Michelle Ellis is a wife, mother to 3 children and a sufferer of Lipoedema. Lipoedema is a genetic condition that is thought to affect 10% of the female population in the UK! Signs of Lipoedema are – failure to lose weight through dieting, disproportionately large bottom half of body, painful legs and swelling in the legs. Some sufferers of Lipoedema (also known as painful fat syndrome) are also affected by enlarged or swollen arms.
In 2011 Michelle founded the support group Lipoedema Ladies (www.lipoedemaladies.com), a place where sufferers could come together, provide support and share experiences and treatments. Michelle also has a keen interest in fashion and set about finding a solution to a big problem that effects many women, not just those sharing her condition – lots of clothes are sleeveless but not everyone is comfortable exposing their arms. This often leads to the wearing of jackets, cardigans or shrugs; even in conditions where it is too warm to be comfortable in doing so!
Michelle had a moment of inspiration and came up with the product Wingz – a sleeved undergarment that is designed with a scooped front & back so that it can be worn with any neckline.