If there’s one fashion accessory that shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s eyewear. Husband-and-wife team Alpa and Nik Shroff, founders of Brownie and Madam Optical Co., are making it a personal mission to provide runway-worthy sunglasses and prescription optical glasses in a selection of styles and hues. But, this isn’t any ordinary company. The Fremont–based couple—she’s a former optometrist and recipient of 2011 Young Optometrist of the Year Award, while he’s a Stanford MBA graduate—looked to two prominent pioneers in history for their business model: Brownie Wise who conceived the Tupperware Party, and Madam C.J. Walker regarded as America’s first female self-made millionaire.

Now, the Shroffs and their stable of stylists travel throughout the Bay Area making house calls with 18 optical and six sunglass styles in a variety of colored, acetate frames such as caramel, black, sangria, and olive. “Our vision was to create the first optical company that caters to busy, stylish women, along with a fun buying experience, and terrific prices,” says Nik, of the eyewear collection starting at $180. “We only design eyeglasses that are elegant and versatile, and we style each customer in-person or by appointment to make sure she looks and feels her best.”

By Jennie Nunn

 

Pictured: Alpa Shroff and Nik Shroff
Photo by Nisha Sakariya

Email This To A Friend