We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew & Lesly Fraire & Mejia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew & Lesly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

It all started back in May 2020 when the whole pandemic chaos kicked in. Those were tough times for everyone, including us. Jobs were getting axed left and right, and it felt like hope was slipping through our fingers but we had to find a silver lining – and we did. Life slowed down, giving us a chance to pursue things we’ve always dreamed of doing. So, we thought, why not learn some e-commerce skills?

We dove headfirst into the world of online business tutorials, soaking up everything we could find. Business plans, government registrations, email marketing, website design, photography—you name it, we learned it. And we weren’t just about theory; we wanted to get our hands dirty. So, we rolled up our sleeves and created our very own website to put our knowledge to the test.

Before we knew it, we were knee-deep in this entrepreneurial adventure. Risky? Of course! But we had this gut feeling, that everything was happening for a reason – and that’s how Allure Glasses came to life. Starting a business during uncertain times might sound crazy, but we were up for the challenge. We believed in ourselves, and we were ready to take the world of eyewear by storm.

Andrew & Lesly , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At ALLURE GLASSES, our brand is deeply rooted in personal values and experiences. We craft our glasses to offer the latest fashion trends with essential UV ray defense, providing stylish and affordable eyewear. Our mission extends beyond fashion to create an inclusive environment where everyone can embrace their true selves. With a diverse range of styles, we empower you to elevate your appearance and feel empowered with our eyewear.

Our strong work ethic is deeply influenced by personal factors, including witnessing the dedication of our immigrant parents. Along our entrepreneurial journey, we have been fortunate to have mentors who have fueled our ambition and provided invaluable guidance.

Based in vibrant Los Angeles, we draw inspiration from the city’s energy to create eyewear that reflects our values and passion. We are committed to making a difference and providing eyewear that not only looks great but also represents a personal journey of growth and authenticity. Join us on this journey and experience the allure of our glasses.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight has truly inspired us as entrepreneurs. Knight’s unwavering vision, entrepreneurial grit, and willingness to take risks have resonated deeply with us. His story of overcoming obstacles and setbacks while staying true to his vision has taught us the importance of having a clear direction and passion for our own business. We’ve learned to embrace challenges, explore innovative strategies, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Resilience is crucial when starting a business, and we firmly believe in its power. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of challenges is vital in the unpredictable business world. We consistently push forward, constantly reevaluating our strategies and seeking new solutions to ensure the ongoing success of our business.

Our background in marketing has been immensely valuable to our business. With one of us having advertising experience and the other having skills in photography and creative software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, we have been able to handle all aspects in-house, saving costs by avoiding the need to outsource.

Effective communication has been instrumental in our partnership and beyond. We emphasize the importance of being clear, concise, and respectful when expressing our ideas. While we may not always see eye to eye, we strive to reach resolutions that align with our brand image and core values, ensuring an effective working dynamic.

Contact Info:

• Website: allureglasses.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/allureglasses
• Facebook: facebook.com/allureglasses
• Other: tiktok.com/@allureglasses