Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lashawn Hill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

LaShawn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for XClusive Shades, sunglass & eyewear business came to me while I was reflecting back to my childhood in 2022. I was the girl who had to wear glasses, and the options were slim and always nerdy looking. Wearing my glasses never made me feel confident, but I literally HAD to wear them. I’ve always had a love for fashion and accessories, and eyewear just spoke to me. I thought to myself, “Why can’t there be more variety for people like me who want to make a statement but don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars?”
I knew from my personal experience that eyewear was the one accessory that can truly transform a person’s face, confidence, and mood. But here’s the thing: after shopping the market, I noticed there weren’t enough options that allowed people like me to fully express themselves, especially not with affordable, high-quality frames that were also functional.
I knew that if I could find sunglasses and eyewear that combined style, individuality, and functionality, I’d be filling a gap. It wasn’t just about creating another store; it was about offering people something that made them feel seen. I envisioned bold designs that allowed people to shine without breaking the bank, frames that could be fitted with prescriptions but didn’t sacrifice fashion for function.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized this wasn’t just about style—it was about giving more people the power to choose how they show up in the world. Your glasses or shades are often the first thing people notice when you walk into a room or step out in the sun. I wanted to give my customers a sense of confidence, with an accessory that says, “I know who I am.”
I saw an opportunity to enter the sunglass/eyewear market by offering a mix of edgy, classic, and versatile designs at a price point that made them accessible to a wide audience. I knew it would work because there weren’t many creating this perfect balance between aesthetics, function, and affordability in the way I envisioned. I wasn’t just solving a fashion problem; I was solving an emotional one—the need for people especially women to feel unique, powerful, and in control of their look.
What got me most excited was imagining the impact. Seeing others wear my hand-picked designs and knowing I helped them feel bold and authentic, made all the challenges worth it. From there, I knew I was onto something special, and I haven’t looked back since.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always been someone who pays attention to detail and has an eye for style. My journey into the sunglass/eyewear industry didn’t come from formal training but from a passion for fashion and accessories. I’m a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur, and after running other businesses, I knew it was time to channel my love for creativity into something personal and impactful.
I’ve always believed that accessories, especially eyewear, tell a story about who you are. It was clear to me that while people were spending so much time choosing outfits, their sunglasses and eyewear were often an afterthought. For something that sits right on your face—the first thing people see—it deserved more attention. That’s what also sparked my entry into this industry. I wanted to offer something that not only completed a look but elevated it. I dove deep into learning about design and trends in eyewear and made sure that the products I offer not only look amazing but also feel comfortable and durable.
I specialize in prescription-ready eyewear and sunglasses. I also carry hats and handbags so customers can complete a look. What sets me apart is my ability to find unique, bold, and functional pieces that reflect a mix of classic and cutting-edge styles. My sunglasses, for example, cater to those who want to make a statement. Whether it’s oversized frames, geometric shapes, or subtle and sleek designs, I ensure that each piece feels like an extension of your personality. And for those needing prescription lenses, I offer stylish options that don’t compromise fashion for function, which is often rare in this industry.
The problem I’m solving for my customers is helping them feel seen—whether they’re looking for a chic accessory or eyewear that makes them feel confident while also serving a practical purpose. I understand that eyewear should be a balance between self-expression and utility, and that’s what my brand XClusive Shades stands for. I find products that allow people to step out feeling empowered, unique, and comfortable in their own skin.
What sets my brand apart from others is that I put myself in my customer’s shoes—literally. From the moment someone steps into my studio, I want them to feel special. I believe that personal touch, combined with bold, unique designs is what makes my brand stand out.
What I’m most proud of is seeing how my products have become part of people’s identities. Whether it’s someone who has been searching for the perfect pair of prescription-ready glasses or a fashion-forward customer who wants to turn heads with their sunglasses, I take pride in knowing that my products are helping people feel like the best versions of themselves. Seeing the designs I’ve discovered on real people, hearing their stories, and knowing I had a hand in making them feel more confident—that’s what drives me.
For anyone new to XClusive Shades, I want you to know that this is more than just an accessories store; it’s a space where creativity meets functionality. My goal is to help you find pieces that don’t just look good but make you feel good. Whether you’re stepping out to make a fashion statement or looking for frames that help you see the world more clearly, XClusive eyewear collections are designed with you in mind.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates my resilience comes from the early days of starting my eyewear business. Like many entrepreneurs, I was filled with excitement, but there was one major challenge I didn’t see coming. A few months after launching, I faced a major supplier issue. The quality of the products I had meticulously curated started slipping—frames were arriving damaged or not up to the standard I had promised my customers. It was devastating because I had built my brand on the trust that my customers were getting unique, high-quality products.
I had customers waiting on orders, and I had to make a decision: either sell what I had and risk damaging my brand’s reputation or delay, fix the problem, and rebuild trust afterward. I decided on the latter, even though it was financially risky. I knew if I compromised on quality even once, I would never get that trust back.
That period was tough. I had to find new suppliers on short notice, place new orders, and personally reach out to every customer who was impacted. I offered refunds, discounts, and my heartfelt apologies. The long nights of research, stress, and doubt pushed me to my limits. I felt like I was constantly putting out fires while trying to keep my vision alive. But I refused to give up because I knew my brand was bigger than a temporary setback.
Through all of that, I learned two things: the importance of perseverance and maintaining a standard, no matter what. I refused to let those setbacks define my business or me. The loyalty I gained from those customers during that time, because I was transparent and put their needs first, proved to me that resilience is about staying true to your values, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
That experience made my business stronger. It forced me to reevaluate everything—from suppliers to quality control—ensuring that I’d never face that situation again. It also reminded me that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll face obstacles, but it’s how you handle them that sets you apart. Now, when I look back, I’m grateful for that challenge because it taught me the value of resilience and keeping your eye on the bigger picture, even when the day-to-day gets tough.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot in business came when I realized that I needed to evolve beyond just selling sunglasses. Initially, my focus was on providing a wide range of trendy, affordable sunglasses, despite me being the girl who HAD to wear prescription glasses. That’s what drew me into the eyewear game, but over time, I started noticing a shift. Customers were asking about prescription glasses. They loved the styles I offered but needed functional frames for everyday wear.
I was passionate about sunglasses, and I didn’t feel as confident stepping into the prescription market. Plus, there were technical challenges involved—sourcing lenses, offering the right fit, and providing an experience that would keep customers coming back. It felt like a huge leap from what I had been doing, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to pivot into that space.
But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I wasn’t just selling sunglasses; I was offering people a way to express themselves through eyewear. Why limit that to just one category? My customers were giving me clear feedback—they wanted more from my brand. So, instead of resisting the change, I embraced it.
I started offering an exclusive collection of frames that could be fitted with prescription lenses. Customers would still need to visit a lab for lenses, but at least they were excited about their frames. This pivot required me to learn new aspects of the industry, from understanding different lens types to ensuring the frames were both stylish and functional for daily wear. It was a learning curve, but it was worth it.
The results were beyond what I expected. Not only did I retain my original customer base, but I also gained a new audience—people who needed prescription-ready eyewear but didn’t want to sacrifice style and those who wanted to wear frames as a fashion statement. It allowed me to expand my offerings and create a more well-rounded brand. What I thought would be a difficult pivot ended up being one of the best decisions, a full circle moment. It was a reminder to listen to your customers and be adaptable.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.xclusiveshades.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xclusiveshadesdallas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xclusiveshadesdallas
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xclusiveshades