We were lucky to catch up with Marsha Douglas-Sydnor recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marsha, 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?

After being healthy most of my life, I was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumor and didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. I thought about my 3 children, my dreams, my family, and what my future would look like. Although I didn’t show it, I was scared. My husband insisted that I take a much needed mental break and he generously surprised me with a destination island getaway. With any excuse to go shopping and lift my spirits, of course, I was eager to update my vacation wardrobe and always wanted to have a nude pair of sunglasses to match my beautiful skin tone and to go perfectly with every outfit that I packed. I’m not sure if it was because this trip was extra meaningful, or maybe I was just super emotional, but nonetheless, I couldn’t seem to find any pair of “NUDE” sunglasses that actually matched my Butter Pecan complexion, and that infuriated me. I went to countless boutiques/shops, but constantly left feeling defeated. We went on the trip, and although I managed to enjoy myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling of my complexion not being “included” and being so “difficult” to find within the current nude eyewear selections. I believe the universe was speaking to me, while returning home and seeing countless travelers in the airport wearing the standard universal shade of nude (various forms of pink), instead of their custom inclusive nude. I recognized at that very moment that this issue was affecting not only me, but tons of other people and fashionistas like myself, who wanted to properly represent and feel good in their custom pair of nude shade sunglasses. I needed to fill this void in the eyewear industry, and I did.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Marsha Douglas-Sydnor, CEO & Founder of Shades Of Shades®️, which is the first all inclusive luxury nude eyewear brand which celebrates your beautiful natural skin tone.
Traveling the world and being frustrated with a fashion industry that only sees nude eyewear in 1 or 2 shades of pink or tan, I decided that it was time to switch it up and celebrate the very thing that makes us different…our unique beautiful skin tones.

Just 4 years ago, I laid in my hospital bed, drafting my dream vision for Shades Of Shades®, Luxury Nude Eyewear Brand. After coming out of brain surgery, I felt like I was gifted a second chance at life, which propelled me to introduce my vision into the world and create what has never been done before…..the very first premium eyewear brand, exclusively devoted to nude eyewear for ALL complexion shades.

Our 14 shade nude eyewear palette sources the finest quality premium materials and is handmade in Italy.
I always knew that I wanted to change the global fashion eyewear industry.  Now, it’s happening. I knew there was a need, but I was amazed at the number of clientele that expressed gratitude for just having the opportunity to wear their true nude shade for the very first time. It is such an empowering feeling and I’m so thankful to encourage them to celebrate that journey.. It’s almost like falling in love with yourself all over again.

We have created a market segment that did not exist.  Being the first premium brand to exclusively offer nude eyewear in 14 real complexion shades, using the finest Italian materials and featuring custom undertones that compliment makeup foundation, we are pioneering the Nude Eyewear movement and creating the new staple accessory.

Our mission for our classic all-inclusive eyewear is solely dedicated to the celebration of self-love, representation, and serves as a reminder that together, we are ALL beautifully made.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

F.E.A.R. (False Expectations Appearing Real)

Ditch the fear, and instead create with intention.

I have an amazing spiritual sister who I am privileged to have in my life. She constantly reminds me “You’re either worried about it, or you’re happy about it”. I choose to be happy. Happiness attracts more happiness. Your thoughts are very powerful. It’s not just that your purpose is joy, it is that you are joy. Once you stop looking outside of yourself for confirmations and realize that the life you are creating is an inside job, you can live in your fullest version of your true self.

Go and look her up on youtube: Queen Me – Inner World Convo

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

The pandemic affected us all, in more ways than one. Being isolated was wonderful for spending time with our families, but damaging for our relationship with our shoppers. Since we were unable to service our clients in person, we created an app, Shades Of Shades®️, The Mirror, which allows you to virtually try on any of our nude silhouettes and see which is the best match for your nude skin tone.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shades-of-shades.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shadesofshadesofficial
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldofshade
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshadouglas-sydnor/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/shadesdishades
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtj7nt2NCoQXAuOmkH-Vig

Image Credits
Photography by @ksharpmedia | @sydsdesignsphotography