Today we’d like to introduce you to Gena Griffin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I didn’t just block the sun—I outsmarted it.
After 22 years in a thriving real estate career, I walked away from everything I knew to chase what I believed could completely change the sun protection space and create something the industry had never seen before. Everyone thought I was a little nuts. But I had this gut feeling I couldn’t ignore—a belief that there was a better way to protect our skin, and no one else was making it happen. So I did.
Sun Patch started as a way to help the people I love most: my kids, my dad after his skin cancer diagnosis, and friends with sun-sensitive skin who felt left out of outdoor life. I knew there had to be a smarter, cleaner, longer-lasting solution—and I refused to settle until I found it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Walking away from a successful, 22-year career to build a product that didn’t exist yet? That was terrifying. But I knew I couldn’t ignore the idea.
Creating something from scratch means you’re inventing the roadmap as you go. I tested hundreds of samples, obsessed over every material and every adhesive, because this wasn’t just a product—it was something I was making for my own kids. I wasn’t willing to cut corners or compromise when it came to safety, effectiveness, or quality.
And when you’re doing something new, doubts always creep in. You wonder if people will get it, if it will actually make a difference. But every time I got discouraged, I’d think of the people I was doing this for—parents, kids, cancer survivors, people with sensitive skin who’ve never felt fully protected.
And sometimes, if you want something revolutionary that doesn’t exist yet, you have to be the one to create it.
It wasn’t easy—no paycheck, no blueprint—but I kept going. Because sometimes the messiest leaps lead to the brightest light. And now, every time I see someone wearing a Sun Patch, I’m reminded that the risk was worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sun Patch?
After years of samples, testing, and figuring out how to bring a totally new idea to life—Sun Patch was born. A reusable, wearable, waterproof UV patch that doesn’t just block the sun—it’s beneficial for the skin underneath, too.
Dubbed by early users as “a million dollar sticky idea,” it’s quickly gaining traction for the way it rethinks sun protection—especially for those with sensitive skin, scars, or skin conditions.
We’ve been featured by Oprah Daily, Glamour, Good Morning America, and more—but the most meaningful feedback comes from real people.
Hearing from parents who say their kids with rare skin conditions can finally go outside or enjoy a beach day. Or people who’ve battled skin cancer and finally feel safe in the sun again.
Sun Patch has been life-changing for so many, and that’s what keeps us going. Our mission now is to reach even more people—to raise awareness, offer new options, and help lower skin cancer rates with smarter sun protection.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I grew up in a small beach town in Florida where the ocean was our playground—but the sun always had the final say. My mom was super protective when it came to our skin. If the sun got too high or too harsh, we’d pack up and head home, even if the fun was just getting started. I remember thinking, Why does the sun get to decide when the day ends?
That stuck with me.
I always believed there had to be a better way—a way to protect the ones we love without sacrificing the moments that make life magical. I didn’t know it back then, but that early frustration planted the seed for Sun Patch.
Now, I get to give my kids—and hopefully other families—the freedom to stay longer, play harder, and feel safe doing it. That’s the goal. That’s the “why” behind it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunpatch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sun.patch/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sun_patch
