Hi Ali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I had a dream when I was 16 years old. In this dream, I was told why I was created, which solidified by belief in God. After this dream, I got an idea to make these futuristic glasses that included technology. I was a teenager and didn’t know anything about patents, so I wrote a letter to myself to prove that I had the original idea. It wasn’t until I was 21 when that same God spoke to me at work and said these exact words, “Don’t get comfortable where you are, WORK ON THE VISION”. As soon as I heard the word VISION, I knew exactly what it meant.
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?
This journey was not easy at all, I used to wish it was until I wised-up. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done because it made me give up who I was to become who I needed to be. I had to change my mind to think like God; you can’t have faith and fear at the same time. In the beginning of my research, I found that almost 70% of the eyewear industry is owned by one company. They own the glasses, the store where you buy them and even the insurance you use to purchase them. Also, I couldn’t find an eyewear design school that would teach me how to make my own unique shapes and designs, just a bunch of private label companies. I found some big companies to help, but it would cost $40,000-$80,000 to create my collections, not including marketing. I went to local factories that made auto parts and jewelry stores to see if any of them could help me make them. They gave me a lot of good ideas and advice, but still no product.
By year two, I started watching YouTube videos on wood-working and building my own eyewear design process. I would buy wood from Home Depot and use a saw trying to make designs in my garage. Then when I thought I had something great, I tried to launch my business and failed. (I even took two pre-orders) I tried to launch a 2nd time and lost $2,000. The 3rd time, I had an investor, a marketing agency and a manufacturer ready to go, but the whole deal fell through. I started studying my mistakes and coming up with a stronger strategy. After six years, I found the best eyewear material manufacturer, lens producer and hinge company so I could design, make and assemble the glasses myself. If you are still reading, there are two takeaways from my seven-year experience. First, I had to change my mindset to become successful. All of the insecurities and underline thoughts of doubt had to leave. Lastly, the blessing is in the journey. The ups-downs that I used to complain about prepared me for this very moment. Now, I’m studying to become a certified optician and releasing my first collection for preorder on Nov 30th, 2020. I couldn’t have one it with God’s voice, my family and my support system.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I worked in telecommunications and business management for over seven years. This has helped me a lot to run my own business. I have worked for myself full time for four months now. I’m known for keeping a smile through test/trials, my relentlessness, my love for God and people. I am most proud of how far I’ve come. I didn’t give myself a plan B. That’s what sets me apart.
Pricing:
- Eyewear begins at $400
Contact Info:
- Email: info@godnii.com
- Website: www.godnii.com
- Instagram: @eyewear.plug; @godnii (business)
