LifeChanges Boutique Is Selected As Area’s Authorized Ta-Tas© Retailer

Ta-Tas© Brand Clothing Puts the Fun into the Fight of Breast Cancer

It’s been said that laughter is the shortest distance between two people – just ask Julia Fikse, founder of the unique apparel company ta-tas©. Her Sassy, playful line of T shirts and accessories are emblazoned with messages like “Save the ta-tas”. Each features the signature breast cancer awareness pink ribbon. Since its inception in 2004, ta-tas has quickly evolved into a tour de force in the fashion industry, along with a well-deserved reputation as a serious fundraiser for breast cancer research, donating 5% of each sale to breast cancer research – a commitment to the cause that’s put the young company in the ranks of major breast cancer contributors like Michael Kors, Cartier, Keds and Van Cleef and Arpels.

Fikse, a seasoned accessories designer for major fashion brands from Addidas, Levis and Jessica McClintock, developed the line while working on a concept for a new T shirt line.. Members of her own family had been diagnosed with breast cancer, faced mastectomies and had been gravely concerned that as a result of the surgery their marriages could be in jeopardy, or they would no longer be attractive women. However, Fikse had always been a firm believer in laughter as the best medicine, as well as the importance of maintaining a positive spirit, and thus the concept for ta-tas was born. Thanks to the inspiration of her own family and so many others bravely facing this kind of challenge, the focus quickly became ta-tas…For Life! Since then, Fikse has been thanked by countless women who share that their self-esteem has received a huge boost from wearing ta-tas clothing and from families of both victims and survivors who’ve shared testimonials of hope and humor stemming from her unique designs.

“There are so many things that I hope ta-tas’ message will mean to different people,” says Fikse, who runs the company with her husband Craig. “For women who have faced breast cancer surgery, we hope it brings a message of laughter in the face of adversity; to families who have lost a loved one, we want to bring a joyful spirit to celebrate the life of someone they cherished; and for women and others who may never have even thought much about breast cancer, it’s an opportunity to think about this disease, fight it and spread the word to others – in a spirit of humor and love. We believe that in working together, we can inspire others to join together in a positive way and recognize that as a team, we can really make a difference.”

Did the idea of putting the words “ta-tas” on a T shirt meet with unbridled enthusiasm from the fashion industry and breast cancer organizations from the very start? Not always. However, according to Fikse, the company’s legitimacy has been validated by doing what it set out to do – create a life-affirming, fashion-forward focus, and giving a portion of each sale, not just profits, directly to the cause..

“More and more women and families are embracing the idea, giving our products as gifts and wearing our shirts and accessories to important breast cancer events. We’re even starting to see humorous billboards on the issue, and I feel that ta-tas has played a role in paving the way for that kind of direct and honest messaging about this disease,” says Fikse.

LifeChanges Boutique president Diana Klunk embraces the attitude and messages that ta-tas strives to promote. A breast cancer survivor herself since 2006, Klunk also feels that laughter and a positive spirit are key in living with a breast cancer diagnosis. Klunk even went as far as to tape a message to her stomach for her breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to read before beginning her bilateral mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction surgery in early 2007. “I figured I would already be sedated before they came in, so I wanted to make sure I got the last word in to the team that was taking my life in their hands during the surgery. It created quite a stir, to say the least!” remarks Klunk. “LifeChanges is proud to be named the area’s authorized ta-tas retailer, especially since our mission parallels ta-tas.”

Ta-tas merchandise offered at LifeChanges ranges from bumper stickers to T shirts, hoodies, hats and even ta-tas onesies for babies. In additional to ta-tas apparel, LifeChanges carries an extensive selection of cancer related clothing, jewelry, books and other items, as well as breast prostheses, mastectomy and full-figure bras and swimsuits. In addition, LifeChanges has a salon where women can meet with a licensed cosmetologist in a private setting to select a wig to deal with treatment-related or any other type of hair loss. And, there is a wonderful selection of head coverings, scarves and hats – a style to suit everyone.

LifeChanges Boutique is located in the Hanover Community Health and Education Center at 400 York St. in Hanover. Hours are 10 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday, with evening and weekend hours by chance or by appointment. Call LifeChanges at 717-633-1111, email to lifechanges4women@yahoo.com, or visit the website at www.lifechanges4women.com for more details.