Specialty boutique aims to serve more than original clientele
Bosom Buds formed out of need to help women with cancer.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
FAIRFIELD TWP. — For Joy Jones, Bosom Buds is all about restoring dignity.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, the Fairfield woman underwent a mastectomy. Through tears of embarrassment, she attempted to call a business that specializes in apparel for breast cancer patients. The business owner's response did not help any.
Joy Jones is seen at her shop, Bosom Buds in Fairfield Twp."The way I was treated was appalling," Jones said. "She hollered at me and said 'You need $1,700 before you walk through the door.' She didn't say 'Do you have insurance?' or anything else. I was already crying and ashamed. I didn't need my first experience with this situation to be something where somebody was hollering at me."
With her mother's treatment in mind, Jones' daughter Emily started Bosom Buds in West Chester Twp. in 2006, then moved the business in February to 3320 Tylersville Road in Fairfield Twp. — within the new Shoppes of Tylersville West.
The move allowed Bosom Buds to expand from 500- to 2,8000-square feet and increase its inventory to include items for all women, not just those who survived cancer.
"If a daughter brings her mother or a mother brings her daughter, the other person can shop in our store for anything they want," she said.
The boutique's selection includes a wide array of lingerie for women of all body shapes and sizes, wigs, shoes, jewelry and specialty brands such as Bra Bags, Foxers panties and Nite Sweatz's line of clothing for women in menopause.
Susan Maloney of Hamilton said she returns to shop at the store often because it offers unique items at reasonable prices, plus a high level of personal attention.
"The minute you walk in the door they're there for you," she said.
Jones, now cancer-free, said she is grateful for the consideration her daughter showed in opening the boutique.
"She didn't want to see somebody else's mother go through the things that I did," Jones said.
Bosom Buds is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, call (513) 870-0074.
