|
 She was a wife, mother, inventor, business woman and a breast cancer survivor. Her triumph over cancer is an inspiration to women everywhere. Ruth actively spoke out about her life and her experiences with cancer. Her early battles with the psychological and physical elements of breast cancer is universal and still traumatizes women today. She discussed in television and talk show interviews how she overcame these feelings and how she realized her courage and self esteem. Her story emphasizes that personal successes can be achieved after tragedy.
A woman in a man’s world
Ruth and her husband Elliot began their toy company, MATTEL, Inc. in 1954. In 1959 Ruth was the guiding force behind the creation and introduction of the BARBIE* and KEN* Dolls, today; still two of MATTEL’s most popular toys. The dolls were named after their children, Barbie and Ken. The business grew to multimillion dollar business with thousands of employees worldwide. She was the President of the world’s largest toy company, which employed over 18,000 people and grossed over $300 million in the late 1960’s. Ruth was in charge of sales, marketing, and the business aspects of the company. Everything Ruth did in her business turned to gold. The company was extremely successful and their ideas seemed to flourish.
Tragedy and a difficult adjustment
Then in 1970, when Ruth was in her early 50’s, she discovered that she had breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and tried to return to the multimillion dollar company that she had helped create. Her confidence was gone along with most of her self esteem and strong business sense. She was unsure about making decisions. The trauma of facing cancer, losing a breast and company financial problems, drove Ruth and Elliot to early retirement in 1974.
During this time, Ruth searched for a breast prosthesis that fit her body, looked natural, and was comfortable. Unfortunately, the forms she tried were shapeless “globs” and either too heavy, too small, or too large. Some even evaporated over time and changed shape. If she was having problems finding a form that fit naturally, then so were hundreds of other women who had breast surgery. Ruth decided to do something about it. She began another business.
A new business, a new beginning
In 1976, Ruth Handler founded her second business, NEARLY ME® Inc. She created the first breast form that specifically fit the right or left side of the body, came in familiar bra sizes and followed the natural slope of the actual breast. The NEARLY ME® forms were a unique and revolutionary addition to the prosthetic market. From the beginning, the business has grown to encompass one of the broadest lines of breast forms and bras on the market today.
In 1991, after 15 years of devoted service to her business and her loyal customers, Ruth Handler retired again. She sold the NEARLY ME® business to Spenco Medical Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. In 1998, Capital Marketing Technologies, Inc. purchased the NEARLY ME® Mastectomy Product line from Spenco Medical and now carries on the tradition of excellence. Capital Marketing Technologies, Inc. manufactures a variety of branded, private label and OEM products for a broad range of consumer markets in Waco, Texas. This excellent line of products will continue to be made in the USA and continue to evolve with the mastectomy market in the future.
|
