It’s no surprise that Alexandra Merlino rose to the top during Santa Fe Innovates’ early-stage idea pitch late last year. Building a purpose-focused brand, Alex and her team of 2, Kathy and Camilo, are dedicated to delivering the highest quality mineral sunscreen for all people while being safe for the environment, creating a sustainable packaging system focused on reducing waste and becoming a leader in sustainability.

You see, after Alex’s dermatologist called her with a positive test result for a basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, she became serious about sun protection. Alex knew she had to start using sunscreen daily, but as someone who’s not just conscientious about her health, but also a true steward of the environment, she soon found that it was gonna be up to her to formulate the products that she, and those of us who share her values and concerns, could feel good about using, thus Bee Wild Outside was born.

 You may have heard that many big-name sunscreen brands sell us products that contain chemicals that can kill coral and that their single-use plastic containers fill up our oceans, harming our wildlife. That’s why Alex is so passionate about creating a clean, coral-friendly sunscreen as another way to love and care for our precious planet. By incorporating natural minerals instead of harsh chemicals, and making the first zero-waste and refillable containers for sunscreen, she and Bee Wild Outside are set to make an enormous impact.

 I’m thrilled for you to come out to support Alex and hear her story on the 4th, and til then you can show the Bee Wild team some love by following them on Instagram and signing up to follow their story on their Kickstarter campaign launch page, which should officially kick off in late September.

 And for those of you who haven’t been frequenting the oasis that is Opuntia since it moved to its beautiful, sunny, upper-floor location in the heart of the Railyard in Oct 2020, you’re in for a treat. Owned and run by Todd Spitzer and Jeanna Gienke, they’ve created a singular space that’s part tea shop, part restaurant and part plant boutique. And since they’re starting up dinner service once again, you’ll be able to order something delectable to eat along with whatever fine cocktail or tea strikes your fancy. So, arrive between 6:30 and 7 PM to grab a drink, order a bite and get to schmoozing before we settle down for Story Time at 7 PM. Can’t wait!