We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jennifer Stano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Original Self’s story is deeply personal to me. It all began with my own experience in 2019 when I decided to undergo explant surgery after years of struggling with health concerns related to breast implants. This decision opened my eyes to the lack of products that support women during and after such life-changing procedures. I realized that many women, like me, were left without options that prioritize both health and confidence.
The mission of Original Self goes beyond just creating products—it’s about offering real solutions that address both the physical and emotional needs of women. It’s driven by a passion to help those who have undergone explant or mastectomy surgeries, women with naturally smaller busts, and mothers looking to regain the volume they once had, feel confident in their bodies again—without sacrificing their health. My personal journey inspired me to develop products that help women reclaim their natural selves, and I take great pride in being part of this movement toward health-conscious empowerment.
I understand firsthand the struggles these women face. It’s about filling a gap that I, and many others, experienced, providing women with a sense of comfort, support, and confidence as they embrace their own unique journeys.
Jennifer , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Jennifer Stano, founder of Original Self. Growing up, I was teased for being flat-chested, and it became something I was self-conscious about. I saved every penny to get breast implants as soon as I turned 18. For years, I loved and enjoyed them—they gave me the confidence I was searching for. But eventually, they unknowingly began to make me sick. Choosing my health over aesthetics was one of the hardest yet most empowering decisions I’ve ever made. After my explant surgery, I realized there was a significant gap in the market for women like me; women who wanted to feel confident without compromising their health. This personal experience inspired me to create Original Self.
Original Self was born from my desire to provide women with health-conscious solutions that support both physical and emotional recovery. We specialize in products for women who have undergone explant or mastectomy surgery, as well as those with small busts or women looking for a boost after motherhood. What sets us apart is that I too have lived through the highs and lows, and I wanted to create something meaningful that helps women regain their confidence without sacrificing their health.
I’m most proud of the positive impact our products have had on so many women. From the OG Bra to our versatile inserts, everything we design is with the intention of giving women options that make them feel comfortable and supported. What I want potential clients and followers to know is that Original Self is about more than just bras, it’s about creating a supportive community where women can reclaim their confidence, share their stories, and embrace their natural selves with pride.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What has helped build my brand’s reputation within my market is a combination of authenticity and personal experience. I don’t just create products for the sake of it, I use and wear every single one myself because Original Self is as much for me as it is for my customers. Candidly showing up on social media, sharing my journey, and demonstrating how I use my products has allowed me to connect on a deeper level with my audience. I think this transparency and genuine connection, combined with my firsthand understanding of the issues many women face, has built trust and set my brand apart.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
As a new company, I personally respond to every email, direct message, and phone call. I plan to continue handling it this way until the volume becomes unmanageable. Clients are always thrilled to connect directly with the founder, and that personal touch helps foster a deeper connection and loyalty to the brand. I believe that creating these meaningful interactions helps build trust and strengthens our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ogslf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalself__
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OGSLF/
Image Credits
Professional photos by Vivian Arthur at vivianarthur.com