We recently connected with Ryan Pound and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ryan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Most sunglasses are made from plastic and recently we have discovered the problem of microplastics, microplastics are unfortunately everywhere. I love nature and love seeing design not only in nature but also from nature. So the idea of reducing plastics in the environment by creating and designing sunglass frames from sustainable bamboo wood was very appealing for me. At the same time, surfboarding has always been a huge part of my life. Its very rare in the surf industry to see surfers wear sunglasses while surfing. Yet the sun UV Rays are so damaging to a surfers eyes. So I have always been trying to invent goggles that would not come off my head while surfing. But, then I realized that designing sunglasses with the technology to float was a better solution to the problem of sunburned eyes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have blue eyes and I have always been active outdoors. Growing up in Southern California I have always been active in the ocean, snow and desert. I love snowboarding, surfing, fishing, boating, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, skateboarding and others. For generations it has always been difficult to protect a surfer’s eyes from the sun while surfboarding in the waves. So unfortunately at an early age I sunburned my blue eyes which is called Photokeratitis. I then over time developed Pinguecula which is a harmless yellowish raised growth on the white part of your eye. The doctors described it like a natural callus or a layer of scare tissue. It was formed as a layer of protection. Besides the bump, other common symptoms I cope with include eye redness, irritation and dry eye. Medications can relieve discomfort if needed. Surgery usually isn’t needed unless you don’t like the way your eyes look. So, after a doctors visit, I learned the importance of wearing good quality sunglasses whenever outdoors and no matter the length of exposure time. This motivated me to create, design and build my brand Lit Eyewear. Lit Eyewear sunglasses float on the water, made with sustainable bamboo wood and are all fitted with UV400 protection and polarization lens. UV400 means it has the technology to block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which means that almost 100% of the sun’s UV rays (both UVA and UVB) will be blocked from damaging your eyes. Also, having the technology of being polarized will reduce glare for the maximum results.

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

In business, everything is fast paced. When we make a purchase we want it now not tomorrow. So because my customers want what they bought from me in their hand, today not tomorrow, I simply had the same attitude toward my suppliers. I would purchase raw materials and expect them delivered to my warehouse next day with no delays or mistakes. Well, I learned this was a really bad attitude. I had one supplier of raw materials call me and say sorry they can’t do business with me anymore because they didn’t go into business to deal with such a fast pace and high stressed environment that I was creating, they said that they started their business because they want to enjoy life and enjoy work. I was shocked and humbled that they closed the doors on me despite the fact that I was making very large purchases from them. I then realized that I too did not start my business to be in a fast pace and high stressed environment. I simply was trying to make my loyal customers happy so that their purchase would be delivered quick. So, I saw a need to change. I immediately apologized to the supplier and told them I would change my mindset if they would continue business with me. I am happy to say that the supplier and I still work together to this day. I can now say that the fast pace and high stress mindset is behind me. I learned that when I make a purchase, no matter the amount, it will arrive when it arrives. If mistakes happen, then everyone has to wait until it gets corrected. It’s not IF a mistake will happen, it’s WHEN a mistake happens. Nobody is perfect so sometimes we have to practice patience.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth. When someone see’s Lit Eyewear wood frames they will ask about them. Also, when someone goes surfing with Lit Eyewear sunglasses on, others will ask if they float and where to purchase them. I don’t go surfing without them because I can’t imagine surfing without the protection. I love my eyes and I don’t want any more sun damage. So, taking the product to potential customers has been key.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://liteyewear.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lit_eyewear_wood_sunglasses/

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