Just Nips gives women, including breast cancer survivors, a perky plus.
It’s not an ordinary business, to say the least. It’s part of an industry almost synonymous with women: fashion. It’s the brainchild of businesswoman Molly Borman, 28, great-granddaughter of Borman’s Food Stores co-founder Abraham Borman.
What began as a company designed to let women celebrate their femininity with a fun, exciting and perky look has become an important part of the aftermath of one of the most devastating diseases women face: breast cancer.
Just Nips is a fake nipple company the Birmingham resident first conceived of in October 2016 and, with a lot of research, hard work and trial-and-error efforts, launched in January 2017.
“I was lucky to grow up in a family of entrepreneurs, which absolutely was a factor in my desire to start my own company,” said Borman, whose parents are Hilary Wolf Borman and Stuart Borman. “When I started Just Nips, I wanted to make a product that fuses both fashion and function. I didn’t know the first thing about starting a business, so I did what I knew how to do — network at home. I used my Detroit connections to find local lawyers, engineers and manufacturers to make my dream a reality.”
After studying English and education at the University of Michigan and using her writing talents during a five-year career as a copywriter in Ralph Lauren’s ecommerce department, Borman followed that dream to start her own fashion line of fake nipples. She brings fun and empowerment to her company, promoting “Liberty and Just Nips for All,” and letting women know they can “Look Cold and Feel Hot” (both phrases prominently featured on the product’s packaging).
“Just Nips was a fashion company, not a breast cancer company,” the entrepreneur explained, “but after going viral in the New York Post, women in the breast cancer community heard about our product and wanted to know if we used medical-grade adhesives and if Just Nips were safe to use over incisions and mastectomy scars.
“The truth is — I had no idea! I spoke with breast cancer survivors about how we could best support their needs and revamped the company around our findings. I worked with a local Michigan medical engineer to create a safe, comfortable option for all women. It was the best business decision I ever made.
“The first Just Nips prototype was a pencil eraser!” Borman continued. “I loved the weight and consistency of the rubber, but it was a nightmare to produce. I tested many different materials when developing our first product, from metal to Mardi Gras beads. We settled on a lightweight and hollow soft plastic that looks great under a T-shirt and is comfortable to wear for extended amounts of time.”
Borman explained the stick-on nipples are latex- and GMO-free, and are guaranteed safe for skin, so they can be worn all day or night. They can be worn by themselves or under or over bras and bralettes.
Donating To Cancer Survivors
According to Borman, her product has become the leading breast cancer prosthetic nipple on the market. She noted Just Nips has a breast cancer donation program where the company matches sales of every order with product going directly to women who have lost their nipples due to breast cancer treatment. Her company works with cancer centers, chemotherapy facilities and support groups to facilitate donation of her product.
“We’re so lucky to be able to reach so many women through our donation program,” she said. “As our product gained publicity, women from all over the world shared their stories about post-mastectomy life without nipples. Instead of directing them to our shop page, I asked for their mailing addresses and shipped samples free of charge. We’ve successfully donated more than 1,000 Just Nips fake nipples to breast cancer associations and women in need across the country. And soon, each box of Just Nips will have self-check breast exam instructions printed on the inside.”
This caring for those recovering from cancer extends beyond just a company ethic — it’s part of Borman’s personal life as well. As part of her Just Niptuals-themed September wedding, Borman gave away fake nipples to wedding guests and donated to women in the breast cancer community in honor of her celebration. During October, the company’s Instagram @JustNipsForAll will have daily updates coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness month.
“Giving back to the community is one of the most important parts of our business and such a strong Jewish value I’m proud to incorporate into my everyday life. Women reach out all the time and tell us how Just Nips have helped make them feel whole again. We’re very proud and honored to be able to support and help women on their journey, making real products for real women to make them feel good and look good.”
Just Nips cost $9.99 a pair and come in many different shapes and sizes. For details, visit www.justnipsforall.com.