Nancey Harris (left) and Tracy Vontélle Green {}

Vontélle, a Black women-owned eyewear company that launched in October 2020, recently announced a three-year licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to create a children’s eyewear line centered around Nickelodeon’s beloved characters.

« We will soon launch with SpongeBob, Rugrats, and BabyShark eyewear. We are the first African-American women-owned eyewear company to have such a deal, » company co-founder Nancey Harris told Finurah.

The company, co-founded by Harris and Tracy Vontélle Green, creates eyewear inspired by the African diaspora. « Vontélle was founded to satisfy the demand for better-fitting vibrant, luxury eyewear designed and handcrafted to pay homage to the African, Caribbean, and Latin diaspora, » says Green.

Wells Fargo Invests In GardHouse, A Charlotte Non-Profit Helping Minority Students Land Jobs

The company’s most popular design is the Rwanda Wayfarers, a rich and beautiful textile print that enhances any melanin tone. Harris adds that « the versatile rectangular silhouette adds a sophisticated, professional look. »

Launching during the coronavirus pandemic presented some challenges to the company. However, there were also some positive points. « Due to virtual meetings, eyewear has become a way to show one’s personality as your face is all that you see. Thus, there was an increase in eyewear sales, » notes Green.

Harris added, « Eyewear is meant to reflect your personality and compliment your wardrobe. Vontélle has a vast selection, and you can pick your own adventure from an array of vibrant, pattern enriched designs. »

She adds, « Whether looking for a subtle slay or a powerful pop, our glasses are the solution. Our eyewear brightens up any mood and wardrobe. »

The duo spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE last year, where they said of the eyewear industry, « Think about this: According to the Vision Council of America, one billion people worldwide need eyeglasses. In 2019, the global eyewear market brought in revenues over $139 billion and is estimated to grow to $259 billion by 2027. »

« Yet, there are less than a handful of Black eyewear manufacturers or designers. Considering 164 million American adults wear glasses and 218 million wear non-prescription sunglasses (to block sun rays), people need glasses as they are a medical necessity. We are getting into the industry at the right time with our handcrafted ethnic designs. »