Female Founders in Frames: Ericka of The Cloud Makers
Some of the most inspiring women we know aren’t just in history books. They’re building brands, launching ideas, and creating beautiful things right now.
That’s the inspiration behind Female Founders in Frames, a new Gleam series highlighting women entrepreneurs doing amazing things while wearing Gleam Eyewear. Each feature celebrates creativity, entrepreneurship, and the growing community of female founders building thoughtful brands.
We’re kicking off the series with Ericka, founder of The Cloud Makers, the brand behind the whimsical Dripping Rain Cloud, a patented plant watering accessory designed to mimic gentle rainfall and turn everyday plant care into something a little more magical.
Meet Ericka, Founder of The Cloud Makers
For Ericka, the idea for her business started during the quiet moments of the COVID lockdown.
“The Dripping Rain Cloud was born from a love of houseplants and a need for a bright spot in my day during Covid lockdowns,” Ericka says.
During one of her regular plant watering routines, she had a simple but clever idea: what if there were something that slowly trickled water onto plants instead of pouring it all at once? She had previously designed a small decorative cloud for her daughter’s bedroom, and inspiration struck.
“What I ended up with is not just a plant care tool but a whimsical piece that adds joy to your routine.”
The Dripping Rain Cloud slowly releases water like a gentle rain shower, helping plants absorb moisture more naturally while bringing a playful moment to everyday plant care.
Explore The Cloud Makers
The Frames: Future Is Female Sunglasses
In the photo featured in this series, Ericka is wearing Gleam’s Future Is Female sunglasses in black, part of a collection designed to celebrate confidence, creativity, and the power of women supporting women.
The Future Is Female collection features statement sunglasses engraved with an empowering message that reflects Gleam’s mission to celebrate trailblazing women and inspire the next generation of female leaders. For Ericka, the glasses quickly became a favorite.
“How many compliments I get on them,” she says. “That sounds vain, but as a basic jeans and T-shirt girl, my Gleam glasses are something that gets compliments more than just about anything else I wear.”
She laughs, adding that having something stylish that stands out makes her feel confident.
“Having that touch of style that stands out makes me feel good, and I love having something that is stylish and accessible.”
Shop the Future Is Female sunglasses
The Joy of Building a Brand
When asked what she likes most about entrepreneurship, she jokes “The long hours of course.” But what makes the work meaningful is seeing how her product has become part of people’s everyday lives.
“The thing that keeps me going is knowing that something I have made has become part of other people’s lives.”
Customers often reach out to tell her how the Dripping Rain Cloud helped them keep a plant alive for the first time, or simply added a small moment of joy to their day. For Ericka, those stories are what make building The Cloud Makers so rewarding.
Advice for Women Starting a Business
When asked what advice she would give other women considering starting a business, Ericka shared something her mother once told her.
“The same advice my mother gave me about starting a family: there is never going to be a right time, so just get started.”
She believes women often feel pressure to have everything perfectly planned before taking a leap.
“In truth, we are all so resourceful and ready to meet challenges,” she says. “If you have the desire to build something, go for it. Don’t stop yourself because things aren’t right yet.”
Why We’re Celebrating Female Founders
At Gleam Eyewear, every frame is inspired by a trailblazing woman in history. But the women building businesses today are just as inspiring.
Through the Female Founders in Frames series, we’re celebrating the creativity, courage, and determination of women entrepreneurs who are shaping their own paths.
And we’re just getting started. Stay tuned for more stories from inspiring women founders wearing Gleam. Because the future isn’t just female. It’s female founders in frames.
