Fox Detroit News: “Boutique Helping Breast Cancer Survivors”
African American Family: “Power Over Breast Cancer”
Michigan Chronicle: “Local retailer to donate breast prosthesis to uninsured women”
The Detroit News: “Breast cancer survivors honored...”
pink ink: “Women’s Health Boutique crowns ‘Queen’”
Partners: “Mariam Searcy Talks, Detroit Listens”
Boutique Helping Breast Cancer Survivors
By DEENA CENTOFANTI myFOXDetroit.com
Surviving breast cancer is one battle, but then what happens to a woman who's left feeling scared and incomplete. There's a place women can go to feel whole again.
"Emotionally, just losing a body part, my self image, was a compromise," said Diane Douglas.
Douglas is a breast cancer survivor. After her mastectomy, the one thing that helped her feel complete again was a breast prosthesis from All About Women's Health Boutique in Livonia.
"Coming to a boutique and having them measure properly and... making custom fit prostheses, I feel as though my breasts are even and they look nice," Douglas said.
Diane now needs a new size, so she will donate her prosthesis to the boutique where, this month, they are giving them away to uninsured women.
"Our niche is the survivor, the one that has already gone through breast cancer. The one that has already gone through the surgery and may be left devastated by that and not understand what to do or how to do it or where to get a breast form or that there is even such a thing as a breast form. So, that's why we'd like to be able to do this forever and ever," said Mariam Searcy, owner of the All About Women's Health Boutique.
A breast prosthesis can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but for Searcy, giving them to women who can't afford them is priceless.
"Once they put (it) on, you should see the smiles. I get hugs. I've made such wonderful friends. Women are just delighted to be able to get a breast prosthesis," Searcy said.
Make sure you call ahead to schedule your appointment time because they'll be giving out the free breast prostheses for as long as supplies last.
The All About Women's Health Boutique is located at 31209 Plymouth Road in Livonia. Their phone number is (734) 762-0081. You can also visit them online at www.allaboutwomenshealthboutique.com .
To Top
Mariam Searcy
Power Over Breast Cancer
African American Family
By Andrea King Collier
October 2008
Ten years ago, Mariam Searcy was looking forward to a leisurely retirement from the Detroit Police Department. But a chain of events, starting with volunteering at the American Cancer Society, changed everything. She ended up buying into a franchise and is now the independent owner of Livonia's Women's Health Boutique, a store that serves women who experience breast cancer.
"Shortly after I started volunteering, a good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and asked me to go with her to get fitted for a prosthetic bra," says the 57-year-old Searcy. "I saw how relaxed she was while we were there." Although she wasn't looking for another job or a business, she saw the importance of providing a comfortable, supportive place for women living with breast cancer to buy bras, turbans and wigs. The revelation inspired Searcy to take a big leap of faith and become an entrepreneur.
Visiting a store like Women's Health Boutique can help a woman accept her diagnosis, and go through treatment and the healing process. The shop sells a broad range of products, including sports bras for women who have undergone a mastectomy and a bra that Searcy says is perfect for women to wear home after surgery.
The trauma of losing one or both breasts to cancer can be overwhelming, but, Searcy says "Probably the biggest thing that many of my ladies worry about is losing their hair to chemotherapy." The store's trained staff works with customers to help them find wigs that fit perfectly and don't look so "wiggy," Searcy says. "It's really hard for them, because we were taught that our hair is our crowning glory."
In addition to selling products women need, Women's Health Boutique offers activities to support their return to wellness. "We also offer ladies nights out and even belly dancing classes on Thursdays," says the 57-year-old entrepreneur. The subtle movements of belly dancing are good exercise and help women feel at ease with their bodies.
Based on the success of the boutique, Searcy opened Secret Rituals Day Spa next door in 2004. "Women undergoing treatment often experience other physical changes such as discoloration and brittleness in the nails and changes in the skin,” she says. The spa offers manicures, pedicures, massages and facials by certified technicians.
