Cancer made me do it.

In 2013, I made my first Sol a Mer hat for my mom who was in cancer remission. 

Her friends loved the hat, and came knocking on my door. Then came my friends...these are women, like you and me. Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives...friends and in 2017, my health led me to officially join the “Always be Wearing a Sol a Mer Hat" club.

All these women were  asking for the same thing:

A stylish hat that is also UV protective.

I have custom fitted hats for so many women, for very different reasons; from the big C to unexplained skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, melasma, or even "omg! I am starting to age and need to get serious about sun protection now! ", I’ve witnessed the necessity of wearing a Sol a Mer hat.

These women weren’t looking for just any sun protective hat.

They needed serious sun protection and they wanted their hat to match their style. 

It wasn't until 2017, after the birth of my daughter, that I discovered I too needed a better sun protection plan. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease--Vitiligo--and my face was quickly and noticeably changing  - hola spots, fine lines & wrinklettes!

This shocked me. 

For my whole life, people had always commented on my "beautiful, easy-to-tan skin." What I didn’t know is that tanning is your skin's way of protecting your body from sun damage. A tan may look good now, but eventually turns to sun spots and wrinkles later.

My professional reputation grew quickly, I became known as...

I’ve been a full-time Milliner since 2009.

I make hats for the world's most kind and fashionable people including Oprah, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Keira Knightley, Reese Witherspoon, and others.

I live, breathe and make hats.

From my custom hat boutique at Neiman Marcus in NYC to my 5,000 sq foot Manhattan studio to my workshop in Ojai, California, I design hats ALL DAY, EVERY DAY.

When you wear a Sol a Mer hat, there's a difference you can see and feel.

From the high quality craftsmanship of our team of skilled Milliners, to the design details (secret wallet, reversible, waterproof, packable & hidden hat strap) - you'll never need to buy another sun hat again, unless, of course, you want another color...

Sol a Mer, is all that & a glass of rose sitting on a beach in Mustique.

One last note...

My biggest desire is that you are safe in the sun. So, 15 years from now, when we meet again, you'll be glowing, healthy & happy.

I wish you well and hope you're living life fully, stylishly, safely and responsibly.

xoxo + gratitude, 

Satya Twena