Company helps cancer survivors, convicts

A St. Petersburg lingerie company, Clothing with a Kiss, is out to make a profit while helping women, including breast cancer survivors and women with criminal records.

The company, started a year ago by breast cancer survivor Heather Joie, has partnered with The Red Tent Project to employ women who have committed non-violent crimes. Clothing with a Kiss will teach sewing to Pinellas County Jail inmates scheduled for release within 60 to 90 days.

Company employees create fun, sexy lingerie, T-shirts, hats, hosiery, boas, jewelry and more aimed at restoring the confidence of cancer survivors. By hiring women with criminal records, the business intends to help the women gain financial independence and reduce recidivism.

On average, women with criminal records see a 40% drop in lifetime earnings, says Barbara Rhode, a licensed therapist and founder of The Red Tent.

 Clothing with a Kiss recently expanded its office and studio on Central Avenue in The Edge District of downtown St. Petersburg to accommodate The Red Tent project.