Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancey Harris. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The concept for Vontélle was born out of a need of founders Tracy and Nancey, who each lost their expensive eyewear within the same year and decided to focus efforts on making their next purchases from a Black-owned brand. After an intense search for glasses that were stylish, and had an ethnic flair, we realized it simply did not exist. Upon further research, we learned eyewear was not made for the construct of diverse faces offering very narrow bridges, which cause dark blemishes on the nose, short temples causing tension headaches, and smaller lenses leading to indentation marks on people with high cheekbones. There’s an entire segment of the population being overlooked, yet no one was addressing this issue. We were tired of suffering and being forced to wear glasses that were not made with diversity in mind. Last, after visiting an eyewear expo in Paris with over 37,000+ attendees (Silmo data) we witnessed first-hand the industry is 99% male dominated and Caucasian. It was an amazing experience, and by day 2, everyone began calling the founders by name as they were the only two Black women present amongst a sea of thousands of visitors.
During our trip, we previewed thousands of glasses and met eyewear manufacturers and designers, but nothing like what we envisioned. This served as our “aha moment.” There was simply no choice other than to create a new narrative and vision for the eyewear industry. It is our goal to create better-fitting glasses and add diversity and culture to the world of eyewear.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most challenging part of launching a new eyewear brand was maneuvering through an industry resistant to change and diversity. As newcomers, we faced significant barriers and biases in a market controlled by established brands. Overcoming these obstacles has been crucial, and we still have a lot of roads to travel. Then, the task of finding quality materials, designing frames for various face shapes, and ensuring high-quality production posed significant challenges. We devoted considerable time and resources to research, experimentation, and refinement to achieve the excellence we aimed for.
Additionally, carving out a niche for our brand and gaining momentum in a saturated market was challenging. It was essential to distinguish ourselves from the competition, cultivate a dedicated customer base, and clearly convey our unique selling points to consumers.
Overall, starting a new eyewear business required grit, persistence, and a readiness to disrupt the norm. Despite numerous hurdles, our dedication to driving positive change in the industry and our steadfast commitment to our goals fueled our resolve to prevail.
We’ve been impressed with Vontélle Eyewear, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Vontélle Eyewear, our mission is to revolutionize the eyewear industry by offering stylish and comfortable frames that celebrate diversity and cultural heritage. We take pride in our unique designs, which draw inspiration from African, Caribbean, and Latin cultures, reflecting the rich tapestry of our backgrounds.
Our frames are meticulously crafted to provide not only fashion-forward style but also exceptional fit and functionality. We understand the importance of eyewear that not only looks good but also feels comfortable to wear, especially for individuals with diverse facial features. That’s why we prioritize features such as wider bridges, longer temples, and larger lenses to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for all.
In addition to our commitment to quality and inclusivity, we are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. We strive to create a positive and empowering experience for our customers from the moment they browse our collections to the day they receive their new frames.
Ultimately, we want our readers to know that Vontélle Eyewear is more than just a brand – we are a movement. We are reshaping the eyewear landscape, challenging stereotypes, and promoting self-expression and cultural pride. With Vontélle, customers can not only find stylish eyewear but also become part of a community that celebrates diversity and embraces individuality.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
One of the most important qualities for our success at Vontélle Eyewear is our commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. We believe in celebrating diversity and embracing individuality, and this is reflected in everything we do – from our unique frame designs inspired by African, Caribbean, and Latin cultures to our dedication to providing a comfortable and inclusive eyewear experience for all. By staying true to our values and prioritizing inclusivity in both our products and our brand ethos, we have been able to connect with customers on a deeper level and build a strong and loyal community around our brand.
Pricing:
- $99.00
- $189.00
- $229.00
- $299.00
- $369.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vontelle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vontelleeyewear/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vontelle
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/vontelle
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/vontelleeyewear
Image Credits
Darren Talent
Felix Natal, Jr.
