Wilson’s vision for Eyewear Love Affair was of a space dedicated to personalized, curated service—“an immersive eyewear experience centered around curiosity and wonder”.

The boutique exudes a maximalist vibe, celebrating the cultural influences that inspire Wilson.

“Your optical is fiercely unique and clearly a representation of you,” wrote 2024 “America’s Finest” contest judge Paige Kraemer of Cherry Optical Lab.

“Eyewear Love Affair transcends mere aesthetics, fostering profound connections and lasting memories within a dynamic live-work environment,” wrote “America’s Finest” contest judge Jenn Denham of Review Wave.

Central to Wilson’s brand is the curation of unique inventory, showcasing independent, handmade eyewear lines not widely available in the US.

A standout feature is the collection of eye-themed works by POC artists, capturing the attention of passersby and starting conversations.

Top frame lines include FOLC from Barcelona, JOW WAY from Tunisia, and Wilson’s own brand, GODXX EYEWEAR, designed by her and handcrafted in the US.

Clients pay a consultation fee of $30 that, as Wilson explains, “does not go towards the purchase, it goes towards my time. This fosters a personalized fitting and styling experience.”

Wilson attributes much of Eyewear Love Affair’s success to her social media-centric approach. She relies on Instagram for 70% of her referrals.

For Wilson, it’s a source of great pride that Eyewear Love Affair, the first Black queer-owned optical boutique in the Oakland area, provides a space where everyone feels welcomed and represented.