money unveiled the M Account for Business a no-fee, digital-first current account designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing benefits such as cashback on debit spends and assistance with everyday banking needs.
Virgin Money’s head of business banking, Simon Norman, commended the grit demonstrated by these small-scale operators. “Melanie and Oladele’s stories highlight the resilience and creativity of entrepreneurs,” he stated.
“We want to support them to pursue their business dreams by giving them the tools and confidence to succeed.”
