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

Marsha, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As pioneers in the Natural Eyewear industry, Shades Of Shades®️ takes pride in its purposeful approach, emphasizing inclusive eyewear across a spectrum of nude complexion shades. Ensuring no individual feels marginalized is paramount to our mission.

Our founder, Marsha Douglas-Sydnor, experienced that frustration a few years ago, after having a hard time finding a suitable “Nude” pair of glasses to compliment her Butter Pecan skin complexion. “It should not be this hard. We all don’t fit into 1 “nude” box.”

We advocate for the belief that diversity and individuality through our inclusive eyewear collections should be celebrated. Our natural eyewear not only protects your eyes but also mirrors your distinct style and character. By offering a diverse array of nude complexion shades and silhouettes, we aim to accommodate all individuals, guaranteeing inclusivity and visibility for everyone to be seen in their authentic shade.

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?

I am a first generation Jamaican American, wife, mom of 3, brain tumor survivor who has always been ambitious and determined to create my own footprint and legacy within this world. I realized from a very early age that although we are all different, we are equally and wonderfully made. Like others, my skin tone is special and unique to me, so you can imagine my frustration with the difficulty of finding a natural nude pair of sunglasses that actually complimented and spoke to my unique complexion. I also wanted timeless and classic designs that I could dress up or down and something that would go with everything in my wardrobe. If I’m having this much difficulty finding my special pair, so are others, and I need to fix that! From that moment on, Shades Of Shades®️ was birthed.

Shades Of Shades®️ was born out of a desire to fill a void in the market for eyewear that truly celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of every individual skin tone. As a brain tumor survivor and a proud first born “JAmerican”, I understand the importance of feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. My journey to create Shades Of Shades®️ was fueled by a passion to provide eyewear that not only protects your eyes but also make you feel empowered and stylish in your own skin.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

As any ambitious, naive, person would do, I jumped head first and sought out to have all of our pieces manufactured out of Italy. I quickly became enamored with the idea of having our products made in Italy. The allure of Italian craftsmanship, attention to detail, and reputation for quality was simply irresistible. I envisioned our pieces being meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in quaint workshops nestled in the picturesque Italian countryside. Little did I know the challenges that awaited me as I embarked on this ambitious endeavor.

Navigating the complexities of international manufacturing, language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical hurdles proved to be a steep learning curve. Yet, with each obstacle, I gained valuable insights and developed a deeper appreciation for the art of collaboration across borders. Despite the initial naivety that propelled me to jump into this venture, I emerged more determined and resourceful than ever before.

The journey to have our pieces manufactured in Italy was not just about production; it became a transformative experience that shaped my perspective on creativity, innovation, and the power of persistence. Through the ups and downs, I learned that true ambition is not just about dreaming big but also about having the courage to embrace challenges and grow from them. Italy may have been the destination for our manufacturing, but the real destination was the personal and professional growth that came from daring to pursue a dream beyond borders.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

We are often compared and dubbed the “Fenty” of nude eyewear, and that is a HUGE compliment, because I looked up to the Fenty Beauty when I created my brand. I sought out to create the diversity and inclusiveness that Rihanna brought to the makeup industry. Shades Of Shades®️ has done the same thing in the eyewear industry and we are thankful to pioneer this movement and to be mentioned alongside with the greats!

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Copyright@ Syds Designs Photography