Nancey Harris and Tracy Vontélle Green founded Vontélle in 2019 and have set a new standard for stylish eyewear. The brand, recently highlighted on The Kelly Clarkson Show, has a product line that is among the most stylish available in today’s marketplace, yet each item brilliantly represents the combined heritages of the founders in one form or another. We spoke with Harris about Vontélle’s origin, the company’s past and future.
The name Vontélle is so beautiful and distinguishable from other brands. Share with us the meaning.
Vontélle, translated from French, means “there she goes,” or “to go.” Vontélle is the middle name of Tracy, co-founder of the business.
How do you differentiate your frames from those of your competitors?
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.
These designs are tailored to empower humanity to see the world through a cultural and global lens. We offer optical frames and sunglasses in sizes that complement diverse faces. Vontélle offers wider bridges for the nose, longer temples for behind the ears and larger lenses for high cheekbones to fit comfortably on individuals who require these attributes.
African culture plays a major part in your choice of patterns and designs. Why is it so important that you pay homage in this way?
It is important to both of us that they represent our respective heritages. Although I was born in America, my parents are from Jamaica by way of Africa. Tracy is also American; her father is Puerto Rican and mother has Cuban origins. The tapestry of these cultures is vibrant, colorful, and rooted in rich tradition. Therefore, we as founders brought this to the forefront of our business.
How do you test your ideas with the market before rolling products out?
The aesthetics of each design is influenced and inspired by the world around the founders. Most recently, Vontélle partnered with Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., to create a limited-edition collection to commemorate their centennial year. The team worked with the sorority to design eyewear that is reflective of their vision, values, and sisterhood.
Additionally, we wanted to see more color and pattern in our eyewear selection. If you walk into any optical shop, most of the glasses look the same and are much smaller in size.
Collectively, as a team we research patterns and often have our graphic artist create new patterns that complement the shapes of the glasses selected. As for the sizing, we are constantly testing and taking measurements to insure we are accommodating our diverse consumer base.
What was the most difficult part in launching an eyewear brand?
Starting and running a Black women-owned business comes with challenges and eyewear is primarily a European-male dominated industry. Collaborations are key and essential to any business. When we decided to start this business, we traveled to Paris for an Eyewear Expo, which featured all the brands in the marketplace. Tracy and I immediately stood out. Truth set in as we realized, there were only a handful of African Americans present. Had we not met the right manufacturer during our trip, we would not have an eyewear collection today. We interviewed many designers and manufacturers, and they either did not believe in us, could not understand our vision and/or did not want to work with two young black women. Several thought we didn’t understand the business and began price gouging. However, we did our homework and had done our own competitive analysis and product comparisons. We were able to narrow our list from ten to three. Eventually, we found the right partner who saw our vision and wanted to work with us at a fair price.
Do you feel people underestimate the way frames can add to one’s overall look?
Eyewear is not only an extension of your wardrobe, but a medical necessity. Vontélle understands that eyewear is essential and realizes the importance of durability, quality and customers should feel like it’s money well-spent. We took a normal everyday essential and transformed it into a stylish and more comfortable fit for people with diverse features.
Vontélle has a vast selection, and you can pick your own adventure from an array of vibrant, pattern enriched designs. Whether looking for a subtle slay or a powerful pop, our glasses are the solution. Our eyewear brightens up any mood and wardrobe.
Out of all the frames you currently have available, which design is your favorite?
Honestly, it’s hard to select just one frame, as they all mean something different to both Tracy and me. On any given day, you will spot us wearing a different design daily. We love to rotate, since we have over 40 adult designs and 13 children from our Nickelodeon collection. However, we have several top sellers that are in popular demand. Rwanda Wayfarers, which is a rich and beautiful textile print that truly enhances any melanin tone, and the versatile rectangular silhouette adds a sophisticated, professional look. This was also our first pair of glasses we designed.
Acacia Aviators are a timeless cool in a sophisticated tortoise pattern loved by both men and women.
The Rectangular Rands, in black, yellow and red, which are unisex, sleek, thin frames that accentuate the brow line for a bold yet subtle look. The black is for those more conservative customers. Our sunny yellow will add a ray of sunshine in any season, and the red pops on every face.
The Red Kente, a stunning and highly recognized pattern worn by royalty in Africa and today the wearing of Kente cloth has become widespread to commemorate special occasions globally. You will turn heads with this beautiful pattern on top, complimented by a splash of red on the bottom and temple.
What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs looking to bring a product to market?
The first steps we recommend is to ask questions. Ask everyone how did you do that? Where should I go to get this? Do not be afraid to ask. The internet is your best friend. You can find a great deal of information using search engines. Moreover, do not take “no” or “I do not know” for an answer. If you want or need information, keep asking. Do your research and get the knowledge and answers you seek. Lastly, ensure you have a business plan, review the numbers – actual potential ROI (return on investment) and reach out to other start up business owners. There is the fun part of the business, which is probably what drew you there, and there’s the necessary business needs (taxes, sales tax, website management, content, inventory, meeting timelines, etc.).
Be’n Original
