Barbara’s New Beginnings is a specialty boutique that has grown in more ways than one in its more-than-20-year history. Initially, it was just its owner and CEO Barb Gilbert in a 200-square-foot store off State Street in Fort Wayne.

But Gilbert had dreams of expanding in terms of both space and her impact. Today, they’re located in a roomer space in the Apple Glen Shopping Center near Jefferson Pointe and have a presence in both Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Gilbert employs a team of people who are passionate about meeting customers where they are on many levels.

Since opening in 2000, they have served hundreds of women from all walks of life, demographics and ages. The common thread is women want to look and feel their best. Bras, panties, shapewear, swimwear, jewelry and accessories are the means to that end. With inclusivity in mind, Barbara’s carries lingerie from AAA-N cup. Customers can find several well-known lines in the store, including Eveden/Wacoal, Panache and Simone Perele.

Beyond the inventory, the store has a welcoming and warm feeling. It can be best described as soft and feminine without being too overpowering. It’s also niche. Many are surprised to learn that the store initially catered primarily to women who needed a breast prosthesis and/or a prosthetic bra following breast cancer surgery.

This writer is among those whose lives they’ve touched. Each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These are troubling statistics, and each case represents a person whose life is drastically affected.

Beyond the health implications, many patients struggle with body-image concerns. They might grapple with such unknowns as: Will I look disfigured after surgery? What will my “new” body look like? Will I need to wear a special bra to feel more confident as I face the world?

I know firsthand how these questions can weigh on a person. In 2021, at only 37, I was diagnosed with early-stage hormone-driven breast cancer. My treatment included chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiation. Before the surgery, I went into the store for a fitting and consultation. I expressed my concerns about looking “unbalanced” and the sales associate was kind and compassionate to my plight. I felt prepared and confident as I left the store, though I didn’t need the bra after I had healed. I appreciated their consultative approach to sales – I didn’t feel pressured to make a purchase or spend more than I had intended.

My experience is among many shared by local survivors. Breast cancer or not, Gilbert and her team want to ensure customers go home feeling like they look like a million bucks. If you ask Gilbert, she’ll tell you that most women are walking around wearing an ill-fitting bra. Investing in several undergarments that offer the right combination of support, durability and aesthetics is a win. After all, confidence starts inside and there’s no better way to do that than with the right foundation. 4705 Illinois Road Suite # 108, 260.432.9939