We’re spreading a little sunshine with our #SunshineSpotlight. Sharing our favorite cities all across Florida. Starting with our hometown and headquarters of Cabana Life, Palm Valley in Ponte Vedra, FL.
No matter where you travel it's really the people that make a place great. So we're highlighting the people that make Palm Valley amazing. We brought together local leaders, business-owners & fellow female-founders to talk about what they do, why they love PV and of course their favorite Cabana Life pieces!
Starting with our founder Melissa Papock rocking our Palm Valley V-neck Ruffle Maxi Dress!
Melissa CEO of Cabana Life didn’t start her career in the fashion industry, she & fellow founder Alyssa were two women who were having the time of our lives living in Manhattan. They were working our way up in the magazine industry when their eyes were opened by the dreaded C-word: CANCER.
At the time of Melissa's malignant melanoma diagnosis at 26, they were just like many of you & shocked to find out their lightweight clothing wasn't protecting them as much as they thought. They started looking for stylish sun protective options and realized they didn't exist for themselves or their families.They didn't want people to have to choose between fashion & function so they set out to create a new trend: sun protection that you actually WANT to wear. Designed with you in mind, they use only the highest rated UPF & most luxurious fabrics.
Cabana Life is a labor of love, fueled by coffee, laughs, and constant-learning.
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
"I love living & working in this special place. It's North Florida with a touch of southern charm... Interesting people, delicious food, gorgeous beaches, top-rated schools and a totally laid back vibe."
Marcy Stoudt, co-founder Revel Coach, in the Palm Valley Sleeveless Shift Dress.
Marcy Stoudt & her sister Alison Nissen launched their company, Revel Coach, to lead programs that are dedicated to Women in Leadership. Marcy spent 22 years in Corporate America in various roles from VP of Strategy to VP of Sales & Marketing. This experience influenced her passion for working with people, creating opportunities for others and hiring talent based on character & potential. When she’s not coaching, you can find Marcy in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida enjoying time with her husband, admiring her 3 teenage children & enjoying the endless pursuit of finding joy in every moment.
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
“The lifestyle, the beach, the pace of life, the schools, the sports, the boating & the fun loving families who prioritize enjoying every day.”
Local author, mother & dynamic woman Kate Stollenwerck wearing the Palm Valley Sleeveless Ruffle Dress.
Kate, a fifth-generation Texan, was born & raised in Dallas. She graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. She practiced law for several years in Chicago before deciding to stay home with her kids and pursue her dream of writing. Her debut novel, Hello, Goodbye, was released on August 2, 2022. A charming and heartfelt story about a girl helping her grandmother unravel an old family secret that leads to adventure and love over one unforgettable summer.
What inspired you to write your novel, Hello, Goodbye?
"For the past several years, I have watched the profound impact my mother and MIL have in my children's lives, which made me reflect on my own wonderful relationships with my grandmothers. I wanted to tell the story of a grandmother and granddaughter getting to know each other and the unconditional love shared between them."
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
"Of course, I love PVB because of the weather and the beach, but we've stayed because of the wonderful people that have become a part of our lives. It's the Florida lifestyle with a Southern twist (we are an hour from the Georgia border and you can definitely feel its influence!)"
Susan Kelly, founder & owner of Milly Kate designs joins us rocking our Palm Valley Sleeveless Ruffle Dress.
Susan graduated with a Journalism degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and received her MBA at Duke University. Fun fact.....the blue colors in the Milly Kate logo are the light blue of UNC and the navy blue of Duke! She worked in fashion and brand marketing before starting Milly Kate in 2020.
Susan Kelly has lived in Ponte Vedra Beach since 2010 with her husband and two teenagers. She is the founder and owner of Milly Kate, a line of stylish handbags that elevate women’s everyday looks. Milly Kate bags are available at several local stores and www.millykatedesigns.com.
What motivated you to launch your business?
“I started Milly Kate because I personally had the need for a stylish, easy to wear bag that I could carry in my daily life. Every bag I design is a bag I would be excited to buy and use!”
Why do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
“I love having a few special luxury designer bags but I find that I don't use them very often because I don't want to carry them to the gym or my kids' sports practices or through the airport. I want a bag that is easy to carry and practical but that adds an element of style and fashion to my outfit. And I want to offer it at a price women feel good about paying. Many Milly Kate bags have crossbody straps in stylish stripes and prints that busy women on-the-go can throw on and know they look good. From the Crossbody Bag for everyday use to the Straw Clutch for warm nights out....each bag is one I want to carry!”
If you want to follow along with the latest styles from Milly Kate you can sign up for emails on the website or follow us on Instagram & Facebook.
