Today we’d like to introduce you to Chase Fisher.
Chase, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started the brand while I was living in San Diego, attending school at SDSU. I was working as a surf coach to support myself when I noticed a huge gap in the sunglasses market. It was either the really cool but expensive Ray-Bans, or the cheap, gas-station beater shades. Options were very limited, and I couldn’t afford the ones I actually liked. That’s when I decided to create a brand that offers it all–quality, style and affordability.
I didn’t have any experience or a business plan in place, but I did have confidence that I’d figure it out as I went. I was never great at school but I’ve always been really good with people and at networking. In my younger days, I used to surf competitively. I didn’t win very often, which meant I spent more time on the beach than I did in the water. Looking back, I realize that’s when I was laying the foundation to build a brand, studying how contest sponsors worked with athletes. Today, sponsoring athletes is a big part of our marketing and I learned how to work with high-achieving athletes when I was really young. We have an incredible team of employees and just partnered with one of the biggest players in the sunglasses market. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Certainly not. This has been harder than hard. For starters, I borrowed $2,000 from my roommate to get off the ground. He was a longtime friend and trusted that I’d pay him back. I’m not sure now if I was arrogant or overly confident, but I thought I’d sell out at the San Diego Entrepreneur Fair. I only sold ten pairs and ran out of cash on our first day. That took the wind out of my sails, but I kept at it and was able to pay my roommate back within six months, and with 25% interest.
Some of the best advice I’ve received came at a time I almost quit. Someone said, “The only way you’re going to fail is if you stop.” I’ve run with that all the way until today. Not just in business, but life too. Growth has been exponential. We struggled hard to sell a thousand pairs in our first year. This year, I believe we’ll sell 1.5 million pairs. I’m still struggling every day. We have worked really hard to get where we are, but still have a long way to the top.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Blenders Eyewear story. Tell us more about the business.
The Blender’s mission is to deliver the world’s most radical eyewear that inspires people to live life in forward motion. We specialize in bold, affordable and quality sunglasses and snow goggles, for outdoor adventure seekers. Our success is a testament to our team and the community we get to work with. We are fortunate to be based in San Diego and work with world-class athletes and influential people. We’re grateful to live in a beautiful melting pot of talented young people where ambition runs wild.
However, what I’m most proud of is the culture we have created at Blenders Eyewear. I believe that’s what sets us apart from other eyewear brands. We’re committed to delivering affordable, relatable products while building a thriving and positive community that puts people and passion in the center of everything we do. California, and specifically San Diego, will always be our greatest source of inspiration.
As a team, we like to have fun both inside and outside the office. We plan themed “feel good Fridays” and quarterly company outings, like doing a beach cleanup or going to the Padres game. We love to hire people who are young and ambitious. Every person plays a key part in the company’s growth and even if you’re just out of school, there’s a lot of opportunities to grow and do amazing things.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I was always moving! I grew up playing soccer and a lot of basketball, but Sophomore year I got cut from the team. I was pissed, but then resorted all my time to surfing and started competing a lot. I was very curious kid… I didn’t cause trouble but I struggled in school because I have dyslexia. I was much happier outside where I could move. I really wanted to be a weatherman and storm chaser, so in elementary school and middle school, I gave the weather report every day, which still makes me laugh. I loved birds and would feed them every day. I went through a handful of funny phases as a kid!
Pricing:
- Sunglasses $38-$68
- Snow goggles $95
Contact Info:
- Address: 4683 Cass Street, San Diego CA 92109
- Website: https://www.blenderseyewear.com/
- Phone: (858) 999-8023
- Email: mermaids@blenderseyewear.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blenderseyewear/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlendersEyewear/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlendersEyewear/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blenders-eyewear-san-diego-5
Image Credit:
1. Blenders Eyewear + Katy Schlemmer
2. Jared Spieker + Cam FitzPatrick
3. Ashley Kidd + Zac Zlatic
4. Katy Schlemmer + Peterson
5. Cam FitzPatrick + Jared Spieker
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