Coco and Breezy wears Nicole Zizi Studio on NBC News: [KNOW YOUR VALUE] segment

“Twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson were bullied as kids growing up in Minnesota, where there weren’t many other women of color. It was during those tough times, however, when they discovered their love for sunglasses, which offered a sense of protection. When they put on their glasses, they felt like they became their alter egos — Coco and Breezy — fearless young women who could conquer the world.

In a sense, the co-founders of Coco and Breezy Eyewear did just that. “We made a negative into a positive,” Breezy told Know Your Value, explaining that she and her sister always had an eclectic style, which they channeled into their fashion by embellishing DIY frames and bedazzling them. “We literally quit our jobs, sold our car, moved to New York with less than $1,000 and started our company.”

Founded in 2009, Coco & Breezy Eyewear started with humble beginnings, yet the glasses quickly caught the attention of iconic artists. In the early days, the Dotson sisters — who were only 19 years old at the time — made glasses in their small Bushwick apartment on an air mattress. Those glasses were eventually worn by Lady Gaga. And within three months, their glasses adorned the faces of Kelly Osbourne, Ashanti, Nicki Minaj and Prince. “Collaborating with a legend like Prince had a huge impact on our company,” Coco said. He asked for glasses with three lenses, and they sketched multiple ideas to turn his vision into a reality. “My dream was always to design glasses for an iconic artist,” Breezy said.

When twins Coco and Breezy first moved to New York City, they had less than $1,000 in their pockets”

Full article at knowyourvalue.com