In this raw and real episode of the Beautiful Grit, Gwen Dittmar welcomes Gina Lamanna, the visionary behind The Fondle Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to take charge of their breast health through self-advocacy, awareness, and holistic wellness. Founded by fashion stylist and entrepreneur Gina Lamanna, a breast cancer survivor who detected her cancer through self-examination after two false-negative mammograms and a misdiagnosis, the initiative emphasizes the importance of regular self-exams and early detection.

The Fondle Project’s mission focuses on building community through storytelling, fostering self-love, and promoting holistic wellness. By destigmatizing cancer and encouraging women to embrace their bodies, scars, and vulnerabilities as sources of strength and beauty, The Fondle Project creates spaces where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated in their healing journeys.

Through fashion-forward campaigns and collaborations with female-founded brands, The Fondle Project raises awareness about the importance of early detection and self-advocacy. By merging fashion with advocacy, the organization provides survivors with tools to reclaim their confidence, femininity, and sexuality. These initiatives aim to educate, inspire, and empower women, offering hope and promoting body positivity throughout their breast health journeys.

In the episode, Gina shares about her former career, the beautiful, gritty path of discovering a lump, and following her intuition despite being told otherwise, and how important self-touch, breast exams, and radical self-care is for women. Together, we discuss the importance of breaking through shame, honoring the body’s wisdom, and using mindful practices to cultivate deeper self-awareness and pleasure.

Our Guest:

Gina Lamanna and The Fondle Project

Website: https://thefondleproject.org

Instagram: @thefondleproject

About Gwen:

Website: https://www.gwendittmar.com

Instagram: @gwendittmar

To join the next Grounded Group: https://www.gwendittmar.com/grounded-group