Cancer launched my business

• Revenue: Under $20,000
• Website: www.itsmysecret.org/

In March 2006, Carol Hunter underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I was told by my doctors that I probably saved my own life. My MRI had shown cancer in only one breast. I still chose a double mastectomy. And there was cancer in the other one," said Hunter, who at the time was a public school teaching assistant for children with autism.

When she returned home to recover, Hunter had four surgical drains inserted in her torso to help with post-surgical drainage. They were attached to medical bags.

"I was uncomfortable. I wanted to be mobile. They weren't attractive and they were hard to hide," she said. The experience led Hunter to design a post-surgery jacket that looks like a regular sweatshirt but can comfortably accommodate drainage tubes and bags.

With $10,000 of her own money, Hunter launched It's My Secret - Post Surgical Apparel in 2008. Her jackets come in two style and two colors -- white and black -- and sell for $49.99.

Hunter, who is still teaching, manages her business from home in Merrick, New York. "It's difficult to devote myself to it full time right now but I could potentially do it one day," she said.

NEXT: Elyn Jacobs, Elyn Jacobs Consulting