Pandemic pivot leads Volusia County lingerie shop owner to cater to breast cancer survivors

DELTONA, Fla. — Marisol Torres opened her dream lingerie business in Volusia County just over a month before Florida’s economy began to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Circumstances that threatened to make her close her doors for good instead spurred what she called a “pandemic pivot” to help keep her business afloat by meeting the needs of local cancer survivors.

“It caused a lot of stress, I had to brainstorm about new ideas and how I can survive,” she said.

READ: Cancer survivor Vanessa Echols: Her journey through awareness, endurance & compassion

She found her answer as she thought about the struggle of loved ones with breast cancer and physical challenges after surgery.

“Their needs weren’t met,” Torres said. “After seeing it firsthand I tried to figure out how I can help,” she said.

So the former certified nursing assistant enhanced and expanded her inventory adding lingerie “with a purpose” to the shop’s name.

Now Medicare approved, accredited, and certified as a mastectomy fitter, she provides organic products, compression sleeves for surgical side effects, and a wide range of feminine mastectomy bras that don't look or feel like medical equipment.

READ: 9 facts about mammograms

“Here, my mission is to lift your spirits, not only to lift you physically but also lift your spirits,” Torres said.

Before her store's transition, the closest resources like these for women were an hour away in each direction.

“Now to have a place that’s suitable for me, make me feel beautiful again, even though I always thought I was cute, but now I really feel beautiful because I know I can come to a place that’s gonna fit me and suit me,” customer Althea Chavers said.

Torres said a percentage of proceeds at her shop are also now donated to organizations that support breast cancer survivors.

“Just knowing that I helped somebody makes me feel great,” Torres said.

Video: Doctor, breast cancer survivor offers free online program focused on healing A Central Florida doctor is using technology and her own personal experience to help her patients in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

© 2020 Cox Media Group