Our founder, JJ, and her mom, Lily, share a deep commitment to truly understanding and celebrating every body. This commitment stems directly from Lily's own journey: After bravely navigating breast cancer and a mastectomy, she found renewed comfort and confidence through custom-tailored pieces.

JJ sat down with her mom for a heartfelt conversation. Lily openly shares her experience, from diagnosis to rediscovering joy in fashion. It's a story of resilience, rediscovery, and how bespoke pieces became a pathway to feeling more like herself again.

Lily, navigating a breast cancer diagnosis is an incredibly personal journey. Could you share with us, in your own words, what it was like when you first learned the news and how you began to process that moment?

I was numb. It was supposed to be a routine check-up. I’ve always followed doctor’s orders, but this time, something looked off and they sent me for more scans. I remember thinking, “Who’s going to take care of my babies?” JJ was only 10, and Christian was 6.

The second time I was diagnosed, I knew what to expect, and that brought a strange sense of calm. But after my single mastectomy, I felt physically off balance. I had spent over 50 years getting to know my body, and suddenly, it felt unfamiliar. I knew reconstruction was an option, but I chose to focus on living and making the most of the health I had. I didn’t want to lose time recovering from more surgeries or facing side effects. I wanted to move forward.

Beyond the medical aspects, a mastectomy often brings significant physical changes. How did you personally navigate rediscovering comfort and confidence in your everyday wardrobe after surgery?

It’s still a work in progress. I don’t always feel confident, but I leaned on what I did know: how to sew, how to adapt. Growing up in an immigrant household, we made things work with whatever we had. I trusted my skills, and I trusted JJ. Together we made padding and adjusted my clothes. That reminded me I wasn’t stuck. There’s comfort in being resourceful and confidence in being able to shape something that feels right.

The foundation of ESQUE/BY is deeply personal, stemming from your support and collaboration with your daughter, JJ. What was it like working hand-in-hand with your daughter to create pieces that truly spoke to your needs and helped you embrace your post-surgery body?

I’ve always admired JJ’s imagination, but this experience made me see her work in a new light. I love Zumba and spend most of my time in workout clothes, but I never felt comfortable wearing just a sports bra after surgery. JJ made me something that fit — not just physically, but emotionally. I felt balanced again.

Being around her gave me the courage to try something new. And being in New York helped too. People here aren’t afraid to show who they are. Our bodies keep changing, and sometimes I need to adjust the padding if I gain or lose weight naturally in one breast. It’s comforting to have someone walk that journey with you.

The custom padded bra, a true testament to JJ's personalized approach, is a pivotal piece in your new wardrobe. How has wearing something so thoughtfully designed for your evolving silhouette made you feel, both physically and emotionally?

It’s more than just a bra. It fits me in a way that no store-bought option ever has. When I put it on, I feel secure and seen. I have the option to add the padding to any of my bras, so I don’t feel further restricted to a specific style. Emotionally, it reminds me that my body didn’t fail me. It adapted. And this bra was made with love and intention by a team who supports me. I am not alone, and it helps me move through life feeling more like myself.

Looking back at your journey, what message of hope, resilience, or self-acceptance would you share with others who might be facing similar challenges or significant body changes?

There are hard days and happy ones. On the hard days, doing something you love can really help. For me, that’s sewing or dancing. Our bodies are always changing, and that’s okay. You don’t have to have all the answers right away.

Trust that you’ll find your rhythm again, and know that it’s okay to ask for help along the way.

Having personally navigated a transformative journey, what guidance would you give to others who are learning to embrace their evolving bodies and are considering bespoke garments from ESQUE/BY to support that process?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. ESQUE/BY is more than a fashion studio. It’s a place where people actually listen. You won’t feel judged for bringing something new or different to the table. They ask how something makes you feel, not just how it’s supposed to look. They walk with you through the process and help you find what works for your life, not just your measurements.

Your body might keep changing, but you’ll have a team who adapts with you and helps you feel like yourself again. You leave not just with a new garment, but in a good mood — like you just spent time with friends or family.

We would love to hear your story and co-create a custom piece just for you. Just like Lily, our team of makers will provide personalized design.

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