About the Winner
When Haralee Weintraub got diagnosed with breast cancer, the last thing on her mind was starting a business. But at age 51, that's exactly where her treatment and experience led her, and she has now won bragging rights as our leading Boomer Back in Business for 2009.
The inspiration for her business was the only--and dreaded--breast cancer treatment available: Chemotherapy. The toxic nature of the chemo caused her to experience night sweats, and so, Haralee designed a line of sleepwear to allow cooling and breathability. And voila, a business was born!
Her line is similar to sportswear she used for things sports like tennis. So, with an old sewing machine and bike short fabric she made her first prototype nightgown. It was ugly but it worked. She then brought some initial prototypes to her breast cancer support group. The survivors went wild. Now Haralee makes "cool garments for hot women." She relentlessly updates designs, picks fabric colors, promotes and markets the line, and she's sure to donate a portion of proceeds to breast cancer research.
