Lymphology Skincare Wins Biz X Award for Outstanding New Business
Maddie Simone has a lot to celebrate these days.
Not only is the local entrepreneur and mom of two the proud recipient of the 2022 Biz X Award for “Outstanding New Business”, she’s also changing lives with Lymphology Skincare, Canada’s only skincare line focused on lymphatic care.
“On a daily basis I’m getting messages, emails, and Google reviews saying I’m changing their lives,” says Maddie. “I can’t believe what a difference this is making. I knew I needed to do this; I did not know how much the world needed this.”
She says the recognition from Biz X and the local entrepreneurial community has been incredibly validating.
“This is massive to me. These are other business owners and people who are respected in the entrepreneurial world who felt that I was worthy of this,” she says. “I’m just so proud.”
Maddie established Lymphology Skincare in October 2021 after being diagnosed with Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection Disorder (FTAADD), a condition born from a rare genetic mutation that causes problems with the aorta. This gene mutation is also linked to a rare form of cancer which Maddie lost two of her brothers to nearly a decade ago.
“We didn’t know we had this condition in our family until my second brother passed away,” she explains. “After that, we all went through genetic testing to see what was going on and I found out that I have it as well.”
Maddie says that after going through a period of being scared and anxious about her diagnosis, she decided to change her thinking and focus on helping people put their wellness into their own hands.
“Instead of being fearful and always wondering, ‘When is it going to get me?’ I decided to put that energy into something positive and look at all the ways I can contribute and eventually it led to creating this product.”
Cancer patients often experience Lymphedema, a swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph nodes act as a drain, washing away toxins from the body. If these drains become clogged, the fluid cannot drain and parts of the body can become swollen, tight, and uncomfortable.
“Everything I do with my work with Lymphedema and helping others is in honour of my two brothers.”
“Lymphedema seems to be a condition that doesn’t have a big voice,” she explains, noting the idea to pursue a career supporting Lymphedema patients came to her as she sought a way to honour the memory of her siblings.
“Everything I do with my work with Lymphedema and helping others is in honour of my two brothers,” she adds.
Maddie initially became a certified Lymphedema therapist, completing her studies at the Dr. Vodder School International. Through her work, she discovered a need for an affordable, at-home care solution for patients.
“The idea of this skincare came through the feedback I got from my clients,” she explains. “It was to solve a problem being brought to me by my clients and I said if I can’t source it, I’ll make it.”
Maddie began developing her Lymphology Skincare products with a group of chemists out of a facility in Canada. The ingredients used produce an end result that harmonizes the skin, keeping it hydrated and balanced. The line is suited for anyone to use, but is tailored to those with poor circulation or Lymphedema.
“I worked with an incredible team and I basically told them ‘These are the things that happen to the skin when there’s a problem with your lymphatic system. Let’s fix them all.”
The all natural ingredients in the skincare line will naturally stimulate the lymphatic system, she explains. The cream is composed of natural and organic ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial as well.
“It helps with edemas. It helps with the swelling and achiness and heaviness that happens in areas where your lymphatic system is compromised.”
Maddie says they’ve also found the products to be helpful with other health conditions, including neuropathy.
“Just creating it for the world of Lymphedema has allowed us to benefit so many others,” she says.
Over the past several months, Maddie has continued to grow her business. Already in four countries, she’s now looking to secure proper distribution to bring down shipping costs.
“Wherever there is a request, we’re going,” she says. “We’re just going to keep growing. We’ve got four products in the full collection and we’ll be launching more things next year including dry brushers and face rollers.”
Maddie credits her work with WEtech Alliance with helping her develop her intellectual property strategy and get her product into the hands of consumers across Windsor-Essex and beyond.
“Working with WEtech has been really amazing. Adam (Castle) has really been such a big support,” she says. “Every question is being answered. Getting to be a part of the MedHealth Summit and being able to speak to all these potential investors; it was just amazing.”
Maddie first connected with WEtech through an Innovation Outpost event in Amherstburg this past spring when she sat on a discussion panel on the trials and tribulations of entrepreneurship.
“I’ve been so supported by WEtech and I’m so grateful that there’s a program out there that is at no cost to someone like me who’s just starting out.”
As she looks ahead to the future, Maddie encourages others to pursue their passion and utilize resources that will help them build a solid foundation for their business.
“That’s one of the big things that I find WEtech focuses on; to not be afraid to follow your dreams and create things that the world will benefit from,” she says. “When you dream big, big things happen. The more that all of us dream and create, the better the world will be.”
Maddie (far right) with fellow panelists Bryce May (Happier Camper Canada), Ben Puzzuoli (Cayzu Help Desk), and Sarah Simone (Vantastic Wellness) talk about their entrepreneurial journey at the Amherstburg Innovation Outpost event May 31, 2022.
Jennifer Brignall-Strong is WEtech Alliance’s Content Creator & Digital Host. Her media career spans over 15 years, with experience in marketing, promotions, copywriting, and radio production. Jen’s work has been featured in multiple local publications, including The DRIVE Magazine and Windsor Body. As an active member of the community, Jen also volunteers her time as a member of the Board of Directors for the Sexual Assault Crisis Centre. She is also a regular contributor to AM800 CKLW and Tourism Windsor-Essex and runs Tailgate Takeout; a local food blog showcasing the best places to eat and explore in YQG. Through her work, she hopes to showcase the region as an amazing place to work, play, and live