If you’ve traveled down Highway 1 in Port Allen lately, you may have noticed something a little out of place. SoSis Boutique, which is typically lined with mannequins dressed in the latest trends, is displaying their very own bra-art to raise money for breast cancer, a cause that took on a whole new meaning to owners, Annie Claire and Chelsey, this year.
BUST Breast Cancer (BBC) is a fundraiser held by Woman’s Hospital each year. In previous years, the event involved hundreds of guests gathering for a live fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors models on the runway. However, this year BBC volunteers busted out in the community and asked local businesses to support mammograms by designing and promoting their own bra-of-art. And one of those businesses was SoSis Boutique.
“I’ve heard about BBC in the past and saw many photos of friends participating in the wonderful fashion show event,” Annie Claire said. “When a friend reached out and asked me to participate by decorating a bra I immediately flagged it in my inbox because it sounded like a fun opportunity and a great cause.”
But when Annie Claire and Chelsey’s own mother, Lynn, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August, she knew it was meant to be.
While Lynn underwent a lumpectomy and prepared for treatment, Annie Claire got to work designing a bra that represented both that journey and her mother.
“My mom has been our number one fan since day one and has always encouraged us to follow our dreams. When we first started the business I used to make feather hair accessories, so I have boxes and boxes of gorgeous feathers, and I knew I wanted to use them. I included small pink flowers to represent our mom, who is a florist. The rhinestone piece in the middle represents overcoming a life-changing obstacle and celebrating that.”
Annie Claire said her customers have been very supportive of the cause and their bra art. SoSis, along with sister company Annie Claire Designs, has raised over $3,000 for their bra, making them one of the top fundraisers thus far.
“One thing we know for sure is that SoSis would not be possible without our parents and more specifically our mom,” Annie Claire said. “My mom is the strongest person I know, and it’s an honor to be able to fundraise for such a good cause in her honor.”
SoSis is only one of the places you’ll notice an unusual bra display. Over 30 local businesses, organizations and individuals have decorated their own bras. BUST Breast Cancer 2020 isn’t just for bra artists, the community to participate too! Vote for your favorite bra, and encourage your friends and family to do that same. Each dollar donated counts as one vote and helps provide mammograms to women in need.
BUST Breast Cancer supports Woman’s mobile mammography program which increases access to mammograms by bringing screenings to churches, workplaces, grocery stores and community centers in surrounding areas. In 2019, the program provided approximately 4,000 screenings in 22 parishes and detected 23 breast cancers.