Penny Rose Optical stands out as a beacon of creativity, resilience, and authentic entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving world of eyewear. For those deeply entrenched in the eye care industry—optometrists, opticians, and independent eyewear designers—Penny Rose is more than just a brand; it’s a story of passion, community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Founded by Orlando Fernandez, Penny Rose Optical represents a unique blend of independent eyewear that captures the essence of Miami’s vibrant culture. In this blog, we delve into Penny Rose Optical’s inspiring journey, the challenges and triumphs of building an independent eyewear brand, and the powerful lessons that every eye care professional can learn from this remarkable story.

Orlando Fernandez, Founder and Owner of Penny Rose Optical

What’s Covered: The Birth of a Dream: From Little Havana to the WorldNavigating the Independent Eyewear LandscapeThe Power of Visualization and CommunityDesigning for Everyone: Inclusivity in Independent EyewearThe Art of Marketing: Building a Brand That ResonatesThe Penny Rose Optical Impact

The Birth of a Dream: From Little Havana to the World

Orlando Fernandez’s journey into independent eyewear began 15 years ago in the heart of Little Havana, Miami. Born and raised in a community rich in culture and history, Orlando’s path was anything but straightforward. His dream of creating Penny Rose Optical was a long-held vision, one that kept him awake at night and drove him to put in the legwork necessary to make it a reality.

“I’ve always been very involved in sports—football, jujitsu, wrestling—and that experience shaped my mental state to succeed in the eyewear business,” Orlando shares. This mental toughness, honed through years of athletic discipline, became the foundation upon which Penny Rose Optical was built.

The name "Penny Rose" itself is deeply personal. It is a tribute to Orlando's daughter, Penelope Rose, and reflects his commitment to creating a legacy that will endure for generations. "I have a real baby in real life, and then my eyewear company is my second baby. I'm here, you know, rocking both of my babies," Orlando proudly states.

Navigating the Independent Eyewear Landscape

The independent eyewear industry has seen significant changes over the years. As Dr. Darryl Glover, host of Defocus Media’s podcast, notes, “I’ve seen a lot of designers come and go. The game and the playing field have changed.” Orlando’s entry into this competitive market was not without its challenges. He recalls the difficulty of finding manufacturers in the United States and the determination it took to keep pushing forward.

“When I started my journey about six, seven years ago, there were only a handful of manufacturers that produced eyewear in the USA,” Orlando explains. Despite the challenges, he remained undeterred, driven by a belief that the time for independent eyewear had arrived. “If there’s an opportunity to get into eyewear, the time is now,” he emphasizes.

Orlando’s approach to building Penny Rose Optical was rooted in a deep understanding of his community and the market. He knew that success in independent eyewear required more than just great designs; it demanded a connection with the people who would wear his frames. This connection was forged through relentless effort, taking his prototypes to the streets, gathering feedback, and constantly refining his products based on real-world input.

The Power of Visualization and Community

One key element of Orlando’s success has been his ability to visualize his goals and break them down into actionable steps. “I always made a big goal, but I broke it down into five sections,” he explains. This systematic approach allowed him to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship with confidence.

Orlando’s commitment to the community is another cornerstone of Penny Rose Optical’s success. From the beginning, he involved his local community in developing his brand, gathering feedback from people in the streets of Miami and ensuring that his designs resonated with those who mattered most.

“At the end of the day, it took a village,” Orlando reflects. “It wasn’t all me. I had a lot of feedback, a lot of support from the community. And that was the first way of knowing if I had a winning frame or a losing frame.”

Designing for Everyone: Inclusivity in Independent Eyewear

One of Penny Rose Optical’s standout features is its commitment to inclusivity. Orlando has gone to great lengths to ensure that his frames cater to a diverse range of face shapes and sizes, particularly those often underrepresented in the eyewear industry.

"Working for these eyewear companies, I felt like there were a lot of people that weren't represented when it comes to face shapes and sizing," Orlando says. To address this, Penny Rose Optical will soon offer frames in multiple sizes, allowing customers to choose from small, medium, and large options, with customizable temple sizes as well. "We're going to try to make sure we target everyone in the market," Orlando affirms. This commitment to inclusivity is not just about accommodating different physical needs; it's about creating eyewear that truly reflects the diverse communities it serves.

The Art of Marketing: Building a Brand That Resonates

Marketing has played a crucial role in Penny Rose Optical’s success. Orlando’s approach to marketing is as innovative as his designs, blending online and offline strategies to create a powerful brand presence.

“We all get scared with social media and marketing, but as a creative, it’s very important to just publish your stuff,” Orlando advises. His willingness to put his work out there, despite the fear of criticism, has been instrumental in building a strong online following.

But it doesn’t stop there. Orlando took his marketing efforts offline in a big way by creating Penny Rose Optical’s flagship store—a tiny house on wheels located in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district. This unique setup saves on overhead costs and allows Orlando to bring his brand directly to the people, wherever they may be.

Penny Rose Optical Tiny Store

The tiny house is more than just a store; it symbolizes the innovative spirit that drives Penny Rose Optical. “We built a tiny house store on wheels with a hitch on the back, and I can roll around the city to post up and sell my brand,” Orlando explains. This creative solution has garnered attention and solidified Penny Rose Optical’s reputation as a brand that thinks outside the box.

The Penny Rose Optical Impact

Penny Rose Optical is not just a brand; it’s a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and community. For eye care professionals, independent eyewear designers, and opticians, Orlando Fernandez’s journey offers invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship, creativity, and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.

As Penny Rose Optical grows, it remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Whether you’re looking to bring Penny Rose frames into your practice or simply seeking inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey, one thing is clear: Penny Rose Optical is a name that will resonate for years.

To learn more about Penny Rose Optical and explore their unique designs, visit Penny Rose Optical and follow them on social media at @pennyroseoptical. Join the community, be part of the legacy, and experience the difference of truly independent eyewear.