We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Swendseid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
In general, many patients don’t realize how important it is to have a specialized post-surgical bra for their recovery from breast, heart, or lung surgery. Women having breast cancer related surgeries can get two post-surgical bras covered by insurance under the L8015 code. They can ask for a prescription from their nurse or doctor, and then check with their insurance company on reimbursement, or visit a local fitting shop. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

heart&core Sports and Medical LLC was started by my sister, Lara, and I after our mom’s first battle with breast cancer. We designed and patented a sports bra, and then pivoted into the post-surgical bra market after seeing a huge need for improvement on the bras available at that time. We met Mary Prody in 2012 and built her patented drainage bulb holder into our design and created the Larissa Post-Surgical Bra. A second bra has been added to our line, the Serena Bra, which is similar in style, but without the drain holders.  There are two more designs in development that we are very excited about launching soon! Lara and I are also working on getting an investor now as we have more to develop and launch, and have hit a point where we need help to grow the business, as well as someone who can contribute with their expertise..

Our brand is defined by our heart logo. We started this because of our mom, who was a social worker, and we care about people, and how they are taken care of, just as she did. Even if our product doesn’t work for someone, or they are beyond that point, but have relatable questions, we are happy to be a resource for them or point them in the right direction.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family and I went to Breckenridge every summer for 25 years! My husband proposed to me on the little bridge that goes over the Blue River behind Main Street. We would bike to Frisco and hike on the nearby trails (my mom preferred the easier ones!). And before we had kids, we would go up there and train the week before the Boulder Peak Triathlon so we were acclimated for the race. We have great memories of it and love the mountains!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Travis. I cannot tell you how patient he has been with me-and believe me, it has not been easy! Who knew you could save your marriage and a lot of money on therapy by getting your bras out of your husband’s man cave, aka the garage, and get a storage space?! That was early on when we were first starting the business, but it was one of many challenges we have faced. It’s been a long road, but he has always supported me.

Website: heartandcore.com

Instagram: instagram.com/heartandcore

Linkedin: linkedin.com/heartandcore

Twitter: twitter.com/heartandcore

Facebook: facebook.com/heartandcore

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXC-A2QEZhEBAWk9rmdt0MQ

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