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Copyright © 2001-2008, HERS Breast Cancer Foundation |
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HERS Breast
Cancer Foundation Phone:
510-573-2089
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Bras for Body &
Soul Phone:
510-790-1911 |
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Website design by collective discovery |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How did you ever think to start a business like this? Women, and the men who appreciate a woman's need in this way, are immediately intrigued about bras and the concept of being personally fitted for comfort and support, as well as intuitively interested by the dimension of "soul." There is an unspoken recognition of respect, dignity and care for the whole person. Breast cancer is prevalent throughout our country and particularly in the Bay Area yet there are few resources for women that offer this level of dignity, quality fitting and service. Knowledge is power and many women, of all ages, need encouragement to claim their power regarding their body, their health, their needs. Whether working with a woman for her very first prosthesis after a recent surgery or with someone whose surgery was 40 years ago, it is a significant experience. Breast surgery touches on many levels of a woman's life from body image and self-esteem to mortality. For us it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of each woman's journey in this way. How can I benefit from your expertise and advice if I'm not located where you are? The bra-ista staff at Bras for Body & Soul® looks forward to helping you achieve ultimate comfort and support for your breast(s), neck, shoulders and back. The consultation is our best way to understand each woman's particular bra and/or prosthesis needs. In our shop we see women by appointment so that they benefit from the time, care and expertise of the bra-ista. You can also benefit from our seven years' experience of personally fitting women of every size, shape and circumstance by having a consultation, via telephone or email. What exactly is a "bra-ista?" Bra-ista (noun): Professional Bras for Body & Soul bra/prosthesis consultant. How can you guarantee such a good fit with each client? We have not featured pictures of our bras on the Internet because the success of each bra is in how it fits, not how it looks in a catalog or on your computer screen. Looks can be very deceiving as far as providing you with the comfort and support you are looking for. With over 200 sizes (band sizes 26-52; cup sizes AA-N in full and half sizes--AA, A, B, C, CC, D, DD, E, EE, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, I, II, J, JJ, K, KK, L, LL, M, MM, N) and a variety of styles that are all engineered to fit properly and comfortably, each fitting is unique and personal. To provide the quality of service we have created, we utilize select brands of undergarments (not available in department stores) that are engineered to provide women the support and comfort they desire from a bra. By being fitted properly in a bra that is engineered to work for her, not against her, each woman's posture is enhanced, self-esteem is boosted, breast circulation is facilitated, her back is supported and she looks and feels her best. In addition, as a consumer clients value the quality and longer lasting performance each of these custom fit bras have to offer. The bras that we carry support without binding and without underwires, thereby facilitating the health of one's whole upper body. Recent literature talks about the correlation between bras and breast cancer. What we do know is that too many fashion bras inhibit circulation and predispose women to various health problems, yet many women are told this is what they need. The solution isn't that women should go without a bra; the solution is to provide proper fit and support that enhances the well-being of the woman. Now, with the quality of products Bras for Body & Soul provides, women have a choice for not only better fit and greater comfort but increased health. Our biggest challenge is raising women's awareness about these health solutions and empowering them to take action. The success of our work is evident when a client says: "I can breathe better," or "I am standing up straighter," or "I feel lighter," after a fitting. In some cases a woman even reconsiders breast reduction surgery. Clients have discovered that a proper fit greatly enhances how they feel physically as well as how they feel about themselves, and naturally enhances how they look. What are some common problems women experience with improper bra fittings?
The pictures featured
here portray some of the common problems that many, many women
experience from their bras that do not fit properly or feel good. The
bras that we sell successfully address all of these concerns. Curiously,
most women we talk to hate shopping for bras in department stores
because department stores don't carry the full range of sizing needed
for a proper fit and don't have knowledgeable consultants to offer
assistance. Most women therefore think that the problem lies with them
and their body, when the truth of the problem is the availability of
quality, sizing and service that women need and deserve.
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