Meet Shomari Sealy | Sunglasses Designer & Architectural Designer

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

Hi Shomari, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am an architectural designer by trade but over the last few years I have, for my own enjoyment, designed a few products I could both use and wear, a leather backpack, and sunglasses. With the thought to never live life with “what if” I decided to start CIK Eyewear. In 2021 I was accepted into Launch1000, a demanding entrepreneurial program. I learned skills that taught me how a market works, how a business owner thinks, what sells, to whom, where, and at what price. I am still learning.
I also want to share not only my sense of style and quality but having distinguished CIK Eyewear as a reputable brand.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a Caribbean native it is often common to express our pride through some form of fashion, likely clothing, jewelry and in this case eyewear. Islands like Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica etc. are unique in the ways in which they express their culture. Distinctions in flags, colors and other cultural references allow for unique differences from all backgrounds. These Distinctions are made clear through the CIK Brand and allows me to share a sense of style and quality with everyone. I started with America as my first design, integrating the flag and the american eagle beak into the design. My Barbados design displays the colors and the trident of the flag.

Starting CIK was a big risk largely because, while I can design, I needed to learn how to run a business. The money and credibility on the line mine.

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?
The two things I go for is food and outdoors. Living in Queens NYC for the past two years I have favorized Forest Park. A nicely sized park with with trails, dog parks, biking and run paths and more but its a park that makes you feel like you’re no longer in NYC. Another park I favor is Brooklyn Bridge Park. It gives you a beautiful view of Downtown Manhattan but there is a lot of area that make you feel secluded from NYC by be quiet and not really crowded.
To eat my favorite ramen place is actually outside the city in Hartsdale called Kishuya Ramen Noodle Bar. Perfect opportunity for a bit of a drive and explore outside the city.
One more place is the city i love which would be great for dessert is Spot Dessert Bar in Flushing Queens.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would give a lot of credit to my mentor Arnie. I meet him through Score.org. He has been supportive and pushing over the past few years and has helped me gain the knowledge I know now about starting a business.

Website: www.cikeyewear.com

Instagram: @c.i.keyewear

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

Image Credits
Credit to all my friends and family in the photos and also Fazon Gray.