An Edinburgh entrepreneur has shared the heartbreaking reason she is appearing on BBC Dragon's Den.
Caroline Kennedy Alexander is hoping for £200,000 investment for her post-cancer surgery brand after she was diagnosed with cancer, along with three of her sisters.
Love Rose Lingerie is named after her sister Rose, who died from breast cancer in 2014. More recently Caroline has lost a second sister to the disease.
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Caroline said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have the chance to share LoveRose Lingerie with the ‘Dragons’ and the millions of viewers who tune in to watch Dragons’ Den.
“I know how cancer can affect every part of your life and why it’s important for women to be able to feel good and retain their femininity after surgery.
“After my treatment, I realised I couldn’t find anything remotely like what I used to wear. I felt excluded. I was left with nothing to choose from. That’s why I decided that we had to create this brand.”
Caroline, who studied fashion design in Ireland and later sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent several operations and radiotherapy.
When cancer returned in 2015, Caroline, one of four sisters out of six who have had breast cancer, underwent a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.
Caroline teamed up with fellow designer, Sarah Bell Jones to design and develop the LoveRose Lingerie range. Their designs feature a variety of pocketed and non-pocketed bras, with hidden support hammocks, paying particular attention to ensure thoughtful seaming, plush elastics and finishings.
All are sustainably made using recycled lace and super soft mesh, silk and cotton jersey.
More than a lingerie brand, LoveRose Lingerie has also created a vibrant online community providing mutual support and care among women with experience of breast cancer.
You can watch Caroline and Sarah on BBC One's Dragons' Den on Thursday, March 24, at 8pm.
