Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Brown.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tony. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I envisioned a unique eyewear design back in the early 90’s. Ok, to be perfectly honest, I saw my first the design in a dream. While still in college I patented the idea in1999. As a recent college graduate with no money I lack funding to manufacture my frames and shelved the idea for more than 20 years. However, in the early part of 2019, I had somewhat of an awakening and made the decision to pursue my dream of designing and producing my eyewear designs. So, in March of 2019, I attended the Vision Expo in New York to kick-off my adventure in being a designer in the eyewear industry. I had originally attended the Vision Expo in 1998 to meet and discuss with a Japanese manufacturer the possibility of making my design.
Attending Vision Expo East in NY benefitted me tremendously because I was able to network with designers, opticians, and industry professionals. I also came across a manufacturer from Korea whom later would be the manufacturer of my current eyewear designs.
The original launch date for my eyewear line was scheduled for December of 2019 was. However, due to the complexity of the design and other factors manufacturing was delayed. As a result, I launched in March of 2020 in the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Tony Brown Collection was the name that a colleague of mine who also owns an eyewear company in Miami suggested I should name my eyewear company…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not really, but without some friction nothing would move. Initially, there were concerns with start-up capital. But for me having good credit was key to overcoming that obstacle and securing a loan. In addition, trying to market a product and sale in a Pandemic has probably the biggest obstacle. But the pandemic is affecting everyone so its kind of levels the playing field a bit. Lastly, branding and exposure is important in the eyewear industry. Unfortunately, basically all eyewear design competitions and expos which helps with recognition and exposure have all been canceled due to Covid-19.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
I have a degree in Civil Engineering from Florida International University. I’m also an aspiring Actor and member of SAG-AFTRA. Design and Entertainment would probably be two words to sum up my eyewear style.
My Collection is not conventional, but an innovation in eyewear with a wide variety of futuristic designs and a palette of colors with unique design elements. The frames are made from high-quality titanium which makes them light but extremely durable. Titanium is also hypoallergenic.
I am proud that the company is an independent brand. Our design attracts a lot of attention when in public spaces. Unlike most eyewear companies, I am the owner and the designer.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have pursued the dream of eyewear designing sooner even when I saw no way of doing so. Just leap and grow my wings on the way down. But I understand that timing is everything and It’s not what you do, or how, but it’s the when that is most important.
Pricing:
- Solar model – $350.00
- Dream model – $350.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tonybrowncollection.com
- Phone: WhatsApp: Tony Brown Collection LLC
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: tonybrowncollection
- Facebook: Tony Brown Collection
- Twitter: tonybrowncollection@TBCEyewear
Image Credit:
Photographer – George Schiavone
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