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Eleni Barbieri is not just the owner of The Bra Ladies Boutique, she started out as a customer.
“I opened the shop in 2014 because my mom and I faced a significant challenge in finding a well-fitting and comfortable bra,” Barbieri said. “Frustrated, I initially gave up on the search. However, my sister invited me to a bra party.”
Barbieri joked that she “attended more for the wine than anything else” but decided to undergo a bra fitting. She said it was a life-changing experience.
“Excited about my newfound comfort, I enthusiastically shared my bra journey with everyone I knew and hosted numerous parties. Driven by the desire for others to experience the same comfort, I decided to learn how to fit women into comfortable bras properly. I wanted to ensure that everyone could enjoy the comfort I had discovered,” she said.
Barbieri turned her mission of helping women discover how the perfectly fitted bra could change their lives into a full time business and opened a storefront at 635 Main St., Somers, Connecticut, where the business continues to grow.
“The shop has remained in the same location since its opening,” she said. “I began with one room, expanded to two, then three, and most recently, I’ve extended the space from 300 square feet to over 1,200 square feet. This expansion allows us to offer additional services and products, enhancing the experience for our valued clients, whom we deeply appreciate.”
Barbieri said The Bra Ladies was recently approached by “Free People,” a national retailer, with a request to carry their line of clothing.
“We’re honored to partner with them and look forward to introducing their products to our customers,” said Barbieri. “Stay tuned for the latest additions to our collection! We are also working on partnerships with other major brands and looking forward to future announcements.”
Having the right bra can make a world of difference for a woman’s confidence, how clothes fit and how she feels. Barbieri said she loves helping women find the right fit and style.
“It’s challenging to express the incredible energy that permeates through the boutique,” she said when a woman has a fitting. “My mantra has always been, ‘If you don’t feel amazing, you’re not leaving with a bra.’ I wholeheartedly stand by these words. My purpose is rooted in bringing confidence back to women, and that’s the driving force behind my presence here.
“At the end of the day, if I can help even one person feel better about themselves, I consider it a fulfilled goal. The strong connections formed with all my clients, who have become more than just customers—they are my friends. Proudly, I can say I am their trusted ‘bra lady.’” Barbieri said women rarely wear the correct bra size.
“It’s a startling fact that 85% of us are wearing the wrong bra size,” she said. “Often, we neglect taking time for ourselves amid the responsibilities of caring for our children and families. I firmly believe that if we prioritize self-care, we can be better spouses, moms and friends.”
That philosophy guides the approach at the Bra Ladies. Upon entering, the first thing Barbieri conveys to her clients is to set aside all their obligations and allow her and her staff to take care of them, so they, in turn, can care for everyone else.
“We encourage them to momentarily let go and entrust us with the process. We even offer to dress them if they wish,” she said. “Witnessing the transformation as they look in the mirror is a truly heartwarming experience for me, and it never loses its impact.”
Barbieri said it’s common for women to be surprised at how off their sizing typically is when we finally find the right fit.
“What makes bras so tricky is that similar to a pair of jeans, every brand has its unique fit, and even within a brand, different cuts of bras can vary significantly,” she said. “This complexity often results in a client leaving with four bras, each in a different size, tailored to ensure the perfect fit for each specific style. It’s a testament to the individualized nature of bra fitting and the importance of finding the right size for every shape and style.”
The Bra Ladies carry a vast line of bra styles and sizes, but also offer a variety of shapewear. Barbieri said shapewear has become a staple.
“Once you experience the transformative effect, it’s hard to imagine going back,” she said. “The beauty of shapewear lies in its ability to create a smoother silhouette, addressing specific areas based on what you want to enhance or minimize. At the Bra Ladies, we take pride in offering a variety of shapewear options and customizing solutions to meet individual preferences and needs. It’s about empowering our clients to feel confident and comfortable in every outfit.”
Some women are not comfortable coming in for a fitting, or are unable to, so Barbieri and her team will come to them.
“We introduced in-home fittings when we noticed our elderly friends in assisted living were facing transportation challenges. Taking the initiative, we packed up our bras and brought the fitting experience to them,” she said. “The response was overwhelming, and women appreciated the convenience of not having to leave their homes. It became a hit, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has access to a comfortable and personalized bra-fitting experience.”
Barbieri and her staff are well-trained in fittings and their products. Every employee participates in a comprehensive training with Barbieri for at least four months.
“Drawing from my own experience attending bra training years ago, I understand the importance of time and practice in perfecting the craft,” she said. “It’s a skill that either comes naturally or doesn’t. I place immense trust in my employees, knowing that they are well-equipped to provide exceptional service to our clients. We adhere to one fundamental rule: if you don’t feel amazing, you don’t leave with a bra.”
Barbieri’s philosophy guides The Bra Ladies’ commitment to ensuring that every customer leaves not just satisfied, but truly feeling their best. “We at the Bra Ladies are often called ‘the bra whisperer,’ and it’s clear there’s a reason behind it. It likely reflects our unique ability to understand, guide, and provide an unparalleled level of expertise in the world of bras,” said Barbieri. “This nickname is a testament to our skill and the special touch bring to the fitting experience, making it memorable and distinctive for all our clients.” Barbieri said she knew she had a gem of a business but did not envision the growth she has experienced.
“We are delighted that the recent expansion has proven to be immensely valuable, propelling us forward in our journey to enhance and complete the process,” she said. “This expansion plays a crucial role in enabling us to offer specialized services to clients seeking mastectomy bra wear. It reflects our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our clientele and ensuring that everyone feels supported and comfortable in their unique bra requirements.”
IN ADDITION TO FITTINGS BOTH IN-STORE AND IN-HOME, THE BRA LADIES HAS AN ONLINE SHOP AT THEBRALADIES.COM. THE SHOP IS OPEN TUESDAY – THURSDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 5 P.M., FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4 P.M.
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