Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Thomason.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my business because I couldn’t find a nursing bra that fit after the birth of my first child. Finding bras in my size had always been a challenge. Even as a teenager, I had to special order bras from catalogs because local stores simply didn’t carry the cup sizes I needed. I knew I couldn’t be the only woman struggling to find a bra that truly fit.
My husband and I started a small online business from our garage as a means for me to stay home with our newborn son. Initially, we concentrated on nursing and maternity bras. However, as I connected with our customers who were dealing with the same struggles as I always had, I realized I needed to widen my assortment. Women were looking for supportive, well-fitting everyday bras, bra-sized swimwear, and specialty styles that were difficult to find in traditional stores. In response, we broadened our selection to include underwire and wireless bras, sports bras, shapewear, post-surgical and mastectomy bras, accessories, and much more, all while continuing to cater to nursing and maternity customers.
As demand for personalized fittings grew, and to gain access to brands we wanted to add to our assortment, we opened our first retail store in 2002. We did this to provide women with the one-on-one service they wanted and to offer products that were only available if you owned a specialty boutique. We outgrew our first location quickly and moved to a bigger one two years later. Shortly thereafter, we took another big leap by starting to sell on the Amazon platform, allowing us to reach even more customers across the country. As our business continued to expand, we outgrew three retail and warehouse locations before settling into our current home on Haywood Road, where we’ve proudly served customers for the past three years.
Third-party marketplaces have historically driven much of our growth, but we are now focusing on building something more meaningful. We are investing our time, energy, money, and passion into providing the best possible experience through our website and retail store. Our goal is to help every customer find products that fit perfectly, feel great, and instill confidence in them every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! I started with almost no money and zero business experience. I eventually cashed out my 401(k), and I had to learn everything as I went. My husband still had a full-time job, and I had a baby in tow.
Scaling from a solo garage operation to a team-supported business with both strong online sales and a beloved local store required constant adaptation. We’ve moved locations multiple times, navigated the rapid changes in e-commerce, and balanced explosive national growth with our desire to keep the personal touch.
We’ve been impressed with Breakout Bras, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As founder and owner of Breakout Bras, my professional life is a daily adventure in building a brand that genuinely changes how women experience their bodies. I lead a dedicated team of expert fitters and passionate retail professionals who share my belief that the right bra can change your life.
What I love most is the human element: training our team in the art of fitting, spending time on the sales floor connecting with customers, and watching the ‘aha’ moment when someone finally feels supported, some for the first time in years and some for the first time ever. I also handle brand partnerships, stay on top of innovations in fabrics and construction, and advocate for better sizing standards industry-wide. It’s equal parts education, curation, leadership, and heartfelt service. Every day I get to combine my love of helping people with the thrill of growing a purpose-driven local business that’s also recognized nationally.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around music. I constantly sang and listened to music, participating in various forms of choral singing throughout school, from elementary school all the way to honors classes in high school. I continue to love singing every day.
Pricing:
- We believe every woman deserves access to a perfect fit without breaking the bank. Here’s what we offer: • Complimentary professional fittings in-store at our Greenville location or online via virtual appointment. • We offer a wide range of price points, from accessible everyday essentials to premium European designer collections, ensuring there is something for every budget and body. • Free U.S. shipping on orders over $75. • Our loyalty rewards program allows you to earn points and special perks as a thank-you for shopping with us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breakoutbras.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakoutbras/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakoutbras
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakoutBras
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakoutbrasbob
