1. I’m adding one more GIANT truth to my running birthday blog. In getting ready for my big 5-0, I’m realizing that what is old feels new again (and I’m not necessarily referring to myself here :). Rather the things that ground you suddenly feel most important at this age. A return to basics if you will.
Me & my daughters on the beach!
Personally, I relish the calm of spending time in the small moments with family and friends. Less is more, and I am loving every second – especially the uneventful ones. Professionally, I feel called back the 26-year-old scared skin cancer patient who defiantly started a sun safe clothing company to be a voice for the skin cancer community while giving them freedom to enjoy living in style AND UV protection.
This year expect to see me showing up even more with charitable organizations that share my mission to eradicate skin cancer, like the Melanoma Research Foundation. I plan on helping to raise more than $200,000 this week on my birthday Oct 17 at the #GetNakedJax gala I’m co-chairing.
Also look out for more stylish sun protective basics that fuse fashion with function and full coverage. Again, it’s this getting back to basics in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally. If you want to see more of the behind-the-scenes and share your ideas, join our Cabana Insiders exclusive Facebook group.
I’m so grateful to grow older with my friends, family and cherished Cabana Community. Thank you for the incredible ride and I’m excited for all that lies ahead!
2. I had a melanoma at 26, scary AF hearing the word “cancer” at that (or any) age. I go for a skin check twice a year, and in the years following my diagnosis it was every 4 months.
Sharing my story (and skin cancer scar) for New York TV special.
3. I have more freckles than I can count, something I HATED growing up because it made me different. Amazing how age quietly teaches you to embrace your differences.
4. Laugh as much as possible, even (or especially) at things that could make you cry.
Cabana Life Co-Founder Alyssa being carried by Melissa
5. There’s a diamond and gold bar necklace I hope to get for my birthday to wear as a reminder to constantly raise my personal bar.
The necklace on my wishlist!
6. Cabana Life was technically my first baby, I incorporated before my first daughter was even born. I have 3 beautiful kiddos: Devon (19 & sweet), Sasha (17 & sassy) and Branson (11 & the baby). Seems impossible that I have teenagers because like I said in truth 1, I don’t identify as 49.
My family 💙
7. I’m married to a super quirky guy who keeps me on my toes – anyone else get a 6’ unicycle for Valentine’s Day or have a hairless dog named “Sexy” (RIP)?
My husband, Alex
8. I live in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (grew up on Long Island and lived in CT). I recently bought a country house on 8 acres outside of Charleston as a mid-life or covid-crisis. Even with the ongoing renovations, I love the rural tranquility with the perks of a nearby city.
9. I LOVE my college friends & return to Tulane every year for Jazz Fest (NOLA will always have my heart!). My oldest daughter is a sophomore at Tulane this year, which is another great excuse to visit my favorite place with one of my favorites!
10. I FIRMLY believe in girls trips – take them often! It’s the greatest reminder of who you are and the energy you need to get where you want to go.
Loved this girls' trip to Cabo – highly recommend!
11. I give big cheerleader energy. Surround yourself with people who are genuinely rooting for you and be a cheerleader for all those you hold close.
12. Friendship should be easy.
13. Turn your problems into your purpose – that’s what I did with Cabana Life.
14. My most valuable gain from Cabana Life is my work-wife, now best friend and business partner, Alyssa. We’ve been together 18 years and counting, weathering the ups and downs while laughing, dancing, drinking and hustling HARD.
Me (left) & Alyssa (right) on a complimentary cruise to sell Cabana Life on board (work perks!)
15. People say I am “lucky” to have Cabana Life, but I know the hard work and dedication of so many that makes that “luck” happen.
Me (left) & Alyssa (right) celebrating 15 years of Cabana Life!
16. I love being an entrepreneur (most days).
Alyssa (left) & I (right) at a tradeshow.
17. I am questioning at what age I need to have shorter hair, not yet!
18. I often wake up at 4am to capture the early morning quiet hours where creativity runs free (not a great look for my under-eyes).
19. I dream vividly every single night and remember them – kinda weird. I then feel the need to share them with anyone who will listen.
20. I run for my sanity (often stopping to email or text).
21. I love the app Melissa Wood Health for a daily dose of zen and a stretch for “long, lean lines.”
Wearing a Cabana Life tankini & leggings doing yoga on vacay in Costa Rica.
22. Shhhhh, I wear mostly solids but love designing colorful prints.
23. Peanut M&Ms are my go-to.
Always have my fave snack handy!
24. I drink decaf coffee and LOTS of it (nobody needs me caffeinated).
25. I enjoy dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives, a spicy bloody mary, red, white or rosé – I don’t discriminate.
26. Most stunning place I’ve traveled: Santorini
Still dreaming of this family vacay in Greece!
27. Bucket list: Morocco
28. Upcoming trips: Escaping to our South Carolina home with the family to celebrate my birthday weekend. Then I'm off to NYC to work, see friends & attend the MRF #GetNaked NY Gala.
29. Nickname in college was Last Minute Marks (Melissa Marks). My VERY patient, loving parents can attest.
30. I believe that being late just means you are optimistic you can get more done.
31. I’ve accepted my dichotomy: super chill type B person masquerading as type A.
32. If you want something done, give it to a busy person.
33. I live by my running to do list – electronic & paper (preferably on backs of envelopes and discarded print designs).
34. I only like the beach at sunrise or dusk.
Our family photoshoot for my birthday (at dusk!)
35. I’m messy! But make myself feel better with a candle on my desk that reads, “Creative minds are rarely tidy.”
36. I love witty banter and great puns.
37. I was overwhelmed by my daughter’s college applications (and she is now at Tulane, my alma mater).
My oldest child, Devon
38. Root beer & pizza are sometimes all I need to feel good.
39. I don’t read physical books. I’d sooner write a book (love writing). I do enjoy audio books on long car rides, mostly business or autobiographies.
40. My first job out of college was at a start up gourmet foods company working for a young entrepreneur, Daniel Lubetzky (founder of KIND Bars). I attribute my grit and scrappiness to those early experiences where we had no fear in asking for anything we wanted.
41. I believe that worry is a wasted emotion. I try not to worry. Action is my love language.
42. I’m not so social on social media but am determined to connect more! Follow along @cabanalife as I start to share more behind-the-scenes & takeovers.
43. I wear my grandfather’s wedding band on my middle finger (sorry g-pa) and my grandmother’s rings on the ring finger next to it every day to remember my two favorite people together as my right hand in everything.
44. I’m always freezing cold (but a warm person I like to think).
45. My fave quote: “Toss your hair in a bun, drink some coffee, put on some gangsta rap and handle it!”
46. My favorite job (aside from Cabana) was working for Seventeen magazine – traveling with boy bands, hosting fashion shows, going on the news and signing autographs for adoring teens.
47. It's hard to choose, but one of my favorite new collections is Algarve (coming soon!)
We can't wait to launch SO MANY new prints (coming soon!)
48. I am currently working on the 2025 season (gasp!) and need your input! I hope that you will help me make Cabana Life the best for YOU by giving me ideas, feedback and anything else you want to generously share. Chat with me at melissap@cabanalife.com.
49. #1 Time is a little thief! Sneaky AF. Your cute babies grow & change in a blink (not to mention your own cute body- feelin' you almost 50).
50. Yes, I am now 50 (but identify in my 20s or 30s depending on the day).
Don't forget to leave a comment on Instagram & Facebook to wish Melissa a "happy birthday!" Follow along for more behind-the-scenes fun with our Cabana Crew.