At 34, I faced a daunting diagnosis: melanoma. It was a wake-up call that revealed a gap in the market: the majority of UPF clothing was tailored for women over 55. This void ignited the spark for Ivy Coast. But while skin cancer played a significant role in shaping Ivy Coast's identity, it wasn't the sole inspiration behind my venture into women-owned fashion.

My journey began long before, at 17, when I set out for New York City to pursue fashion at the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising. The world of fashion and design felt like home, and my ambitions for entrepreneurship burned brightly. Yet, my grandmother's untold story added depth to my aspirations. She, too, had a passion for fashion, earning a full scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology. However, societal norms stifled her dreams. In an era where women were pigeonholed into domestic roles, pursuing art and design was deemed impractical and her father demanded her study at secretarial school.

I firmly believe in the power of women to excel in all facets of life. We can be nurturing mothers, devoted wives, and leaders in Fortune 500 companies. Yet, I also recognize the importance of self-care and pursuing one's passions. It's in these pursuits that we find fulfillment and become better versions of ourselves.

Welcome to Ivy Coast, where fashion, wellness, and modern feminism converge—a sanctuary where women can embrace their multifaceted identities with style and grace.