Pink Mermaid is Chamber's Business of the Month for August

Each month, the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce highlights a member business deserving of special recognition. The chamber announced recently The Pink Mermaid, located at 1313 Gold Star Highway in Groton, as the August recipient of the Business of the Month award. The award is nomination-based and is determined by several factors, including community involvement, achievements and overall success. 

The Pink Mermaid is a mastectomy boutique owned and operated by Carol Ryall. The boutique offers many specialized services for patients going through cancer treatments. Private fittings are available for patients who have gone through mastectomy or lumpectomy surgeries. Also offered are fittings for a variety of garments used during lymphedema treatment. In addition, The Pink Mermaid carries several brands of compression stockings- off the shelf stockings or custom fit stockings.  

Having worked in the medical equipment field for over 20 years, Ryall wanted to take a different, more personal approach to the experience and thus opened The Pink Mermaid at the beginning of 2013. Nominated by a fellow local business owner, the nomination letter reads: “Carol has been in the cancer care business for many years… she is a very caring person and I believe that her business is very much needed in our area.” Ryall’s level of care and concern for each of her customers is evident, and her positive spirit is contagious. 

The Pink Mermaid carries a large assortment of products for patients going through chemotherapy or radiation - Chemo Pops, Chemo Drops, Lindi Skin care items, head covers, pre-tied scarves, specialty hats, and the new Radiant Wrap radiation gown. Specialty garments for breast cancer patients are available which include the Shower Shirt, mastectomy bras, post surgical camisoles, breast prosthesis forms, swim forms, summer camisoles, mastectomy swimsuits and negligees. If you need a gift to show your support they have numerous gift items to choose from. In addition to products and fittings, The Pink Mermaid now hosts a cancer thrivers & survivors potluck every third Thursday of each month, as well as numerous support group sessions and learning seminars including such as CT Women of Hope. 

The mission of The Pink Mermaid and its owner Carol Ryall is to provide excellent service for their customers, as some deal with the difficulties of treatment and recovery. The main theme is that their customers, whether newly diagnosed or on the road to recovery, all deserve the best. Ryall’s hope behind the boutique was that by supplying properly fitted clothing and prosthesis, it will restore balance and symmetry to their customers’ bodies, as well as provide a boost in self-confidence. 

The Pink Mermaid has become the first boutique of its kind in the area and is undoubtedly increasing the quality of life for so many residents suffering from cancer. Recently, The Pink Mermaid received accreditation from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics—a major accomplishment for Ryall and her business.

The store is open from 12 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

860-865-0825