GirlTalk! Interview with Shalandria McGlown
A Chat About Ambition, Eyewear, and How to Live Your Truth
Shalandria McGlown makes eyewear fun and exciting and she has a strong intent to succeed. Nothing’s stopping this girl from making a name for herself! Check out my GirlTalk! interview with business owner Shalandria McGlown below.
Shalandria McGlown: Hot Commodity Eyewear Interview
Shannon: Hi Shalandria, tell us about Hot Commodity Eyewear.
Shalandria: Thank you. Back in 2011, I realized fashion and eyewear were my love languages. Why not blend them together and make a living doing what I love?! We specialize in men’s eyewear, women’s eyewear, and coming soon, children’s eyewear. Still making my childhood dreams come true in the fashion industry. Excited and ambitious to share my vision in the eyes of others.
Shannon: How does Hot Commodity Eyewear stand out from the rest?
Shalandria: The categories are sunglasses and optical frames. Our customer seeks to be fashionable, vibrant, with visionary style, and a class act. Pushing the boundaries with style that is unapologetically authentic.
Shannon: What styles are hot right now?
McGlown: Our collection reflects this year’s sunglasses trends. It includes both old-school, large cat-eye sunnies as well as modern takes on them. American glamour is in an all-time full effect with eyewear trends. We’re currently seeing bigger, thicker, and bolder shapes really coming to the forefront of eyewear trends.
Shannon: What are your price points and how can we support you?
McGlown: Our price points mostly range from $45.00-$150.00. We are located online at www.hotcommodityeyewear.com. Our in-store location is 19222 W. McNichols Suite A, Detroit, MI. 48219.
Shannon: Congratulations on Miami Swim Week. How did it feel to have your designs on the runway in Miami?
Shalandria: It felt so good to live my truth. My childhood dream was to be a fashion designer. Just to see my collection on the runway and walk into my destiny felt unreal at one point. However, I’ve worked for 10 years to make that moment happen.
Shannon: What was your best takeaway from Miami Swim Week?
Shalandria: My overall takeaway was the designers and models. They had so much information and opportunities for me. It felt amazing to be around like-minded people.
Shannon: Thinking back, was there someone in your life that supported you and/or inspired you to start your business? Who was it and how did they support and encourage you?
Shalandria: My cousin Simia and I had the dream of having a shoe and sunglass line. We refocused and started Hot Commodity EyeWear by adding crystals to the glasses in 2009. However, she had new business goals and I continued the dream with full control of the brand in 2011. Starting a company alone isn’t easy. My friend Toni Porter became a business owner around the same time. We both had similar stories. When it comes to inspiration, it’s important to stay consistent. Toni is my go-to.
I am self-driven to make a high-profile name for my community. A legacy for my family. Lastly, I’m proud to present a quality eyewear collection as a woman of color in Detroit, Michigan.
Shannon: Thank you, Shalandria! And, thank you for being such a positive role model within the Michigan fashion community.
McGlown: No, thank you! Thank you for the opportunity to share my brand with more people.
To support Shalandria and Hot Commodity Eyewear, please follow her on Instagram @hceyewear and on Facebook at Hot Commodity Eyewear LLC. Guests can shop online at www.hotcommodityeyewear.com.
Product Photos – Hot Commodity Eyewear
