Meet James Merrill: Founder & CEO of Opolis.

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Merrill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I spent the last decade living and working in every corner of the world as a contractor for The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other international NGOs. From Asia to the Middle East and all across Africa, I helped to build and expand programs that addressed gender and economic inequality, agricultural value chains, climate change, biodiversity protection policies, and violent extremism. All of this allowed me to see the magnificent beauty of the world first hand; the sights, the people, the cultures. However, the images of violence, poverty, pollution and abandonment I saw have stayed with me too. That’s what Opolis is born out of. The beauty and despair I experienced around the world which inspired me to create a brand with a soul; a company that’s able to uplift and benefit the communities (and the unsung heroes) I met along the way; a lifestyle that would take my love for travel, culture, photography, the environment and adventure, and use it to have a positive impact. While managing so many different projects all around the world ,the one common denominator that each country had in common was the plastic pandemic. I told myself, if I ever left the contracting world I would do something about this crisis on my own terms. So ten years later I left my old life behind and to Opolis, a sunglasses brand on a mission to help those in need, while shedding light on the beauty and afflictions both people and the planet endure everyday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To expand on what has already has been provided about my previous life, taking risks is what I have been doing my whole life. What changed my life, professionally, was agreeing to go to Bangladesh to support a multi-Million dollar agriculture value chain project for 6 months and supporting that project for 2 years. By putting myself in difficult environments and contributing to change gave me a natural high and I excelled. From Bangladesh I spent 4 years in Pakistan, then traveled to South East Asia, then all over South Asia and then to Africa. What made me good at what I did was my ability to connect with people on a human level. I showed the people and places respect and when asked support, I supported them. To exceed I failed all the time, learning from the mistakes and moving on. My brand and its story is to highlight horrible circumstances that plastic pollution is putting people all over the world in. By introducing a sustainable premium eyewear we hope to change the industry standard for making sunglasses and hopefully other durable plastic goods.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Given that I am outdoor enthusiast and surfer my recommendations revolve around the beach and mountains. 1. Venice Beach – Check out the awesome sights and sounds of the board walk, the Lords of Dog Town inspired skate park, local surf breaks at the pier and breakwater, and the incredible sunsets. 2. Favorite Breakfast spot is Great White. Highly recommend the breakfast burrito. 2. Shopping – Head to Abbot Kinney for boutique beach inspired shops. The street also has amazing places to grab great coffee at Blue Bottle, Toms, and Intelligencia. 3. Favorite bike route starts in Marina del Rey and ends past Santa Monica 4. Favorite places to eat; (1) Rose Cafe. (2) Butchers Daughter (3) 5. Farmer markets to check out (1) Marina del Rey, (2) Venice and (3) Santa Monica 6. Great place to chill and work out of; (1) Deus Ex Machina, (2) Toms (3) Rose Cafe (4) Bodega Wine Bar 7. Hike at Runyan Canyon in the Hollywood Hills 8. Check out the botanical gardens 9. Check out Griffith Observatory Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely would like to give my family and friends a huge shout out for all their unwavering support and believing in me. Also, my girl friend, whom has been my rock through this very exciting and scary process. In addition, two books that made a huge impact on me; (1) Let my people go surfing – Yvon Chouinard and (2) Conscious Capitalism – John Mackey & Raj Sisoda

Website: www.opolisoptics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opolis_optics/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/66923778/admin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Opolis4

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Opolisoptics