Gleam Eyewear was created from a personal experience. I’ve worn glasses since I was eight years old, and for years I struggled to find frames that felt stylish, expressive, and empowering. Many glasses felt overly practical or generic. I wanted eyewear that felt like an extension of personal style while also telling a story. That idea became the foundation for Gleam.

Every frame in the collection is named after a trailblazing woman in history, from artists and musicians to activists and cultural icons. These women pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and inspired generations.

The Frida: Bold Cat-Eye Aviators Inspired by Frida Kahlo

During the CBS News Atlanta segment, I was wearing The Frida, one of Gleam’s most recognizable designs. The frame is inspired by legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, known for her bold self-expression, unapologetic individuality, and powerful influence on art and culture. Frida embraced her identity and celebrated the features that made her unique, becoming a global symbol of confidence and authenticity.

The Frida frame reflects that same fearless energy. The design features bold gold aviator blue light glasses with a cat-eye silhouette, blending vintage glamour with a modern statement shape. The combination of the aviator structure and the feminine cat-eye lift creates a look that feels powerful, expressive, and timeless. There is also a subtle design nod longtime Frida fans recognize. The bridge shape gently references her iconic unibrow, a signature feature she proudly embraced as part of her identity.

Another Gleam frame featured in the segment was The Simone, which is named after Simone de Beauvoir, the French philosopher, writer, and feminist thinker whose work reshaped conversations around gender, identity, and equality. Best known for her groundbreaking book The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir challenged traditional expectations placed on women and helped lay the foundation for modern feminist philosophy.

The design features a structured square cat-eye silhouette, creating a confident, modern shape that feels both sophisticated and expressive. The collection comes in three rich colorways: Teal, Red, and Champagne. Each frame includes tortoise accents, adding warmth and dimension while balancing the bold color palette.

At Gleam Eyewear, the goal has always been about more than just creating stylish frames. Each design is inspired by a woman who changed the world in her own way. From artists and activists to musicians and pioneers, these women represent courage, creativity, and resilience. For many Gleam customers, discovering the story behind their frame becomes part of the experience. A pair of glasses becomes more than an accessory. It becomes a reminder of a woman who challenged norms and inspired generations.

The International Women’s Day market featured on CBS News Atlanta brought together an incredible group of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Atlanta. Events like this highlight the importance of supporting women founders, local makers, and small businesses that contribute to the cultural and creative fabric of the city. Being part of this celebration alongside so many inspiring founders was an incredible moment for Gleam Eyewear and a reminder of the power of women supporting women.