Forging New Bonds with Mott50
One of the many things we thrive off of here at IMPACT is forging partnerships with other likeminded organizations that are working in their own unique ways to spread skin health awareness and thus, reduce skin cancer diagnoses around the county and globe. One such relationship we’ve recently forged is with Mott50, a company founded on the belief that people can have both sun protection and fashion in one brand. Mott50 stays on top of the trends and source high-quality sun protective fabrics to bring their customers the most fashionable UPF50+ swimwear on the market. Their inherent goal, like us here at IMPACT Melanoma is, ultimately, to protect people from the aging-effects and health impacts of sun exposure. With Mott50, you do not have to sacrifice fashion for sun protection.
We’re so thrilled to have received hundreds of Mott50’s sun protective garments to distribute to women and children within our network, and are happy that Mott50 is now a part of our extended family, making an IMPACT around the country, day in and day out…
The following is a recent conversation we shared with Mott50 founder, Ali Lowther. Join us in giving her a gracious round of applause!
Tell us about Mott50. When did things start? Why did you start (launch the business)?
Mott50 was founded in 2011 with the belief that our customers shouldn’t have to choose between fashion and sun protection. We are unique in our market, offering fun and fashionable swimwear with high-quality sun protection at an attainable price. I joined Mott50 in 2019 because I wholeheartedly believe in this mission and feel good knowing that our product truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
What is your own philosophic battle cry with regard to sun safety? Do you have any personal stories to share?
I believe that sun protection is a way of life and that you need to build it into daily habits: wearing SPF every day, grabbing a hat with a brim every time you go outside, packing a rash guard when heading to the pool. I fortunately do not have a personal story related to skin cancer or melanoma, but I am passionate about prevention and encouraging my friends and family to “suit up” properly.
How’d you initially come in to contact with IMPACT Melanoma? What do you appreciate about an organization such as IMPACT existing?
Research on melanoma and sun protection brought me to IMPACT Melanoma, and I felt strongly that Mott50 and IMPACT Melanoma’s missions were aligned. IMPACT Melanoma’s focus on education, prevention and support fills very real needs. The tools and programs they provide are accessible, engaging and truly make a difference to those who use them.
How do your two missions line up, and thus, make this a good partnership? Sunscreen, UV protective clothing, and awareness! Winning across the board…
Ultimately, Mott50 and IMPACT share the goal of reducing the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer through education and prevention. For both organizations, it’s about making people aware of the risks and giving them alternatives. IMPACT provides that in the form of sunscreen dispensers. Mott50 provides that in the form of sun protective clothing. In addition, we both aim to provide relevant information about skin cancer prevention that resonates by meeting people where they’re at and suggesting incremental lifestyles changes that add up to big effect.
You recently donated hundreds upon hundreds of sun safe garments to IMPACT for the team to distribute to people of all-ages. Many of which will be distributed to underserved populations, as well as mothers and their newborns. This is very cool. Why’d you decide to help out in this way? What excites you about the possibilities with this initiative?
Yes, this was such a high point of Mott50’s year! We gave because we knew it would make a difference to people. The cost of sun protective clothing can be a barrier to entry, especially for those trying to pay their medical bills. By donating these garments, we took that barrier away, ensuring that anyone in need can experience the benefits and protection of our clothing. We’re so excited about introducing people to sun protective swimwear and clothing that makes them look great and feel confidently protected. IMPACT played an invaluable role in this initiative as well. Without their connection to the community, we would have no way of efficiently and appropriately distributing the garments to those in need. We’re so pleased to have partnered with IMPACT on an initiative of this scale.
What’s next for Mott50? What’s next for the partnership forged with IMPACT?
Mott50 is currently working on new, fashion-forward swim styles for women. Think chic one pieces, flattering full-coverage bikini bottoms and rash guards that will have you questioning why you waited so long to hop on the bandwagon. We’re also actively working to expand our kids and men’s swim assortments, so stay tuned!
The sky’s the limit with IMPACT! Our organizations are both nimble and forward-thinking, so we love working with them whenever opportunities arise. The Mott50 team is looking forward to attending the virtual Shades of Hope gala and participating in the Melanoma Monday screening day if that’s able to be rescheduled.
What are your top five tips to practice safe skin health now and forever?
- As my friends and family can attest to, my #1 tip is to STOP TANNING – no tanning beds EVER and stop laying out in the sun. You will regret it. Premature aging, melanoma, skin cancer – none of them are worth it!
- Sun protective swimwear is a must. Keep a rash guard handy to throw on over a bikini top and opt for swim leggings when paddle boarding or kayaking. At Mott50 we realize that not everyone wants to cover everything, so we encourage layering and dressing for the activity. Another great idea is to find a super chic UPF50+ coverup that you feel fantastic in and put it on as soon as you get out of the pool. (Shameless plug – check out Mott50’s LuxeLite collection!) You’re much more likely to wear something you feel confident in.
- Protect your face, ears and scalp. I’m a huge proponent of curating a strong hat collection – baseball caps for outdoor exercise, wide brim straw hats for everything else. It helps that hats are having a fashion moment. Find a few that suit your style and make them part of your wardrobe.
- Use SPF every day! Your morning moisturizer should contain SPF even if you’re still stuck inside. A surprising amount of UV rays come in through the windows of your house and car. I’ve actually started using a hand cream with SPF in it for that very reason.
- Chase the sun! Don’t avoid the outdoor activities you love because of the sun. Just be prepared and stay protected!
For further information on Mott5o, click here. Thanks again, Ali!
