An inspirational pair of designer siblings are sharing profits from their clothing range to help survivors of breast cancer and sexual assault.
Johanna and Brittany Cosgrove, trailblazers behind normalising the scars of breast cancer treatment, started Nopesisters Clothing in October last year.
Every t-shirt they sell profits a charity or social organisation which does esteemed work in an area aligned to the message on their tees.
Brittany Cosgrove (pictured left) and Johanna (right) started Nopesisters Clothing in October last year started Nopesisters Clothing in October last year
Each cause is especially important to the New Zealand-born siblings, after seeking charities they thought fit within their values that also recognise and highlight important services.
The idea kicked off after an image of a tee, stitched with the outline of one breast and a scar hand sewn by Brittany replicating the scars of their own mother’s breast cancer treatment, went viral.
‘The image swept the internet and online requests flooded in from social media friends wanting to wear one,’ the pair told Daily Mail Australia.
Their authentic ambitions were reflected in their original purpose from the first tee which set out to fundraise and raise awareness for their Mum’s group CanSurvive – a group of breast cancer survivors.
The ‘Mastectotees’ gives money to the initiative, who are also part of a worldwide network of breast cancer dragon boat paddlers.
The idea kicked off after an image of a tee, stitched with the outline of one breast and a scar hand sewn by Brittany replicating the scars of their own mother’s breast cancer treatment
The inspirational pair of designer siblings are sharing their profits for the good (pictured: the ‘Mastectotee’)
Every t-shirt they sell directly shares profits a charity or social organisation
‘They compete in this sport as a way to support each other, but also regain fitness and health following recovery from cancer treatment,’ the girls say.
‘In 2018, as part of a four yearly event, they will compete in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission regatta, alongside over 5000 other world wide survivors, in Florence, Italy.’
The ‘NOPE tees’ donate to Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation which provides enormous support and counselling services to all survivors of sexual assault, harassment or violence.
The organisation never has enough government funding to provide the amazing help they offer.
‘We know its only a tee shirt, and it can’t solve the world’s problems, but the conversations and awareness generated from our customers in their wider community are an invaluable start,’ they say.
‘Over 1100 tees have been purchased in a year, and well over $5000 has been shared to our charities.’
Their t-shirts highlight important messages which the girls are passionate about
A Christmas pic of the team’s Australian family – based on the Gold Coast, wearing the tops
Their ‘Period. tees’ are part of a collaboration with social enterprise Wa Collective – who sell heavily subsidised menstrual cups to tertiary students across NZ university campuses.
Both sisters agree they are working toward an ideal much bigger than just wearing a pretty picture.
‘We’re on a mission to smash the stigma around periods and combat period poverty, which has been proven to prevent some students from attending classes.
‘A Wa Cup lasts 10 years, saving money and the environment by preventing thousands of tampons from reaching landfill.’
Not only do their t-shirts highlight important messages which they really care about but they donate much needed funds to the charities
Their authentic ambitions were reflected in their original purpose which set out to fundraise and raise awareness for their Mum’s group
Their NOPE for HOPE long sleeve tees send donations to YouthLine which provides phone and online chat services to any young person in a crisis.
‘They offer amazing support dealing with mental health issues, and stresses that can often lead to youth suicide. Their much needed prevention services rely heavily on non-government funding and philanthropy to survive.’
In early 2017 their label was unable to meet demand, so they found a local embroidery company, A1 Apparel, who could replicate the stitching and custom make for every order, launching NopeSisters as a social enterprise.
The business they say…’grew from there’.
They wanted to show on the outside the genuine effect of breast cancer experienced by the women in her team.
‘New designs were created to match social issues we felt passionate about advocating due to personal experience, social issues needed to be addressed – sexual consent, period poverty and youth suicide.
‘We want to stand up and speak out about these through our tee shirts – wear them, normalise them, and promote conversation through others wearing them.’
The VUW Students Association members 2017 wear the NopeSisters collection
They say their brand was inspired by the scars of their Mum’s battle with breast cancer.
‘She is one of our greatest supporters and helpers and her tenacity and courage drives both of us on a daily basis.’
They also peg ‘incredible people’ from their charity partners who work on the front line to make change in our communities as inspirations.
‘It is a privilege to work alongside them in this capacity.
‘NopeSisters would also not exist without our beautiful friends, unwavering support – especially in the first few weeks and months, and the wonderful purchasers.
‘We have been lucky enough to connect with through social media. Hearing their stories and starting a dialogue with so many amazing people has been an honour.’
The pair are just proud they can produce a line of clothing which enables women to feel empowered.
‘When you put something on your body, as bold as a boob and a scar, or a huge word in black and white, you are saying you are not ashamed to start a conversation about what you’re wearing and why you wear it .
‘We hope to eliminate their shame – about things like sexual assault, or periods, or breast cancer and allow them to feel strong.’