A Bermuda brand of sun-protective, sustainable swimwear has been featured in the US-based Coastal Living magazine.

Melissa Leach, who launched Factor Bermuda after being diagnosed with skin cancer, had a page dedicated to her and her swimwear in the publication, which boasts a readership of four million through a circulation of 650,000.

The former model was working on the business side of the fashion industry for British fashion houses including Jimmy Choo and Burberry when she launched her company; it has since gone from strength to strength.

Ms Leach said she was approached by Coastal Living about being featured in its Spring edition.

She told The Royal Gazette: “The magazine found us organically and the editor reached out to me. That’s important to me, because I don’t want to pay for features, I never have.

“I am a small company, but apart from that, reputation wise, I would rather be contacted organically and the magazine have a genuine interest in the brand.

“This is an editorial feature, not a paid feature, and that’s because the magazine believes in the brand.

“It is important to me to stay true to Bermuda and showcase everything that is special and unique about the island in the brand.”

In the feature, the business owner shares her must-have beach items which include her own luxury brand of swimwear.

Ms Leach talks about her decision to move to Bermuda in 2016 with her daughters and Bermudian husband.

She is quoted: “The brand is very personal to me and my journey through skin cancer. I wanted to make sure everything was really true to me and my personal [story].”

The magazine article said: “This thoughtful philosophy is nothing new for Melissa; it’s one of the things that lured her family to their pink-sand home.”

Ms Leach added: “I think what makes me really happy about Bermuda is just seeing my little girls running down the beach and playing in the water.

“It’s really important to me that we raise our girls to enjoy nature, enjoy each other and enjoy the little moments.”

Factor Bermuda was also featured in the prestigious Miami Swim Week runway and trade show last June, which she said provided great exposure for both the brand and the island.

In September, US actress Michelle Monaghan, who played Tom Cruise’s on-screen fiancee in Mission: Impossible III, contacted Ms Leach to find out more about the brand.

Ms Monaghan was also diagnosed with skin cancer and is an advocate for skin protection and sun-safe practices.

Ms Leach said: “She said she loved the collection and had a similar story to me. I sent her some pieces and she posted photos on her social media account in support of the brand. It’s wonderful to receive that support.

“Miami Swim Week was great exposure and garnered interest from important buyers which I hope will come into fruition in the next year with more international shops.

“Personally, for me having great interest at the Miami Swim Week, having high-profile individuals buying and supporting the brand, and having important magazines reaching out to me shows me that I’m moving in the right direction.

“I’m a solo entrepreneur, when you get these positive affirmations and reactions is incredibly validating and gives me more incentive to continue.”

Other celebrities, including Paris Hilton, have also bought her swimwear.

Ms Leach started out in the fashion world as a model but was more interested in the business side of the sector.

After completing her studies she spent 15 years in the UK, working in wholesale and on the strategy side of brands.

In 2007, she discovered she had skin cancer. The experience led her to create Factor Bermuda, which offers UPF 50+ protection, after moving to the island.

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted her business but she used her time to send her portfolio to top international buyers.

In 2021, Factor Bermuda was stocked in Holt Renfrew in Canada which carries high-profile brands such as Balmain, Gucci and Zimmerman.

For more information about the brand, visit www.factorbermuda.com.