At first, Molly Borman’s stick-ons were meant to be a frivolous fashion accessory, but then they grew into something bigger — and far more significant.
Borman is the 28-year-old founder of Just Nips Fake Nipples, the Philly-based company that produces “Boners… for her!”
A pair of her faux-erect pearls that make you look cold and feel hot — think Cindy Crawford in the ’90s — are a great gag gift, but they’ve also become one of the most sought-out, affordable post-op breast cancer products in the market.
Creating medical prosthetics was never Borman’s intention in developing pasties that don’t cover, but rather provide, prominent hard nipples — but she’s been thrilled with that outcome.
After graduating from the University of Michigan with an English and education degree, Borman went on to work as a writer for Ralph Lauren’s website. She credits that gig will furnishing the skills that would help her succeed in launching her own business, which she realized was a relatively risqué and risky concept.
But if we can enhance other parts of the body, why not nipples, Borman reasoned.
“I’ve just always loved the look,” she explained. “It always makes a statement — everyone notices! I always say Just Nips are like mascara for your tits!”
She certainly hasn’t been the only advocate for the tweaked tits trend. Erect nipples — cold nipples, headlights, low boobie beams (whatever you call them) — have been a hot look for centuries, dating back in “pop culture” as far as those Renaissance portraits where the woman illustrated has one breast casually hanging out of her gown.
Marilyn Monroe sewed marbles in her dresses for them. Madonna donned cone-shaped bras for them. Carrie Bradshaw had them for all six seasons — and two full-length feature films — of Sex and the City. Rihanna wore a dress entirely made of Swarovski crystals to emphasize them.
Someone had to capitalize on the trend, Borman figured, so she went for it.
In 2016, when Borman’s fiancé got accepted to the Wharton School of Business around the same time she was flirting with the idea of starting her own company, and the couple was weighing a move to Philadelphia, she was nervous about entering a new city. But they took the leap, and Philly welcomed her with open arms.
“It is amazing to be a female entrepreneur here,” Borman said, “because the city is very open to new ideas and willing to try on different things. Also, word spreads fast in Philly!”
Philadelphians aren’t the only ones who are loyal customers or rave reviewers. Prominent fashion blogs and publications like Man Repeller and Refinery 29 tried them on for size. Even her grandparents, Borman insists, are super supportive.
As people caught word of the product, potential customers began to inquire whether or not Just Nips could be used over mastectomy incisions.
“I first got inundated with this question after the New York Post covered us,” Borman said. “I really had no idea whether or not the pasties were safe” for use post-surgery.
Many people lose their nipples during the breast cancer treatment process or cannot afford to get them if they opt for reconstructive surgery, so this safe, affordable and cost-effective solution is in high demand. Her company started consulting with doctors and shifted production to the U.S. for quality control. What she describes as “extreme measures” were taken to make sure all adhesives were high quality and non-sensitizing.
So now, Just Nips isn’t only a ready-for-runway statement piece, but the “No. 1 nipple prosthetic in the breast cancer world,” Borman attested.
The company launched a donation program — you can request free pasties for support groups, chemo centers or doctor’s offices — and includes self-check breast exam instructions in every package shipped.
As of now, Just Nips are only sold online and come in two “sizes” and shades: Cocoa and Cream, with either “Cold” or “Freezing” nipples:
- Size Cold: 1.1 cm wide and 0.8 cm tall.
- Size Freezing: 1.5 cm wide and 1 cm tall.
The pasties come with either black, white or pink nipple pearls, and some are specifically designed to be reusable or waterproof. Original and waterproof sets include a pair of one-use nips for $10, and reusable sets (10 uses) go for $25.
Are these for everyone? No. But, if you want ’em…well, stay abreast to the company’s pledge:
“With Liberty and Just Nips for all!”
