Community Highlights: Meet LaDena Chisum of Radical Eyewear

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaDena Chisum.

Hi LaDena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am LaDena Chisum the visionary of Radical Eyewear. I started the Radical Eyewear Brand in the midst of the pandemic. This was my first retail endeavor so I had a lot of trial and error in the beginning. I had to learn to pace myself and not try to do everything at once. I started the business with my own money so balancing life and business I had a lot to learn. I began to understand that starting a business was a process just like everything else. I had to be patient, consistent and had to be willing to learn from mistakes. I allow God to tell me when, how, what, where, etc. He uses me as the visionary but he gives me the vision. He’s my business blueprint.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having is going to be easy. It has most definitely been some bumps along the journey. As a small business owner, I have to wear many hats. I’m not in the position yet to have a team so I do all the purchasing, marketing, inventory, website updates and so much more. Sometimes it gets overwhelming but I know being consistent is necessary to grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Radical Eyewear?
I have always loved rocking a pair of dope shades or glasses to completely set off an outfit. Since I was a little girl I always found myself with my own unique style. I would go against the trends. As I began entrepreneur journey, I wanted to tap into the retail marketplace with something I loved. Under the Radical L.Y.F.E.(Living in your (GOD GIVEN) Favor Everyday) Brand Radical Eyewear was born. Radical Eyewear is no different than my style, I look to bring my clients unique and “RADICAL” eyewear that will make a bold fashion statement. One thing that sets Radical Eyewear apart is that it was a vision given by God for me to birth and carry out. I pray and ask God to give clear vision to everyone that rocks Radical Eyewear. I learned on my personal spiritual journey that life is better when you know your purpose, so I pray for a clear vision to be unapologetically bold and purposely authentic person God has called you to be. Another thing is I was able to start a kids line with my three years old Grandaughter Rayne Chisum as CEO of Radical Eyewear Kids. Not only is our company a ministry it also will leave a legacy for our family. I couldn’t do any of this without God.

I am mostly proud that I have partnered with my first beauty supply store to have Radical Eyewear featured. Radical Eyewear is now sold at Yulee Beauty in Yulee Florida. My goal is to partner with more local and out-of-state boutiques, beauty supply stores, and beauty and barber shops.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Be patient with yourself and your growth. We invest so much money and time in our business that we want them to take off but we have to endure the process in order to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.radicallyfe.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/radical_eyewear
• Other: https://linktr.ee/radicallyfe1