22 | OCTOBER 21 • 2021
JN STAFF
M
ichigan native
Linda Schlesinger-
Wagner’s mission
has always been to support
other women — whether
that’s helping them feel con-
fident in their own skin or
supporting them through a
cancer diagnosis.
With more than 30 years in
the fashion industry, in 2009,
Schlesinger-Wagner decided
to use her experience to fulfill
this goal. She founded the
women’s clothing line skinny-
tees — selling one-size-fits-all
tops, dresses and leggings
that flatter all body shapes
and sizes. The styles were
designed to fit over anything,
including surgical bandages,
with just enough stretch to
stay in place.
Six years ago, Schlesinger-
Wagner took her support
for women to the next level
— starting a philanthropic
branch of her company called
For the Love of Women.
Through this charitable divi-
sion, every year she hosts the
Breast Sale Ever and part-
ners with organizations to
raise funds for breast cancer
patients and survivors.
“With about one in eight
women in America devel-
oping breast cancer in her
life, my team and I knew this
was a cause we wanted to get
involved with. Women’s jour-
neys are incredibly important
to us. When that journey
includes the difficult diag-
nosis of cancer, we want to
be there for these strong and
beautiful women to offer the
comfort and convenience that
is so needed during this time,”
said Schlesinger-Wagner,
who was named one of Inc.
Magazine’s 5,000 Greatest
Entrepreneurs.
Through Oct. 31, skinny-
tees is hosting this annual
event — selling limited-edi-
tion tank tops that are bubble-
gum pink with fuchsia trim.
Customers will also enjoy
30% off a variety of styles in
various shades of pink in both
missy and plus sizes of
pink skinnytees through-
out the month.
Proceeds from the sale
will be donated directly
to skinnytees’ 2021
Honored Breast
Cancer Fighter.
Every year, the
company selects
one person
diagnosed with
breast cancer
to help with
her medical
bills, as well as
pamper her and
give her a fashion
makeover. This year’s
selected Fighter is
Alexis — whose last
name is withheld for
privacy reasons. Alexis was
diagnosed with breast cancer
during her second trimester
of pregnancy. This summer,
she gave birth to a healthy
baby girl.
“We selected Alexis
because we know caring for
an infant is hard enough. But
she has to do this while also
going through surgeries and
immunotherapy for the next
year. We wanted to do what
we could to help make things
easier for her during this dif-
ficult time,” said Schlesinger-
Wagner.
A portion of the proceeds
will also benefit the Shades of
Pink Foundation, a nonprof-
it which helps alleviate the
financial burdens of breast
cancer patients during their
treatment and recovery. With
about 50% of breast cancer
patients facing financial
hardship as a result of their
diagnosis, a group of friends
in Ferndale came up with
the idea to start an organi-
zation to help these women
afford their out-of-pocket
non-medical expenses.
Some of the money
raised from the sale
of the limited-edi-
tion tank tops
will go toward
the rent/
mortgage
payments,
insurance,
food, trans-
portation,
childcare,
groceries and
other essen-
tials of daily life
for breast cancer
patients living
in Southeast
Michigan.
Schlesinger-Wagner
will also be donating
400 of skinnytees’ lim-
ited edition tank tops
to Fighting Pretty,
a nonprofit helping
women during and after
cancer treatment to feel
fierce and beautiful by
sending them mini pink
boxing gloves in their
Pretty Package on their
WOMEN’S HEALTH
Jewish business owners support survivors with special sales.
Shop to Help Women
with Breast Cancer
continued on page 24