With its Minx-A-Cure nail designs, the folks at Minx are making a contribution to the battle against breast cancer. For Minx cofounder Janice Jordan, the issue is deeply personal. Read this interview with her to learn about the genesis of her involvement.

Why did Minx decide to become active in breast cancer awareness and fundraising?

Jordan: We became involved because my mom has breast cancer, and I was right by her side through the whole diagnosis and treatment. I would Minx my mom before every surgery, and she would get such a huge amount of attention from the doctors and nurses! Here was this lady, 86 or 87 years old, with metallic zebras or cheetahs on her nails. It was a huge conversation starter and not only did it boost my mom’s spirits to have everyone talking about her nails, but it ensured the doctors and nurses interacted with her and remembered her, and saw her as not just another patient. I remember one night after surgery, my mom’s doctor, who was a woman, came to visit with us and we talked for over an hour mostly about Minx. It was a fun, safe topic that helped us all feel we could connect as women, and it helped get us through a very difficult time.

I hope that in the future we can donate Minx directly to hospitals or to nail technicians who want to Minx breast cancer patients. Minx is not a chemical or liquid and doesn’t give off vapors so it can be used in a hospital environment.

How many breast cancer awareness Minx designs are available right now, and what was your inspiration for them?

Jordan: We have three Breast Cancer Awareness designs: the pink ribbon on a metallic blue background, the pink ribbon on a silver background, and a pattern of pink ribbons on a silver background. We felt this was the most easily recognizable and iconic symbol of breast cancer awareness.

How can technicians order these Minx designs?

Jordan: Like all Minx products, nail technicians can go online to www.MinxNails.com to order, or they can call customer service at (866) 757-6469.

Are there going to be any new designs or events to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October?

Jordan: Yes! Minx will be issuing some new breast cancer awareness designs. Also, if there are nail technicians who plan to participate in fundraisers in order to donate to breast cancer awareness, we invite them to e-mail us at info@MinxNails.com so that we can work with them.

What percentage of sales is donated to breast cancer awareness?

Jordan: For each Minx-A-Cure breast cancer awareness design we sell, $5 is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  This organization was chosen by my mother — I made her review all the organizations and choose the one she felt was the best fit. After researching many groups extensively, she discovered that this organization allocates 90% of its raised money to research, so we are confident that the money raised is going to be used effectively.

How does breast cancer impact your daily life?

Jordan: Well, my mom has breast cancer, and my sister is at high risk and has to get monitored every six months, so it’s always kind of sitting on my shoulder. Where you are a patient or a family member of a patient, it affects you constantly and the worry never really goes away.

Why is it so important for nail care manufacturers and salons to raise money for breast cancer awareness?

Jordan: I honestly don’t know of anyone who doesn’t know someone who has had breast cancer, or isn’t dealing with breast cancer in some way. It is so common and affects so many lives. With a little bit of education, women can catch breast cancer much earlier and make a big difference.

In the beauty industry everyone knows that taking a bit of time for pampering can give a huge boost to a woman’s emotional health. In the same way, it’s incredibly important to take time out of our busy lives to evaluate our health and make sure that we aren’t ignoring a lump or unusual symptoms because we are too busy being a mom, a wife, an employee, a student, etc.

— Judy

Beauty for Good spotlights beauty products, services, and events that benefit a good cause. To be considered for this column, leave a comment below or e-mail details to features editor Judy at Judy.Lessin[at]bobit.com.