Melissa Eppard is the co-founder of Upstate Mary, a groundbreaking sexual wellness brand based in Woodstock, NY. A writer, coach, and advocate for holistic well-being, Melissa is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies and pleasure—especially after life-changing experiences like cancer, motherhood, and menopause.

Her journey into sexual wellness was deeply personal. Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in her 30s, she underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, which drastically altered her relationship with her body and intimacy. Struggling with body image, loss of sensation, and the emotional hurdles of post-cancer intimacy, she was inspired to seek natural, body-safe solutions for pleasure and connection. Recognizing the need for shame-free, effective and plant-based sexual wellness products, she co-founded Upstate Mary to help others navigating similar challenges.

With a background in coaching, storytelling, and advocacy, Melissa has been a speaker and writer on topics related to breast cancer survivorship, body image and sexual health. Her work has been featured in publications like Conquer Magazine, Business Insider, and on breast cancer advocacy platforms like Young Survival Coalition. She is committed to breaking taboos around pleasure, aging, and healing, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey to rediscovering intimacy and self-acceptance.

With Upstate Mary, Melissa is on a mission to redefine sexual wellness as a natural, healing, and beautiful part of life—one that should be accessible to all, without stigma or shame.