For New York-based entrepreneurs, Nancey Harris and Tracy Green, a call from the “The Kelly Clarkson Show” resulted in a surprise trip of a lifetime that took their business to new heights.
In early 2023, the best friends and founders of Vontelle eyewear, appeared on the show to talk about their innovative eyewear company. Unbeknownst to them, “Morning Joe” co-host and Know Your Value founder, Mika Brzezinski would surprise them live on air with an invitation and tickets to join Forbes and Know Your Value’s 30/50 Summit in Abu Dhabi.
Since then, their brand has grown exponentially, and their glasses can be found in hundreds of stores across the country — from Walmart to Saks Fifth Avenue. The founders — who are both over 50 — were also recently honored on Forbes and Know Your Value’s fourth annual “50 Over 50” U.S. list.
“We are beyond thrilled,” Green said about making the list, saying it proves that “age is just a number. At every age, you can bring value and experience to the world.”
Harris and Green said it was Forbes and Know Your Value’s four-day summit in Abu Dhabi -- and the networking opportunities with some of the world’s most powerful women -- that really changed the trajectory of their business.
During the conference, Harris and Green found themselves sharing a cab with a fellow attendee. “This person and I begin a whole conversation. The next thing we know, we tell her about our glasses,” Harris explained. The attendee, who happened to be an angel investor, bonded with the women over their shared experience having trouble finding glasses that fit. Before they knew it, they became one of the founders’ first angel investors, which allowed them to make an important distribution deal with America’s Best — one of the country’s leading eyewear retailers.
“If we didn’t have that money from the angel investor, it would have been tougher for us to actually get this opportunity and be successful,” said Green. “It really helped us be able to be a part of this industry in a real way.” Vontelle became the first Black women-owned eyewear company to partner with the optical retail giant. Their product is now sold in over 900 America’s Best stores nationwide.
Their journey started almost five years ago, when they saw an opportunity to solve a big gap in the eyewear industry.
“In 2019 I lost a pair of glasses. And I was frustrated when I went to look for a replacement pair. They all looked the same but most importantly, they were all too tight.” Green explained. “I have kind of chubby cheeks.. and they were never long enough…and when you’re frustrated what do you do you? Call your best friend to complain. I called Nancy to complain.”
The two friends got to work. As they researched the eyewear industry, they found that there was hardly any diverse representation from eyewear makers. “We realized that the reason why glasses hurt for so many of our friends and family and ourselves and leaves lines on your face, and cheek indentations, is because no one who looks like us is making glasses for us. And here we are now, five years later,” Green said. The Brooklyn based eyewear company, whose vibrant designs are inspired by the African Diaspora, are made to fit diverse face shapes.
Since then, the former sales and finance professionals have managed to secure ongoing partnerships with brands like Fivver and inked an exclusive licensing deal to create kid-friendly glasses for Nickelodeon. They’ve even partnered up with entertainers like actor Kadeem Hardison, to create a patent pending design of flip up glasses, inspired by his role on the show, “A Different World.”
Both Green and Harris credit their success and growth on their ability to build intentional business relationships over time, and advise aspiring founders to do the same.
“Continue to network. And a ‘no’ may just be a delay to ‘yes’ later on,” said Harris. “Because people go to different brands all the time. And then or there’s turnover in companies so just keep going because one person may not have liked it, but the new person that comes on board may love it. So you just never know what somebody’s appetite may be at that particular time. And just remember your network is your net worth. It’s very powerful.”
Daniela Pierre-Bravo is a journalist, author, and founder of Acceso Community — a mentorship program for professional women. She is the co-author of “Earn It” with Mika Brzezinski. Her solo book, “’The Other: How to Own Your Power at Work as a Woman of Color,” is out now. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @dpierrebravo