Small Business of Month

Tell us about your business and how you support the community.

We’ve all known people in our lives who suffer from breast cancer. Cherry Blossom Intimates (CBI) is an award-winning, female-led startup that provides customized and inclusive prostheses and lingerie for breast cancer survivors and women who have not experienced breast cancer. Unlike traditional, behind-the-curtain fittings at medical shops, CBI is the first company that offers completely customizable, fully insurance billable post-mastectomy prosthetics with a state-of-the-art fitting experience. Moreover, CBI offers possibly the largest size range for bras and lingerie in the market for any woman. CBI is poised to become the Warby Parker of breast health by developing a presence in every major city in every state in the country, paired with international product distribution in countries deeply impacted by breast cancer. The business accepts nearly every national health insurance provider and these items are reimbursable by health insurance providers nationwide.

How did you get started as a business owner?

I've always been entrepreneurial and ambitious. I started my first business while in college; wholesaling vintage clothes to vintage boutiques in Georgetown, DC. I studied Entrepreneurship at Trinity Washington University and always knew that my passion would lead me to opening a big business down the line. I met Dr. Regina Hampton while serving as Miss Black DC USA. She and I bonded over her passion for improving the shopping experience of breast cancer survivors. I remembered my grandmother's experience of shopping for post-mastectomy bras and prosthetics and knew that I needed to use my skills and experiences to help women feel confident no matter their bra size or the breast cancer stage.

What changes has COVID presented for your business? How have you pivoted? 

On March 18th, out of an abundance of caution for our high-risk patients, we temporarily closed our doors. After closing, we pivoted our business model to focus more on virtual health experiences. We now offer virtual fittings, direct to consumer delivery services, and virtual Q&A sessions with our in-house physician. We also launched The Comfort Project, a gift bag program that supports local healthcare workers by providing them with sponsored comfortable loungewear that they can change into after removing their PPE. In line with our principles of innovation, inclusion, and intimates, we are offered bags in sizes XS-3XL.

What is your favorite part of being a woman business owner?

My favorite part of being a woman business owner is the ability to bring my entire self to projects. I bring empathy, pragmatism, and flair to everything that I do which makes my work a lot of fun.

In three sentences or less, what piece of advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?

I would tell women entrepreneurs to always watch the bottom line-- business can get expensive so it's important to guard your budget. Secondly, overtime, running your business should get easier because you're mastering new skills. It won't always be difficult so long as you are learning the lessons necessary to grow.