Wave + Summit

Founder's Story

Wave + Summit was born from my lifelong connection to the outdoors. Living in coastal Rhode Island and spending countless hours hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I experienced firsthand the effects that sun, wind, saltwater, and harsh winter conditions can have on skin. I wanted a product that was simple, effective, and made with ingredients I could trust—without the synthetic chemicals, unnecessary additives, or complicated ingredient lists found in many conventional skincare products.

What began as a personal search for better skincare evolved into a mission-driven business focused on creating natural hand and body balms using a handful of carefully selected ingredients. After months of research, formulation, testing, branding, and product development, I launched Wave + Summit with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and transparency. Today, every product reflects my belief that skincare should be both effective for people and responsible toward the environment, a

Business Description

Wave + Summit is a Rhode Island-based natural skincare company creating simple, effective hand and body balms inspired by life along the coast and in the mountains. Founded by outdoor enthusiast Melissa Quinn, the company was built on the belief that skincare should nourish the skin without relying on synthetic chemicals, unnecessary additives, or complicated ingredient lists. Our products are handcrafted in small batches using carefully selected ingredients, including grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, and beeswax, to provide deep, long-lasting hydration for dry, weather-exposed skin.

Designed for hikers, surfers, beachgoers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone seeking a more natural approach to skincare, Wave + Summit products help protect and restore skin exposed to sun, wind, saltwater, cold temperatures, and everyday environmental stressors. We are committed to creating products that are both effective and environmentally responsible, using reusable and recyclable packaging whenever possible and maintaining a minimalist philosophy in both our formulations and our business practices.

Beyond skincare, Wave + Summit represents a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, self-reliance, and connection to the natural world. Through our products, educational content, and community engagement, we encourage people to spend more time outdoors, reduce unnecessary consumption, and embrace a healthier relationship with both their bodies and the environment. Our mission is simple: create nurturing skincare products using natural ingredients and sustainable packaging while inspiring others to live with purpose, adventure, and respect for the places we explore.