A business model created by Unicamp students who work with Enactus, a non-profit company linked to the University, leaves the drawing board and takes strides towards becoming a source of income for four residents of Parque Itajaí, in Campinas, who were unemployed . After undergoing professional training at Vezo (Fashion Institute, Campinas), a working group was formed for the possible creation of a company in the cutting and sewing area. They must make low-cost bras for women with mastectomies. This social entrepreneurship action was recently included in a notice from the Municipality of Campinas and the project, called Madrepérola, received the amount of R$ 20 thousand to be applied to the cooperative, including for the structuring of a studio.
Last Thursday (4), the Enactus group presented, at the Pink October event at Hospital da Mulher – Caism da Unicamp, a prototype of three bra models that could soon be sold by women. The bras took into account patient comfort, aesthetics and affordable price. The designed models close at the front, to make them easier to put on, and do not have hooks, so as not to disturb mastectomized women. Its straps are wider and longer to provide better support and have an internal pocket for placing mobile prostheses. Now one of the next steps is to take the prototype to be validated with mastectomized women.
One of the models created was made in an athletic version to cater to a younger audience, which unfortunately is currently affected by breast cancer. Other models follow a more traditional line. On the market, a bra similar to this one made by the women of Madrepérola ends up costing around R$140,00. The proposed bras will be sold well below this value.
The entrepreneurs of Parque Itajaí carry out their activities at the Community Center of Parque Itajaí (Cecompi), where they also produce necessaires and coat racks, but the flagship will be bras. For now, the group manufactures other types of products, handicrafts, to obtain resources to carry out the project. When the bra is completed, with the necessary quality to meet the demands, it will be inserted into the portfolio group sales. The idea is for entrepreneurs to have their own business to sell all these products.
Twelve women completed the Vezo course about a year ago. Four decided to undertake at this time. Enactus also guided them with information about sales and business plans, among other aspects. In these trainings, some concepts about breast cancer and female empowerment. “We encourage the autonomy of these women and that they work in an area that really needs this product, as only 30% of mastectomized women undergo breast reconstruction”, revealed Enactus team student, Jade Almeida Gomes.
Cássio Cardoso Filho, a mastologist at Caism, is collaborating in the process with guidance on breast cancer and about the elements that must be observed when making a bra. This work, of university extension, also has the support of Hospital da Mulher. To learn more about some Enactus projects, read below:
Enactus Unicamp’s social projects impact the Campinas community
More about Enactus
Enactus Unicamp’s social projects impact the Campinas community
