A breast cancer survivor, Melanie Luxton-Brookes, has taken her experience battling the disease and turned it into a successful business venture. After undergoing a full mastectomy as part of her treatment, Melanie struggled to find swimwear that made her feel confident and comfortable during her first holiday post-treatment. She noticed a gap in the market for fashionable and affordable mastectomy swimwear, which inspired her to create her own brand, Lady Survivors.
Melanie, now 47, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2017 after discovering a lump in her left breast. Her treatment journey included a mastectomy, breast reconstruction, and rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After achieving remission, Melanie and her husband planned a holiday abroad, but her search for suitable swimwear led her to launch Lady Survivors. The brand focuses on providing stylish and practical swimwear for women who have undergone mastectomies, offering designs that not only conceal surgery scars but also promote confidence and comfort.
The feedback Melanie has received for her swimwear brand has been overwhelming, with women expressing their gratitude for feeling seen and empowered by her designs. Melanie’s story aligns with recent research from Virgin Money, which highlighted that many entrepreneurs, like Melanie, are driven by filling gaps in the market. This research showed that a significant 84% of entrepreneurs put their business plans into action within a year of conception, with 12% specifically motivated by addressing market needs.
Melanie’s entrepreneurial journey parallels that of Oladele Ajaui, a Londoner who transitioned from a finance career to establishing a successful plumbing business, Deka Plumbing. Both individuals exemplify the trend of turning personal challenges into business successes. Virgin Money has introduced the M Account for Business, a digital-first current account aimed at supporting entrepreneurs like Melanie and Oladele. The account offers benefits such as cashback on debit card spending and assistance with daily banking requirements.
Virgin Money’s Head of Business Banking, Simon Norman, commended the resilience and creativity displayed by small business owners like Melanie and Oladele. He emphasized the importance of providing entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence needed to pursue their business dreams. Melanie’s story not only showcases her determination to overcome personal struggles but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs facing similar hurdles.
The success of Melanie’s brand, Lady Survivors, highlights the impact of addressing unmet market needs with innovative solutions. By creating swimwear that merges style with functionality, Melanie has not only empowered herself but also countless other women who have undergone mastectomies. As she continues to receive positive feedback and support for her brand, Melanie remains committed to helping women feel comfortable and confident in their skin, celebrating their resilience and strength post-mastectomy.