CONVERSATIONS
Reinventing Breast Health with Purpose and Persistence
In this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, host Nancy Sheed speaks with Clémence Bruguier, co-founder of Mirabelle Medical, a company focused on improving breast health access and awareness for women globally. Fresh off winning the most recent HAYVN Hatch competition, Clémence shares her unconventional path into healthcare, despite having no formal medical background, and how her lifelong drive to build purpose-driven projects led her to entrepreneurship.
Clémence explains how Mirabelle Medical is addressing a critical gap in women’s health: the lack of accessible, easy-to-use tools for regular breast checks. The company is developing two devices, one designed for personal use to help women monitor their breast health between mammograms, and another for healthcare professionals working in underserved regions where access to screening is limited.
A key theme throughout the conversation is the power of questioning assumptions. Clémence challenges traditional guidance around breast self-exams and highlights that many women still detect abnormalities on their own. She also points to the surprising reality that a significant percentage of women in the United States do not have access to mammograms, underscoring the urgency for alternative solutions.
The episode also offers a candid look at the realities of building a healthcare startup. Clémence shares how Mirabelle began with simple prototypes built in a kitchen, followed by field testing in Ghana that validated both the need and usability of the product. She walks through the pivots required along the way, including shifting from a wellness product to a regulated medical device, navigating FDA approval, and making the difficult decision to refund early customers in order to prioritize doing things the right way.
Throughout the conversation, Clémence emphasizes user-centered design, global accessibility, and education. Her work reflects a broader mission to empower women with the tools and knowledge they need to take control of their health, regardless of where they live.
Key Points
- Clémence’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by a strong sense of purpose and a desire to build meaningful solutions
- Mirabelle Medical is focused on making breast health checks more accessible through simple, low-cost devices
- The company is developing two products for both personal and clinical use
- Early field testing in Ghana confirmed real demand and practical application
- A significant number of women in the U.S. still lack access to regular mammograms
- The company pivoted from a wellness product to a regulated medical device requiring FDA approval
- Education and cultural awareness are essential components of improving global breast health
- Building in healthcare requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate complex systems
This episode highlights what it really takes to build something meaningful in a complex and highly regulated space. Clémence’s journey is a clear example of how purpose, persistence, and a willingness to learn can drive innovation that matters. As women’s health continues to gain long-overdue attention, solutions like Mirabelle Medical are helping to close critical gaps and empower women everywhere to take a more active role in their care.
Connect with Nancy
Connect with Clémence
Clémence Bruguier – Making Breast Health Accessible | LinkedIn
See Related Episodes
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to HAYVN Hubcast now!