The shop has also branched out from the original mission of only serving women living with breast cancer. As daughters, sisters and friends came, they too wanted to get fitted by Searcy and her staff, who are certified fitters. In response, Women's Health Boutique started carrying quality bras for those customers too. "It just made sense," Searcy says. She adds that a properly fitted bra with the right amount of support makes a big difference in how any woman looks in her clothes.
But her primary focus remains on women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, Since the boutique opened, Searcy has seen a lot of women come in with their support system, such as daughters, sisters and friends. While many think that being a supporter means you have to "do something," Searcy says the "best help you can offer is to just be there.
"Often the friends come in pushing their own personal likes and dislikes on the woman. Many times she doesn't feel anyway," she says. The best approach for friends and family, according to Searcy, is to just present and listen.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Searcy is still looking to grow and be present for even more women. She says, "I live in Detroit. I would really like to open a store there too."
Andrea King Collier is a Lansing-Based Freelance Writer
To Top
Michigan Chronicle
2004
Local retailer to donate breast prosthesis to uninsured women
In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Women’s Health Boutique(1) in Livonia will donate lightweight breast prosthesis to uninsured women Oct. 1 through Oct. 8.
Contour Med, a manufacturer of life-like, ligghtweight breast prosthesis, and cancer survivors will also donate some of the breast forms.
“We are even more excited about this year's giveaway program,” said Mariam Searcy, Boutique owner. “In addition to breast forms being donated by myself and Contour Med, we have had tremedous support from other breast cancer survivors. Some of the survivors are donating breast forms they can no longer use. I am just thrilled to be able to offer these prosthesis to women who may not otherwise be able to afford one.
”Prototypes and samples in various sizes and colors will be distributed.
“Women can come into the Women’s Health Boutique(1) to find a breast form that works best for her shape and skin tone,” said Mimi San Pedro. president of Contour Med.
The Contour Med custom prosthesis is considered the premiere custom breast form, costing women with privte insurance about $200 to $500 out of pocket. Standard retail pricing is about $3,000. A ready made breast prosthesis cost around $300 and is usually covered by most health insurance plans.
Uninsured women needing a breast prosthesis can schedule an appointment at the Women’s Health Boutique(1), which is located at 31209 Plymouth Road in Livonia. For additional information, contact Mariam Searcy at (734) 762-9324.
To Top
Velvet S. McNeil/The Detroit News
Breast cancer survivors honored
Health boutique contest offers royal treatment, pampering for day.
By Ursula Watson
The Detroit News
2004
Mariam Searcy, owner of Livonia’s Women’s Health Boutique(1), came up with a royal idea to honor breast cancer survivors.
From now until Sept. 29, women can enter the “Queen For a Day” contest as part of the boutique’s way to show appreciation to its customers. The drawing will be held Oct. 1, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, at Gilda's Club in Royal Oak.
“Every woman deserves to be queen for the day, especially our breast cancer survivors,” Searcy said.
Through letters and phone calls, Searcy was able to collect donations that include gifts certificates from Honey Baked Ham, Meijer, and a bouquet from Cardwell Florist all in Livonia.
The winner will visit Charisma Day Spa for a massage, facial, manicure, get physical at Redford's Curves with six-month membership and get her home cleaned by Merry Maid in Redford.
The boutique, which specializes in health related merchandiose such as breast prothesis, wigs, turbans, clothing, will donate a custom breast prothesis and human hair cranial prosthesis valued at 1,200.
While it took two months to organize, Searcy said she was impressed by the outpour of support.
“I am so grateful that so many local business got involved,” she said.
Searcy said it was easy to come up with the list prizes.
“If I was queen for a day this is what I would want,” she said.
Entry forms will be available at all participating businesses, Searcy said.
Women are asked to either mail in the entry forms or drop them off at the boutique.
To Top
Sheila Kneeshaw is pampered as ‘Queen for a Day.
