We recently connected with Lauren Ivey and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Framed by Lo was born out of my own mental health journey. There was a time when I struggled with confidence and self-expression, and I realized that what I wore—especially my accessories—had the power to shift my mood. Eyewear became my armor, my confidence booster, and a way to show up in the world unapologetically.

I wanted others to feel that same empowerment. I noticed that sunglasses weren’t just about protecting your eyes—they were a statement, a way to express who you are without saying a word. But so often, bold, stylish frames came with a luxury price tag. I saw an opportunity to bridge that gap by creating an affordable luxury sunglasses brand that allows people to enhance their confidence without breaking the bank.

Framed by Lo is more than a brand—it’s a movement. It’s for the everyday millennial who wants to feel bold, stylish, and seen. I knew this would work because confidence is universal, and when you look good, you feel good. My passion for self-expression and helping others tap into their power through fashion made it clear—this was a vision worth bringing to life.

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

I’m Lo Ivey, the owner and founder of Framed by Lo, an affordable luxury sunglasses brand that empowers people to express themselves boldly through eyewear. My journey into this industry wasn’t traditional—I didn’t start with a background in fashion or business. Instead, Framed by Lo was born from my personal experience with mental health and self-confidence. I discovered that the right pair of frames could transform not just an outfit, but how I carried myself. That realization turned into a passion, and that passion became a brand.

At Framed by Lo, we provide stylish, high-quality sunglasses at an accessible price point because I believe confidence shouldn’t come with a luxury price tag. Our frames are designed for everyday millennials who want to stand out, show up, and feel their best—whether they’re running errands, hitting the beach, or stepping into a big event. We solve the problem of eyewear being either too basic or too expensive, offering bold, unique frames that help our customers feel like the best version of themselves.

What sets us apart is our focus on self-expression and confidence. We’re not just selling sunglasses—we’re offering a way for people to tap into their personal style, enhance their mood, and embrace their individuality. Seeing how our customers feel when they put on a pair of Framed by Lo sunglasses is what I’m most proud of.

For those who are just discovering us, I want them to know that Framed by Lo is more than a brand—it’s a statement. It’s about stepping into your power, feeling bold, and rocking eyewear that makes you feel unstoppable.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I sell exclusively through my website, FramedbyLo.com, using Shopify as my e-commerce platform. Shopify has been a game-changer for my business because of its accessibility, flexibility, and seamless integrations. As a business owner, I need a platform that allows me to control my branding, customer experience, and marketing, and Shopify gives me that freedom.

One of the biggest pros is how easy it is to customize my store. I can showcase my frames exactly how I want, create a smooth checkout experience, and integrate powerful tools like email marketing, analytics, and social media shopping. It also allows me to scale my business without limitations.

Of course, there are challenges, like having to drive my own traffic rather than relying on built-in marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. But for me, that’s actually a plus—I get to build direct relationships with my customers and create a brand that feels personal, rather than just another listing on a marketplace. Shopify makes it possible for Framed by Lo to stand out, and that’s why I love it!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that has significantly shaped my mindset as an entrepreneur is I Hope You Fail by Pinky Cole. I love this book because it challenges the way we typically view success. Instead of fearing failure, Pinky encourages us to embrace it, learn from it, and use it as fuel to keep going.

What resonated with me the most is how she talks about the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship—how people will change, how setbacks are inevitable, and how perfection is a myth. As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything needs to be perfect before you launch or take the next step. But this book reinforced the idea that waiting for perfection is just another form of procrastination.

Pinky’s journey reminds me that success is about persistence, adaptability, and being bold enough to keep showing up, even when things don’t go as planned. That message has stuck with me as I’ve built Framed by Lo—learning from mistakes, pushing through obstacles, and staying focused on my vision. It’s a must-read for any entrepreneur who needs a real, honest, and motivating perspective on what it truly takes to succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://framedbylo.com/
• Instagram: @framedbylo
• Facebook: @framedbylo
• Other: TikTok @framedbylo

Image Credits

LaChell A. Photography