Breast cancer survivor turns trauma into successful business selling mastectomy swimwear

From Diagnosis to Entrepreneurship

A breast cancer survivor, Melanie Luxton-Brookes, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2017, leading to a full mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Her struggle to find suitable swimwear post-surgery inspired her to start a business selling mastectomy swimwear to help others feel comfortable and confident.

Empowering Small Business Owners

Research by Virgin Money reveals that many small business owners are triggered by a desire for work-life balance and flexibility, or spotting a gap in the market. The study of 500 entrepreneurs found that the majority act on their business idea within 12 months, with positive impacts on mental health, finances, and overall wellness.

Success Stories of Resilience

Another inspiring story is that of Oladele Ajaui, who turned redundancy into an opportunity to retrain as a plumber and start his own business, Deka Plumbing. Despite initial challenges, Oladele found fulfillment in pursuing his passion and achieving a turnover of over £400,000 last year.

Supporting Entrepreneurs

While the journey of entrepreneurship can be rewarding, many small business owners face challenges with financial support. Virgin Money's 'M Account for Business' aims to provide essential banking services like online and mobile banking and fee-free accounts to support entrepreneurs on their business ventures.

Overall, the stories of Melanie and Oladele reflect the resilience and creativity of small business owners, highlighting the importance of confidence and support in pursuing entrepreneurial dreams.