AnaOno, 10 year anniversary

What was your life like before AnaOno? Before finding AnaOno, my life was deeply rooted in the fashion and design industry. I had always been passionate about creating beautiful things and had a thriving career as a designer. However, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my mid-20s. This life-altering experience not only challenged me personally but also ignited a new purpose in my professional journey. 

Your brand was born from your personal story. Can you tell me a little about its beginnings? AnaOno was born out of my personal journey with breast cancer. After my diagnosis and subsequent surgery, I found myself struggling to find bras that fit my new body. Traditional lingerie didn't accommodate the changes I was experiencing, and I realized there was a significant gap in the market for women like me. This realization fueled my desire to create a line of bras designed explicitly for those who have undergone breast surgery. My goal was to blend comfort, functionality, and beauty, ensuring every patient feels confident and supported regardless of their journey.

 What are the advantages of AnaOno bras? AnaOno bras are crafted to meet the unique needs of those who have undergone chest surgery. We call it Chest-inclusivity: One boob, two boobs, no boobs, or new boobs; everyone deserves support. Our designs prioritize comfort, using soft, non-irritating fabrics that cater to sensitive skin and scar tissue. We offer options for patients with and without reconstruction, ensuring a perfect fit no matter the surgical outcome. The construction of our bras takes into account the absence of underwire and includes features like front closures and adjustable straps for ease of wear and accessibility. 
  
 Who takes care of the design? The design process is a collaborative effort between us and our customers. While I oversee the overall vision and direction, I work closely with a talented team of experts, including doctors and patients, who share my passion for creating inclusive lingerie. We listen to feedback and incorporate their needs and preferences into our designs, ensuring that each piece is thoughtfully crafted and meets the highest standards of comfort and style.

 What advice would you give to somebody launching a lingerie brand? I advise anyone launching a lingerie brand to stay true to their vision and listen to their customers. To understand their unique needs and challenges, and design with empathy and purpose. Building a brand requires resilience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. Stay passionate and committed to your mission, and never lose sight of the impact you want to make.

 What are your passions, and what fuels your creativity? My passions extend beyond lingerie design. I am inspired by art, nature, and the stories of the incredible people I meet. Creativity is fed by these experiences and by continually pushing boundaries to create products that empower and uplift others. The satisfaction of knowing that our bras make a difference in someone's life is a constant source of inspiration. 

 Personally, what brings you down, and what can make your day? What brings me down is witnessing the continued struggles and challenges faced by patients dealing with breast cancer and the aftermath of surgery. However, what makes my day is hearing their stories of resilience and how AnaOno has positively impacted their lives. These moments remind me of the importance of our work and keep me motivated. 

 AnaOno also offers items for people who have not undergone surgery as well as other collections. What are they, and what inspires them? In addition to our mastectomy bras, AnaOno offers a range of products for all chests, including those who have not undergone surgery. Our collections include comfortable everyday bras, loungewear, and pajamas. Each collection is inspired by the desire to provide comfort, support, and confidence to others at every stage of life. Our designs are driven by inclusivity and the belief that every human deserves to feel beautiful and empowered. 

 Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I wish I could say that we will be out of business in the next ten years because our services will no longer be needed; however, we still have a long way to go. I hope to see AnaOno continue leading the chest-inclusive lingerie design field. We aim to expand our reach globally, introduce new product lines, and advocate for the needs of people who have undergone chest surgery. I plan to continue growing as a designer and entrepreneur, always staying true to our mission of empowering others and making a difference in their lives.