Inspiring Conversations with Diana Asaad of Coloured Canyon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Asaad.

Hi Diana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – To start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey began during the pandemic when I grew tired of being glued to screens all day. I gave myself a moment to gaze at a wall, allowing random thoughts to flow. That’s when I started contemplating the stories I had heard about people with skin cancer, often in unconventional areas like their backs or inner thighs—unconventional to me because those individuals didn’t phase me as people who walked around shirtless all the time. While these stories didn’t impact me directly, they triggered a rabbit hole of research into skin cancer. To my amazement, I discovered that conventional clothing offers minimal sun protection, often with an average UPF rating of just 5, as someone who diligently applied sunscreen to exposed areas like my arms and legs while outdoors, this newfound knowledge struck a chord, particularly in a sun-drenched state like Arizona.

After delving deeper into my research, I was stunned to discover that sunscreen is meant to be applied under our clothes. This revelation led me to The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website, where I learned that one of the most effective preventive measures is wearing clothing made of UPF protective fabric. This fabric functions similarly to sunscreen but eliminates the greasy mess and the potential for incorrect application. It’s a foolproof solution with the same level of protection as SPF 50+, built into the fabric’s fibers. This protection lasts for the garment’s life, providing unwavering and dependable sun protection. As a lover of the outdoors and fashion, I found it astonishing that UPF clothing was relatively unknown. Determined to bridge this gap, I purchased garments made from this fabric to protect my skin. To my dismay, this proved challenging, with all my favorite retailers needing more UPF options. Fueled by this realization, I planted a seed for creating my own line that offers sun protection for all scenarios, whether it’s sports or a night on the town.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect.
The path I’ve traveled has been far from smooth. It involved countless rejections from manufacturers before I finally found one willing to produce custom garments made from UPF protective fabrics. I focus exclusively on UPF 50+, the highest grade of UPF protection (equivalent to wearing SPF 50+). Obtaining access to this fabric was a challenging feat. There were moments when I even contemplated giving up on this dream. Still, the vital significance of what UPF protection offers consistently drew me back into the search for a manufacturer until I ultimately found one.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A passion for skin health and sun protection education drives Coloured Canyon. Our specialization lies in UPF 50+ fabric technology, a cutting-edge solution that eliminates the need for constant sunscreen reapplication and the associated mess. What sets us apart is our commitment to raising awareness about this revolutionary fabric, which blocks 98% of UV radiation from penetrating the clothing. We take immense pride in being pioneers in cancer prevention and education, empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being while enjoying the outdoors. Our brand is a gateway to reliable and stylish sun protection, ensuring readers can explore the world worry-free.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I envision a significant shift towards greater awareness and adoption of UPF protective clothing. As more people become conscious of the long-term impacts of sun exposure on skin health, the demand for reliable sun protection solutions will surge. This will likely lead to innovations in fabric technology, offering even more comfortable and stylish options for sun-safe clothing. The fashion industry, in particular, will likely incorporate UPF fabrics into mainstream designs, making sun protection a key consideration in everyday wardrobes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://colouredcanyon.com/
• Instagram: colouredcanyon

Image Credits
Photograph of Diana: Stefan Viktorsson, All additional Photographs: Diana Wadie