Up this week we sat down with Victoria, as she explained to us her inspiring story. You might recognize Victoria from our website, as she was one of the models and was also the inspiration to the Victoria Mesh Keyhole Bralette. Read along to learn all about her diagnosis, journey and how she found her way to AnaOno and joining the Never Alone Community.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your surgical journey
"I was diagnosed with DCIS in February of 2022 and also learned that I carried the BRCA2 genetic mutation meaning my safest option was a double mastectomy. Learning later that I wouldn’t be able to keep my nipples made the news even heavier for me— I loved my boobs and my nipples!
I’m also an actor so I’m changing in front of people often in dressing rooms or backstage. So not only did I have to think about how I would be affected personally, or within intimacy, I also had to think about how many people would see me casually changing as it’s a part of my job. Overall, I’m thankful for the lifesaving decision I made with the help of my doctors. I’m a Black woman actor and breast cancer survivor— and strangely enough I’m more confident now in my body than ever before."
We want to know, what does sexy mean to you?
"Confidence is truly key! I believe sexiness comes from within (and apparently so do the people on the streets of NYC because I can walk to the bodega looking like an absolute trash can and still someone has something to say). But in all truthfulness, sexy means knowing and believing that you are that girl, or that guy, or that they/them. It’s not about body type or beauty standards at all. What’s sexy to me is being confident in the person you are while also knowing that that person is still learning and growing. We all have the capability to be sexy, it’s just about trusting and allowing yourself to be free in that way, and when you do you may feel awkward at first if it’s new for you but it comes easier and more naturally the more you allow yourself to believe that truth."
"My foobs and no nipples don’t define me, but they are a part of me and I love them."
What did it mean to participate in our photoshoot?
"It meant everything! Anaono has truly been a source of peace and comfort for me. They were one of the first brands that I heard of when searching for post-surgery bras and I was able to connect with Dana early on as we all know she is the most caring human. I’ve always been happy to support Anaono in any way I can so being in this shoot was so precious to me. And we also shot in Chicago which is home for me and also where I received my diagnosis so it was a very beautiful and serendipitous moment that I so appreciated. And then to find out I had a bra named after me? At that point, I was like I am unwell! The tears that flowed when Dana told me I was wearing the “Victoria” bra I believe were a culmination of all that I had been through and a celebration of where I am now in my survivorship. I truly couldn’t be more thankful or honored— and if you know me, you know I live for a sexy black and gold moment. It’s giving!! To know that so many people affected my breast cancer (or who just want to feel sexy) will now have the opportunity to wear this bra means more than I could put into words. Just grateful, thank you."
If you could describe AnaOno in one word, what would it be?
"Peace. Breast cancer rocks your frickin world. There’s so much you have to think about that you most likely wouldn’t have had to at that time in your life if cancer hadn’t decided to show up. But knowing that there’s a trusted intimates brand that not only has products that are exceptionally made, comfy, affordable, able to be purchased with insurance, and beautiful? And then created by a survivor herself?! There’s no question as to where I’m getting my bras, they’ve done all the work to make us feel comfortable and cared for—both two feelings that are quite foreign in the midst of treatment. Those tiny moments of peace are so vital for us to be able to remind ourselves we are still humans before we are patients, or survivors, or thrivers, or previvors. I definitely am thankful that I was able to have those moments of peace and I still feel that each moment I put an Anaono bra on."
