Sophia and her co-founder Nathan started Pair in 2017 after meeting at Stanford and decided to take on the challenge of designing beautiful eyewear that’s also customisable for kids while also giving back to children around the world who are in need of vision care.

We’re covering her experience as a young twenty something woman jumping head first into entrepreneurship, validating her concept only after interviewing over 400 families, getting onto SharkTank and the impact it’s had on her business, and how they innovated during the pandemic in a major way.

At first glance, the concept seems almost too simple—creating stylish, interchangeable eyewear for children—but the execution is where the real genius lies. It’s surprising that this idea hasn’t surfaced sooner, especially considering the struggles families face when shopping for children’s glasses.

So, how did they get started? With a vision in mind and a mission to revolutionize the eyewear experience for kids, Nathan and his partner took the plunge into the complex world of sunglasses and prescription eyewear. Navigating through manufacturing challenges and high costs, they managed to produce their first batch with the help of angel investors they met while studying at Stanford. It was all about taking that first step and committing to the journey, even while balancing full-time job opportunities.

The road wasn’t easy. The eyewear industry comes with a myriad of challenges—dealing with the intricate processes involved in creating medical devices like glasses. The duo worked tirelessly to streamline production, dealing directly with manufacturers to keep costs down. This strategy allowed them to offer prescription glasses at an astonishingly low price of just $60, including lenses, compared to the $300 you might pay elsewhere.

After getting their prototypes ready, Nathan and his co-founder dedicated the first year to beta testing their product and online presence. They understood that finding their voice and honing their brand identity was crucial to their success. With feedback from over 400 families, they crafted a product that resonated with both kids and parents alike.

Fast forward a bit, and they successfully raised over $4.5 million in funding. With this support, they transitioned out of the beta stage and set their sights on rapid growth. But how did they find their customers? It was a two-pronged approach—appealing to both kids, who are the end users, and parents, who hold the purse strings. Their marketing strategy was all about balancing fun and functionality, targeting the decision-makers while ensuring the product was exciting for kids.

Grassroots efforts played a huge role in building their initial customer base. They reached out to schools and local doctor’s offices, aiming to get the word out directly to families. This hands-on approach paid off, leading to strong community support, especially from schools, which shared a similar goal of boosting kids’ confidence in wearing glasses.

A highlight of their journey was their appearance on Shark Tank, where they introduced Pair Eyewear to millions of viewers. This exposure opened new doors and helped them expand their brand recognition even further.

Building a supportive community has also been central to their success. Their exclusive Facebook group, the Pair Family, allows parents to share experiences, photos, and advice, creating a warm, welcoming environment. This online community has become a significant driver of new customers, as parents rave about their kids’ glasses.

One of the coolest aspects of Pair Eyewear is how they keep things fresh and exciting with limited edition drops. In just six months, they’ve launched two unique collections each month, with themes like tie-dye, Halloween, and even collaborations with popular franchises like Marvel and the NBA. Kids can express their favorite interests right through their eyewear, making it not just a functional item but a fashion statement as well.

Pair Eyewear is not just about providing glasses; it’s about creating a fun, bonding experience for families while ensuring kids feel confident in their unique style. It’s a perfect example of how innovation, passion, and community can lead to an impactful business that truly understands its customers. If you’re a parent looking for a fun and affordable way to help your child express themselves, Pair Eyewear is definitely worth checking out!