My Story

My journey with sunglasses and their profound significance throughout my life is a unique and personal story. I never imagined sharing this with the world with a sense of accomplishment and pride but here we are…

My fascination with sunglasses started when I was young, wild and free, dancing on any speaker box I could find for as long as they would let me… before underground parties were mainstream and peace, love, unity, and respect still meant something. Before designer brands were cool and individuality was encouraged. For me, sunglasses weren’t just a fashion accessory, they were a creative channel of self-expression and protection. After experiencing trauma at a young age, (and not addressing it until many years later), I fully immersed myself in a world that allowed me to feel happiness despite my inner conflicts.

It was then I discovered an appreciation for the confident connectedness but also the paradoxical power of disconnectedness I felt while exploring the most outrageously unique frames I could get my hands on.

Throughout my life, I discovered that wearing sunglasses became a way to shield myself from the judgmental gazes of the world. The lenses acted as a barrier, providing me with a sense of anonymity and a degree of separation from the crowd. This newfound ability to hide behind my shades gave me the courage to navigate social situations that would have otherwise been overwhelming and ultimately thrive.

As I continued my journey, I realized that sunglasses were not just my armor but a symbol of resilience and self-empowerment. They became a tool for reclaiming my identity and asserting control over my own narrative. Putting on sunglasses transformed into a daily ritual, signaling to myself and others that I was in charge of my destiny.

Amidst this process, I stumbled upon my purpose; the passion for sunglasses and the transformative power they held sparked a desire to share this experience with others. For years, I would collect funky frames and gift them to friends and strangers who expressed the same love for sunglasses that I had. I decided to channel that same energy into creating a brand that provided stylish eyewear and emphasized the importance of mental well-being and loving yourself completely.

While I was conceptualizing a logo, I gravitated toward the symbol of an umbrella. Little did I know, that the umbrella would come to represent much more than just a logo. The umbrella became a metaphor for protection, resilience, and shelter during life's storms. It encapsulated the essence of my journey—finding strength in adversity and providing shelter for others on their path to self-discovery.

As my brand became a reality, I knew I wanted to include mental health awareness into my mission. The umbrella, originally chosen to pay homage to my late friend Boogie, who brought sunshine everywhere he went, now carried a more profound meaning as a symbol of support, understanding, and unity. My journey with sunglasses and mental health had come full circle, evolving into a purpose-driven endeavor that not only celebrated individuality but also fostered a community of strength and resilience.

In the end, my obsession with sunglasses became a catalyst for personal growth and a platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Through my brand and its meaningful symbolism, I found a way to merge my passion with a higher purpose, leaving an indelible mark on the world around me and the courage to normalize conversations about mental health.