Andrea Munk from wants to help lift women up.
As the owner of Cedar Lily Bra Boutique, the Guelph woman celebrated the grand opening of her first solo business location at 25 Suffolk St., E. on April 13.
The mother of two and breast cancer survivor says that being properly fitted for a bra can be a life-changing experience.
“Life’s too short to be wearing ill-fitting bras. So often, women wear the wrong size. They make divots in their shoulders. It can cause bad posture, and discomfort. Being aware of your bra all day, can be really annoying,” Munk said.
Operating out of various locations over the past 10 years, Munk says her new bra boutique offers a warm and welcoming space.
“I now have a store front. People can actually walk by, see me, see my store, and see my logo,” Munk said.
“I’m looking forward to ‘walk by’ traffic and I also really love the community of businesses that are around me. Everyone has been so welcoming and so lovely. I feel like I’ve just landed in the best spot,” Munk said.
Munk, 44, says a larger space offers more opportunities to engage with clients.
“People can come in, and If I’m helping someone, they can have a seat or browse. Before, I could only see one person at a time. Here, I can welcome more people. And I even have two change rooms. So, I can actually do more fittings for more people,” she said.
When clients describe their ideal bra, Munk provides several options to try.
“I will chat with them to see what they are looking for. I have lots of wire free options. I think wire free bras have come along way. They can choose from sports bras, or maybe a sexier bra. Ultimately, what they will end up with is something that is comfortable and that fits them well,” Munk said.
For many years, Munk herself struggled to find a bra that fits.
“I struggled for a long time because I didn’t know my size. When I was professionally fitted in my 30’s, I realized that I was way off, and I didn’t even know it. So, because I struggled, I really want to help people,” Munk said.
Munk's bra journey began after the birth of her first child.
“I could not find nursing bras to fit me at all. It was difficult to find my size. So, it did not feel great as a new mom,” she said.
“My mom, who is so creative and resourceful, said that maybe there is a way that we can take a regular bra and turn it into a nursing bra.”
Munk and her mother looked into it. Using magnetic clasps and elastic, the ‘babe magnet nursing bra' was created.
“So, I did that for myself and then I did it for a few other people. Eventually, I realized that this could be something that many more people could benefit from,” Munk said.
Just six months after her second daughter was born, Munk discovered a lump on her breast. Soon after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was shocking. I had an almost four-year-old, and an almost two-year-old. I started with chemo. And simultaneously, I started my business,” Munk said.
“I actually had my lap top with me at Princess Margaret Hospital and I created my website and my logo. I honestly think that’s what helped me get through it. It helped me focus on something else."
Munk underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy.
“Sometime in there, I ended up going to a 'mompreneur' event in Guelph with my nursing bra kits," Munk said.
“I also ended up going to the Toronto Baby Show which was a massive event and a huge undertaking. I made it somehow."
Eventually, Munk, set up a business at home and then in Yolanda’s Fashion Boutique in Guelph.
“That's when I decided that I didn’t want to just do nursing bras, but all bras,” Munk said.
"After a year and a half, I moved inside Pomegranate Grove Massage and Yoga Centre for four and a half years. And now, here I am at my own location.”
Cedar Lily Bra Boutique offers bra parties, a great opportunity to get together with friends.
“It’s a fun experience to hang out with your girlfriends. I bring the food and snacks. People can spend time together and shop. I'll provide fittings for each guest and help you all find your new favourite bra, swimsuit or pj's,” Munk said.
Cedar Lily Bra Boutique does not sell breast prosthesis but does offer mastectomy bras and swim wear.
“I also sell bra sized swim wear, which can be can be a game changer, and with wedding season coming up, I have strapless bras, shapewear, and I still do nursing bra conversions,” Munk said.
Munk aims to create a space that is inclusive to BIPOC, LGBTQ2+, all ages and abilities.
“Everyone is welcome. It's about being body positive and size inclusive,” she said.
Munk says she is passionate about helping women find a bra that fits well and feels great.
“I just love helping people feel good. I heard someone once say, I’m going to be a lifer. I thought, that’s great! That’s what I hope for,” she said.
“All along the way, I’ve had some very loyal customers who have really stuck with me and supported me. I just really love serving and helping women in this way.”
