Cabana Life

Most 26-year-olds don’t expect to hear the “C” word at such a young age. Melissa Papock, the founder of Cabana Life, certainly wasn't ready for cancer. At the time of her melanoma diagnosis, she was your typical fashion-conscious New Yorker. Having worked as a merchandising expert for top fashion and beauty magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Allure, Marie Claire, Self, Seventeen and O (The Oprah Magazine), she thought she knew all the latest fashion trends. She was shocked when her dermatologist told her to wear "sun protective clothing," because lightweight clothing wasn't protecting her as much as she thought. Alyssa Adams, former Director of Merchandising at Vanity Fair, learned about Melissa's story, which resonated with her due to her own family history of melanoma. The two entrepreneurs began a journey to start a new trend, one that would make sun protection fashionable. Cabana Life has since become a staple for fashions that take you from the sand to sidewalk. The collection of 50+ UPF clothing offers a variety of sun essentials including bathing suits, dresses, hats, cover-ups, tunics, shirts and pants for boys, girls and women. Cabana Life has partnered with various like-minded organizations such as Stand Up To Cancer & Melanoma Research Alliance to raise funds to help further skin cancer research, education and prevention. The company’s mission is to spread awareness about proper UV protection while maintaining a sense of style.