Women’s Health Boutique crowns ‘Queen’
pink ink
2004
LIVONIA — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Women’s Health Boutique(1) in Livonia crowned breast cancer survivor Sheila Kneeshaw of Detroit “Queen for a Day” at a ceremony in the store Oct. 15. Kneeshaw's name was chosen in a drawing held Oct. 1 at Gilda's Club in Royal Oak. As Queen, Kneeshaw received an elaborate prize package including spa treatments from Charisma Day Spa of Livonia, a 6-month membership to Curves, Redford, a custom breast prosthesis by ContourMed valued at $3,000 and a human cranial prosthesis valued at $1,200. She also received several gift certificates for hair styling, lingerie, dinner, flowers, house cleaning and other services from area merchants.
“Every woman, and breast cancer survivors in particular, deserves to feel like a queen, if only for one day,” said Women’s Health Boutique(1) owner Mariam Searcy. "We've made this happen with the help of our many participating local businesses.”
For the second year in a row, Women’s Health Boutique(1), in conjunction with ContourMed, also donated lightweight breast prostheses to uninsured women who made appointments at the store the first week of the month. Women’s Health Boutique(1), located at 31209 Plymouth Rd. in Livonia, offers women a comfortable dignified and discreet alternative to shopping for personal and intimate health care items. Call 734-762-9324.
To Top
WHB on the air
Have you been looking for that special place to address your special needs? YOU HAVE FOUND US! We are the WOMEN’S HEALTH BOUTIQUE. So get comfortable and get ready to listen closely. Grab your message pad and pen because this is information you will want to know. The WOMEN’S HEALTH BOUTIQUE IS HERE TO SERVE YOU.
—Radio show intro
Mariam Searcy Talks, Detroit Listens
Partners
2004
Having a friend with her own radio program was kismet for Mariam Searcy, owner of Women’s Health Boutique(WHB)(1) in Livonia, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. After appearing as a guest on the show, fate took a turn. Before long, Mariam and WHB manager Kelly Freeman were hosting their own show, giving listeners the skinny on health issues and the special products and services offered by Women’s Health Boutique(1).
“I was looking for the best way to spend my advertising dollars,” says Mariam, "Newspapers just didn't bring the response I wanted."
Because the radio station's rates are reasonable and they had an available time slot, she decided to take the leap. And she’s glad she did. Mariam has seen her business increase by more than 20 percent over the last year.
It was about one year ago in April when the show went on the air Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. on Radio One WCHB, a station that had recently changed its programming from primarily gospel to almost all talk. Mariam and Kelly are now familiar voices with Detroitians and have attracted some loyal followers. To support the call-in format, Mariam invites area oncologists, chiropractors and community non-profit spokespersons to speak on their subjects of expertise. They take questions from callers for a majority of the show and, when appropriate, Mariam informs listeners of the selection of products that can be obtained at WHB that are related to the evening's topic.
During the half-hour program, subjects include prosthesis-fitting for masectomy patients, the importance of the proper size bra and finding the right wig. The show is also an important voice in the community, as they highlight and promote health-related area special events. Mariam’s shos has attracted such a following she was invited as a guest on Mildred Gaddis’ morning drive-time program, inside Detroit, on Entrepreneurial Wednesday, to disscuss Women’s Health Boutique(1) and the role it plays in the community.
Mariam is determined to extend a helping hand in her sphere of influence. First, her experience as a veteran police officer, working 25 years in the Detroit Police Department, and now her affiliation with Women’s Health Boutique(1) translates into yet another opportunity to serve. As a WHB(1) owner she supports Breast Cancer Awareness month and often partners with ContourMed, a manufacturer of custom breast forms, to sponsor a breast form giveaway in October for those who don't have insurance. Mariam also likes to treat customers to relaxing mini-massages and manicures during the holidays.
Her reputation for pampering customers and giving the community an opportunity to obtain professional advice for health-related issues via her radio talk show have made Mariam a rising star in the area. The awareness of Women’s Health Boutique(1) is gaining momentum. Recently, while at a community event, Mariam talked with women who siad they came because they had heard her on the radio. “We are performing a service," she says, “and people recognize the WHB(1) name."
1 Women’s Health Boutique’s name was changed to All About Women’s Health Boutique in 2009.
To Top