October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we sat down with Simonne Cormier to chat a bit more about her company “Au Naturel Solutions”.

At the age of 51, Simonne Cormier was diagnosed with breast cancer. After receiving a lumpectomy and bouts of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, she has been cancer-free for four years.

With her new look on life, Simonne took it upon herself to embark on a journey that would make a significant and positive difference for other folks in her shoes. After dealing with breast symmetry and body confidence issues, Simonne noticed a huge barrier in which the only products available to her in the market were silicone or polyester, and there was no natural alternative.

Upon winning the 2019 Ignition Fund (a $25,000 grant on behalf of Innovation PEI), she began working on a hypoallergenic and completely natural alternative, for which she just received her patent! With a motto of “comfort builds confidence”, Simonne is embarking on this journey to bring confidence to breast cancer survivors, and anyone else in need.

Now, Simonne is a Resident Company at the Startup Zone. After completing our Social Enterprise Accelerator Program, she now has a desk in our space, and is an active member of our community. She is additionally a member of BioAlliance’s “Emergence” program and has many other exciting developments in her business that she will be sharing soon.

“Without early detection, my story would have been a lot different”, Simonne says. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the message Simonne wants to share is to educate yourself on breast cancer, and check yourself regularly.

In PEI, you can schedule a breast screening appointment without a referral from your physician or nurse practitioner by calling 1-888-592-9888.