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
“I love living in Ponte Vedra because of the family-oriented environment and the genuine kindness and helpfulness of most people I meet. Ponte Vedra attracts smart, interesting people who value family and balance in their lives and this is a great fit for me. One of my favorite local organizations is the Ponte Vedra Women's Civic Alliance & our family is also active in supporting the Boys & Girls Club of NE Florida.”
Jamie Rich founder, publisher & editor in chief of Flamingo Magazine looks amazing in our Palm Valley Embroidered Off The Shoulder Dress.
Jamie Rich loves highlighting the must-see’s & do’s across Florida in Flamingo magazine—Florida’s only statewide lifestyle magazine. Before launching Flamingo in 2015, Jamie worked as an editor and journalist, covering travel and culture for national and international publications.
She spent much of her early professional life living abroad and working in newsrooms from The Moscow Times to The Times of London. Jamie holds degrees from Florida State University and Georgetown University, and for the past ten years has lived in Ponte Vedra Beach with her husband and their two daughters.
What inspired Flamingo?
"I started Flamingo with the mission to unify Floridians, to create the premier destination for stories about the most compelling people, places and pastimes in the Sunshine State, and to inspire readers to go out and do the things they read on our website and in our pages."
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
"Driving through town on A1A, you might miss Ponte Vedra if you blink, but it’s that sleepy beach-town vibe that makes it so special. We have some of the most beautiful wetlands and quiet stretches of beach anywhere in the state, so living here is like taking a deep breath with a long exhale: calming and restorative."
A true woman of steel, or in this case titanium, Ashley Hanna is wearing our Palm Valley One Shoulder Maxi Dress.
Why did you start your business?
“I founded Titanium Yoga almost 5 years ago after suffering a life altering car accident in 2016 that broke half of my body & I landed in a wheelchair & was never supposed to walk again. I have a family history of addiction & was on a mission to live a ‘normal life’ walk, run, play sports & workout. I didn’t want to be another person addicted to opioids. My surgeon suggested yoga to help my pain & get off opioids. I can honestly say, yoga rehabilitated me & I truly believe yoga can heal you physically, mentally and emotionally!”
Take a class at their flagship location in Ponte Vedra Beach or their new spot in Fruit Cove.
Why do you enjoy most about being a business owner?
“Helping people. It's my passion. Whether assisting in the rehabilitation of someone after a life altering fall or helping a mom cope with trauma after a miscarriage, Titanium Yoga is has become an invaluable part of the community & I’m enormously proud of our role in bettering the lives of those we serve.”
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
“I love our community! I’ve lived all around the US: Arizona, Chicago, New York City, Dallas & now Ponte Vedra Beach. Moving to Florida I knew no one. I’ve built my own community without family, but it feels like home. The teachers are my friends & so are the yogis. It’s fun to make them sweat in a class & then be invited into their homes or go have wine with them around town. I’ve never lived anywhere this long. They’ve embraced this West Coast girl & they’re my Florida family.
I love waking up in the morning & each day is different & a blast. I get to work along side my best friends, building something & making people feel more comfortable in their bodies. I love how close knit this community is & if I didn’t live in Florida I don’t think myself or my business would be as successful. As Titanium grows older, more wonderful opportunities arise that I didn’t dream of 5 years ago.”
Owner of Freedom Boat Club, Lisa Almeida, wearing the Palm Valley Cabana Shift Dress.
In 2009, Lisa took over the Freedom Boat Club in Jacksonville & St. Augustine turning a 4 boat operation to a 90 boat (and counting!) thriving franchise! Whether you’re a local or visiting, check out Freedom Boat Club for convenient rentals to enjoy the water with your family.
What’s your favorite part about Freedom Boat Club?
“I feel incredibly, unbelievably blessed to be able to do what I do every single day & give the gift of boating and the water to people & live my passion. I love helping families spend quality time together & see this beautiful city from a different perspective. Doing something you love, allows you to work & never feel like you are at work!”
Why do you love Palm Valley & Ponte Vedra?
“Professionally, I love the Ponte Vedra Community because they love the WATER. They moved there to be close to the beach, or the intracoastal, or golfing. They love the outdoors, and that makes my heart sing.”
We are constantly inspired by the driven, caring & empowering local leaders of our community here in PV. Each story shows how the entrepreneurial spirit & hometown love can come together to create a beautiful & thriving community. We can’t wait for you to join us for our next #SunshineSpotlight.
Cabana Life is proud to be a part of this exceptional North Florida community! As a female-founded brand on a mission to eradicate skin cancer we ensure every piece we design is made to keep you sun safe & stylish! Thinking of heading to Ponte Vedra area for your next vacation? We’ll help you pack! Check out our Palm Valley Collection and learn more about this beautiful blue print. Plus shop new arrivals now for easy to pack & wrinkle-free styles.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for the latest sun safe style inspo.