Baton Rouge man creates business selling special solar eclipse glasses

Andrew Epperson
·2 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A Baton Rouge man had an idea more than six years ago to create a part-time business selling solar eclipse glasses. Ahead of next month’s eclipse, he is living out the dream he had in 2017.

Jonathan Jee works as an accounting controller for a Baton Rouge engineering company. When he gets home from work, he immediately begins filling orders for his second gig: Cajun Eclipse Glasses. The one-man company sells special eclipse glasses designed for viewing the rare event that will happen on April 8.

“This is just what I do on the side, I guess,” Jee said.

Jee said his excitement for 2017’s eclipse led him to research glasses, and he found many were too expensive or inaccessible. He said he decided to make it easier for others in Louisiana to enjoy the eclipse despite the fact he’d have to wait for more than half a decade.

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“I said in 2017, I’m going to buy some glasses the next time we have a solar eclipse,'” Jee said. “And that’s what I did.”

Jee bought the glasses in bulk about a year ago, and he sells them through his website. He said he has filled more than 2000 orders since first getting everything online. He said he utilized artificial intelligence to name the company and help devise a business plan.

“Once this is over, my wife will be glad that it’s all done, it’s just going to retire,” Jee said. “I’ll probably give away the rest of the glasses because most likely people won’t be interested.”

BRProud Chief Meteorologist Sam Parish said Louisiana will experience 80-90% totality, meaning people will need to venture to other states to see the full blackening out of the sun.

“We’re going to see the dimming of the sunlight,” Parish said. “You’ll notice that the outside will look somewhat different. If you miss this one, don’t worry Baton Rouge will have an eclipse in May of 2078.”

Parish said those who take a trip to somewhere within the path of totality will be in for an incredible experience, one he said he will never forget.

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“It’s actually kind of a spiritual experience,” Parish said.

Parish said the next eclipse that will go over Baton Rouge will happen in 2078, and Jee said he considers Cajun Eclipse Glasses to be a one-time thing. Louisianans will have to make other plans when they look for glasses 54 years from now.

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