Nicole Joseph-Chin is so full of high spirits, good will and sunshine; she could live in Alaska and still make those around her feel warm! The youngest of six children, she spent her childhood traveling the world, spending much of her time between Trinidad and the United States.
During high school she pursued her love of language, mastering French and Spanish, which led to her first career as a teacher. Following her stint as an English teacher, Nicole pursued a career in banking for the next fifteen years. She loved that profession, but a personal dilemma caused her to make a complete shift in 2002.
“My body was always very small,” says Nicole, “So I had problems shopping for bras no matter where I happened to be in the world. It was a very frustrating event for me. I decided I was going to become well versed in fitting. I realized if I found this frustrating, what about a woman with a medical issue who had more emotional challenges than I did?”
What evolved was Ms. Brafit, which could be termed an extra helping of paradise – in paradise! Nicole’s attention to detail is evident not only in the lovely boutique she created, but in the items she carries as well. In addition to offering mastectomy fittings, bras, and prosthetics, the shop also provides post-operative drainage items and kits, sleeve fittings and post surgical skin care items. Additionally, Nicole carries a full array of fashion, full figure, maternity, posture and sport bras. Filling out the product line are swimsuits, designer lingerie, sleep and lounge wear, control and shape-wear, bridal underwear, corsets and panties.
“I encourage every woman to own a swimsuit,” says Nicole, “It’s important after a mastectomy to resume your normal activities. Even if you don’t go swimming, you can go posing! My motto is: no one should know what’s going on behind closed bras! It doesn’t matter what surgery a woman has had, if she gets a proper fitting, no one should be able to tell.”
She continues, “A mastectomy fitting is so very personal and private. I treat every woman with a sense of comfort so they feel good about being in my space. A fitting generally takes about an hour because I am very thorough. This is an investment a woman is making in regaining her sense of confidence and feeling whole again. I honor that.”
Nicole’s business is a mix in terms of new and repeat customers. “I see women who have been regular clients since I opened. My clientele is based on a referral system where one happy woman tells another. It’s not unusual for an entire family to become clients! I’ve created a global thinking business, so Ms. Brafit is on Facebook, and Twitter – and I have a blog. I have customers from as far away as Dubai and South America as a result.”
“This work is very rewarding, but it does not come without its sorrows as well. I see way too many young women being diagnosed. I lost a friend just a few weeks ago who was diagnosed at the age of 26 and died when she was 33. She was a single parent and left a little girl behind. I did everything possible to support her emotionally, and her death was a huge personal loss. My clients definitely are the reason I’m so involved in volunteering with local cancer organizations. I am also very proactive with my friends, relatives – and myself – when it comes to breast health and breast care. I am quick to talk about the importance of self exams and mammograms. If you suspect that something is wrong – take action, don’t wait!”
“I keep my women very close to me and I am very protective of them. I have evenings when I invite them to have coffee or tea with me as a group – or sometimes on an individual basis,” Nicole says, “I love to connect with them, whether they are a mastectomy patient, a teen or a grandma. I love my work and serving people. I love restoring confidence in women because it makes me complete.”
This commitment to women has led Nicole to begin yet another venture. “In January I launched my new project which is called Two Cups of Care. It’s basically a bra collection drive. Almost new and new bras are donated by clients, friends, and the general public to women who don’t have the dignity and privilege of wearing a bra that fits correctly. We sent bras to Haiti before the earthquake, which totally reinforced my belief that this is important work! My plan is to have these available in places other than Haiti, although that is our current focus, and will be for a long time. I would love to see this eventually offered to women in prison, and halfway houses for battered women.”
Nicole’s personal time is spent with her beloved husband Pedro. She enjoys hosting parties, and it’s not uncommon for her to include a live band when she does. Since she is fluent in French and Spanish, Nicole likes visiting countries that are not English-speaking. A trip to South America last year was a particular favorite. She is also a full fledged fashionista and enjoys keeping an eye on the fashion industry here in the States. And if that’s not enough, Nicole loves to cook and is one of those people who does it all when in the kitchen, which means all her guests have to do is eat.
She realizes she lives in paradise, but Nicole believes “The world is a paradise if you make it enjoyable. My little corner of the globe is exotic and beautiful – and yes, the sun is usually shining – but even on rainy days we still make it sunny by sharing a happy attitude!”