Elisa Johnson Just Created a $150 Stylish Sunglasses Brand

Believe it or not, there was a time when Elisa Johnson, gorgeous Instagram influence-her and the daughter of iconic former NBA player Magic Johnson, was self-conscious.

In high school, she had insecurities about how she looked, so to take attention from her face, she put on sunnies. It's not something she's ever shied away from talking about, particularly growing up in the limelight where people expect (or don't expect) much from the child of a legend. Luckily, Elisa proved the naysayers wrong with humility, an intentional career trajectory, and a keen focus on what consumers need.

All that to say: Deciding to start an eyewear brand was not on a whim. Elisa interned at Luxottica, an Italian luxury eyewear conglomerate in 10th grade, before going to the Fashion Institute of Technology. She also interned for NYC-based brand Coco & Breezy and consulted a ton of friends in fashion before launching her namesake brand.

Now, her obsession with the intricate details of how accessories are put together is channeled through Elisa Johnson eyewear, her long-time-coming collection that debuted with five styles in three different colorways — all $150 or less.

We chatted with the businesswoman about how she started the brand, what makes it unique, and advice for young people who are struggling with their sense of style.

Teen Vogue: How'd you decide on the shapes and the style?

Elisa Johnson: I definitely wanted to make sure that I hit all the marks and I wanted to make sure that there was a style for everybody. I understand people have different bases. Sunglasses are a very personal relationship. So I wanted to make sure there were all of the sizes from the oval to cat-eye to square. And I wanted to make sure that I had a range. Because like I said, everyone has a different face shape.

TV: Was making it affordable important to you?

Elisa: Definitely, I've found that when I was looking at sunglasses, I was seeing a lot of prices that I felt were a little bit overpriced. And so I wanted to make sure that my product looked luxe, but was still accessible to all. And me being 26 years old and the rest of the world being... like the people who are following me are the same age normally. And no one really wants to spend $300 or $400 on a pair of glasses that you could lose in five seconds. So it's like, I don't know, I felt it was important that I made sure that people hopefully, could afford the glasses.

TV: Why did you go with sunglasses instead of another accessory?

Elisa: For me, I started loving sunglasses at a very young age because in high school, I said this before, but in high school, I had some insecurities with certain facial features. And I felt that whenever I put a sunglass on or a unique pair, it just completely made me feel like a whole new girl. And it definitely enhanced my confidence. And I feel sunglasses just do that. They elevate your look, and they elevate your confidence. So definitely, that's the beginning of my sunglass journey was when I was in high school. And then as I got older, I thought that it would be cool to have my own line because I felt a lot of people on my Instagram liked my sunglasses. And so I was like, "What if I had my own line?" And I thought that would be cool. And accessories just feel like they're the most fun.

TV: When it comes to the design process, did you sketch out something? How did you work with manufacturers?

Elisa: Yeah. Luckily my friend owns the brand Roberi & Fraud. We became really close and he became my mentor. So he let me in on his manufacturer and then, I also know how to draw. I've always known how to draw. So I started sketching and then I would send it to the manufacturer and then she would create the computer version, but that's basically how it started. Then I get the samples. And I just keep tweaking. There's an art and there's also math to it. And so people don't understand when you see the sketches, there are all these numbers. And so it's very detailed, how many millimeters from your eye to your nose. So it's a pretty detailed process, but I love it.

TV: Do you have a plan in place for how often your release launch, or release sunglasses, or is it just seeing how this goes first?

Elisa: For sure this is about testing the waters, see how people react to my line. And then from there, I mean, obviously I want a brand that has longevity, but definitely, this is about seeing what people love and then basing it off of that.

TV: Would you want to expand the line at all into shoes or purses or anything else?

Elisa: I do have so many other creative ideas. And I would actually, I think I will like to stick in the accessories field and maybe venture into bags. So there's a lot of options. I feel like I have a lot going on in my brain. Probably, definitely accessories will be my thing for a very long time.

TV: Any advice to girls or people in general, just trying to figure out their own sense of style advice?

Elisa: For me, I've always said that I was an overthinker and it's held me back in some ways because I don't get an opportunity to look at what's in front of me and see how far I've come. So I think, to try not to overthink and to compare yourself to others is would be advice I would give. Just focus on what you've got going on and what's in front of you.

Interview conducted by Tahirah Hairston.

Portions of this interview have been edited and condensed for publication.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue