Megan Grote: Supporting Women After Mastectomies, One Design at a Time
Written by Abby Farr. Photography by Emily Palm.
Have you ever met someone with such a loving heart who can’t help but spread compassion all around? I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one such woman who even uses her business platform to keep a life-stream of compassion flowing. Megan Grote is the owner and founder of With Grace B. Bold (W.G.B.B.), a “clothing brand that empowers women to unveil their self-esteem and rebuild their identity after a diagnosis with breast cancer.”
When Grote was a little girl, she dreamed of either going into corporate law or becoming an entrepreneur. For as long as she can remember, she has loved being creative, making art, and understanding how things work.
Grote began W.G.B.B. after being inspired by her mother’s journey through the battle. This trial in Grote’s life compelled her to do more with her fashion degree from the University of Cincinnati’s prestigious DAAP program than the traditional clothing designer route. Though she interned with a popular retailer during college, she couldn’t help but observe the lack of inclusivity for different bodies and styles. This only confirmed her decision to want to create a brand that gives back.
Remember those moments where you’ve helped even one person.
During her college experience, Grote had the chance to interview her mom about what fashion was like during her cancer battle. Of course, the impact on a person’s health is the first thing that comes to mind, but there is so much more to it for the person experiencing breast cancer.
Her mother’s self-image became the biggest issue. After her mother’s mastectomy, it was a struggle to find clothes that fit her – replacing that space on her body was a drainage system and a pump the size of a lemon. No traditional top, let alone one with any style, could be found to help enhance her confidence.
With her fashion design expertise, she knew she could help. In 2017, she launched her brand through a successful Kickstarter campaign, and With Grace B. Bold was born. The “With Grace” part of the name is an ode to her mom. Thanks to Grote's stylish tops, the “B. Bold” is to inspire women to wear their new figure with confidence, dignity, and beauty. Each design is named after a breast cancer survivor.
In true Grote fashion, she also coordinates a giveback program, which has been the most impactful aspect of running her business. Through it, she creates a platform for those who have owned this niche top to donate it back to the company. Grote then has the top dry-cleaned and gifted to partnering organizations for other women to wear. She also does events with “Pink Ribbon Girls” and Kendra Scott.
As incredible as Grote and her clothes are, it’s not without challenges. When I asked her if she’s experienced any impactful failure along the way that has helped her grow even stronger, she didn’t hesitate. At the start of 2020, she discovered that every top was damaged in her most recent production run – not a single one could be sold. Just as she sent them back to her then-manufacturer in New York City, the city shut down because the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was a devastating blow for her small business. Not only did it impact sales, but it also impacted the women who were waiting for this one-of-a-kind shirt. Their surgeries wouldn't wait for new shirts.
But this is a woman with grit. She quickly pivoted to produce her tops right here in Cincinnati at Sew Valley, an ethical one-stop-shop manufacturer founded by fellow DAAP graduates. She sources sustainable bamboo fabric from Montreal, as it’s essential to use natural fibers for women going through chemo and radiation. Still, she has a line for all women, whether they're experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis or not. The line is called “The Eileen,” which opens the door to expand her market. W.G.B.B. also recently added a bamboo head wrap to its collection – and you can help support this exciting expansion through IFundWomen!
Grote credits her mentors for wonderful wisdom, advice, and connections. She feels lucky to know experts in different fields that have helped her succeed. In 2019, she was a part of a women’s business accelerator called Aviatra, where she built wonderful connections and guidance.
As Grote is creating a masterpiece with W.G.B.B, she has a big vision for where she sees it going in the next few years.
“The more women I can reach, the more people I can help,” she said.
She would like to find a larger channel of distribution, like Macy’s and Nordstrom. She also plans to create a capsule collection of small, well-curated, interchanging apparel in hopes of reaching other markets.
How does this entrepreneur keep her creative juices flowing? She loves to refuel by painting and crafting creations from home in her downtime. Grote is also a city girl, residing in a downtown high rise, so she can easily explore. When she walks out of her entryway, she’s within walking distance to many locally-owned businesses, something she loves about Cincinnati.
The best piece of advice she’s been given about running a business and would love to pass along is never forget your “Why!” Choose a path that ignites your passions.
“When you remember that, it gets you through tough times,” she said. “Remember those moments where you’ve helped even one person.”
And her own advice for women in the workforce? Don’t be afraid to break boundaries, and don’t be intimidated. After all, sometimes, it’s the boundary breakers that pave the new way.
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to interview a woman of such integrity and determination. Grote definitely inspired me and hopefully, you will feel eager to make your own impact on the city and beyond after reading her story.
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