After going public on Wednesday, Warby Parker is now valued at over $6 Billion1. The company was founded in 20102 and has evolved into both an online and brick and mortar business. Warby Parker is not shy about taking on optical industry giants in this $140 Billion industry. A new company, Violet Eyewear, is poised to disrupt the optical industry the way that Mary Kay did in cosmetics.
Having been in private practice for over 12 years, Violet Eyewear Founder and CEO, Dr. Sylvia Jones, could see that the optical industry was broken. “The online stores were overwhelming, confusing, and offered no personal attention. The local optical offered too few choices and was more expensive. Unfortunately, neither focused on the customer’s individual needs, personality, or style. After much research, trial, and error I created the Violet Eyewear Experience, a new fun way to purchase eyewear at home or online with your family and friends. Providing the customer with their very own Vision Ambassador and Personalized Eyewear Plan.”
For years the optical industry has been a monopoly. Today in the United States, one company owns most of the eyewear brands, stores, vision insurance, and optical labs leading to higher prices, decreased competition, and low variety. Founded by a private practice optometrist, Violet Eyewear is here to change that, by providing affordable eyewear selected and designed by an actual eye doctor. As an eye doctor, Dr. Jones combines the customers fashion desires, with her knowledge of the patient’s needs. This powerful combination has resulted in amazing products that provide the ultimate quality, fit, and style.
Dr. Sylvia Jones says, “In honor of my mom, I want to empower as many women as I can to make their own money, start their own business, and control their own destiny as a Vision Ambassador. Traditionally, the optical industry has been a white, male dominated industry that has provided limited opportunities to women and people of color.” She goes on to say “This rapidly growing $140B industry, is estimated to triple in the next 30 years. Finally, Violet Eyewear is here to shatter that glass ceiling, by creating an opportunity for anyone to own their own eyewear business for less than the cost of 1 pair of glasses.”
The best part about Violet Eyewear is the Buy One, Bless One program. For every frame purchase, one is donated to a homeless person in need. Unfortunately, the homeless population is disproportionately affected by vision impairment, due to poor nutrition and lack of medical care. Vision is imperative as it impacts every area of life. Poor vision makes it harder to learn, complete routine daily tasks, and to find employment. Dr. Jones adds “This program shows love for and empowers the most vulnerable members of our communities with the gift of sight.”
If you are interested in owning your piece of the $140 Billion optical industry, go to www.violeteyewear.com/join to get started!
1 Wall Street Journal 2021, accessed 30 September 2021 <http://www.wsj.com>
2 Wikipedia 2021, accessed 30 September 2021 <https://www.wikipedia.org>