An Affair to Remember

Eyewear Love Affair, Emeryville, CA

OWNER: Autianna Wilson; URL: eyewearloveaffair.com; INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/eyewear.loveaffair; FOUNDED: 2021; Opened featured location: 2021; AREA: : 450 sq. ft.; TOP BRANDS: Folc, Kuboraum, La Vida

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BY THE TIME THE pandemic hit four years ago, Autianna Wilson had spent a decade in various settings within the optical industry, from corporate optometry to private practices to independent optical boutiques. Recognizing an opportunity as video-calling became widely adopted and users sought help looking and feeling their best online, Wilson began offering virtual eyewear fittings, “fueled by nothing but a dream, hope, and passion for optics.”

She quickly established a reputation as a stylist who could deliver a memorable eyewear experience to people without them having to leave home. As restrictions eased, she transitioned to in-person fittings, steadily building a loyal customer base until she decided the time was right to open Eyewear Love Affair in Emeryville, a vibrant Bay Area community tucked between Oakland and Berkeley, in 2021. Looking back on this remarkable progress, she told INVISION, “Now, nearly four years later, I stand as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the face of uncertainty.” Our America’s Finest judges certainly agreed, praising Eyewear Love Affair’s fierce independence and its dedication to the tailored experience.

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. Unlike traditional optical stores, which often prioritize quick sales over the deeper significance of selecting eyewear, I aimed to slow down the process. Recognizing glasses as not just a facial accessory with functionality but a personal investment and expression of individuality.”

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The boutique exudes what Wilson rightly describes as a “maximalist” vibe, celebrating her key cultural influences. A standout feature is the collection of eye-themed works by POC artists, capturing the attention of passersby and starting conversations. The art collection also serves as a reminder that for Wilson, opticianry is “about bridging the worlds of art, fashion, and creativity… There’s a profound creativity in finding the perfect pair of glasses that not only enhances one’s features but also sparks joy.”

The space is intentionally not designed for customers to freely roam. Instead, 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.” The layout of the appointment-only boutique positions customers facing outward, bathed in the natural light streaming through the windows. “This unique arrangement not only enhances the fitting experience but also fosters trust and rapport. Customers find themselves immersed in conversation, sharing personal insights as they gaze out onto the street,” says Wilson. “Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I meticulously curate a diverse array of frames tailored to each individual’s preferences.”

Central to her brand is the curation of unique inventory, showcasing independent, handmade eyewear lines not widely available in the US, pieces “that are unexpected and come alive when worn.”

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.

Wilson emphasizes the concept of building eyewear wardrobes, encouraging customers to view glasses as accessories rather than just medical devices. This focus has resulted in an average purchase of two to three pairs per visit. A small, local lab, BADASS LAB in Richmond, has been a trusted partner since day one.

“Every order has met my high standards of quality and precision,” she says.

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Wilson positions herself squarely as the face of her own brand, relying heavily on social media to project a sense of authenticity and deep connection with her audience. “Whether it’s introducing new eyewear brands or showing how I guide my customers through fittings, my marketing revolves around showcasing my work and myself.” Unsurprisingly, therefore, video content is central to her marketing efforts, and Wilson attributes much of Eyewear Love Affair’s success to her social media-centric approach. She relies on Instagram for 70% of her referrals and marketing efforts, using visual storytelling to connect with potential customers and drive engagement. The many brief, but artfully-made, videos of Wilson’s clients excitedly trying on a new frame — and a new look — are genuinely joyful. The website is set apart by an emphasis on the in-store/virtual or at-home try-on experience. “I strategically showcase only 40% of my inventory online, leaving the rest as a delightful surprise for those who choose to book a virtual or in-person fitting,” says Wilson, who also curates the influential @opticalgoddess_ Instagram account, which is closing in on 25,000 followers.

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 — not to mention an appointment-only boutique experience in an area that has not enjoyed such a service until now.

This, she says, is why the business is thriving: “It’s needed and wanted and I’ve brought it to Oakland with such a unique touch!”

Five Cool Things About Eyewear Love Affair

1. PIONEER. ELA is the first Black queer-owned optical boutique in the Bay Area.

2. CHANGE IT UP. Wilson specializes in eyewear wardrobes; clients rarely buy just one pair. Some leave with four or five.

3. JUST A DROP. Clients get their choice of water, tea, or wine during fittings. “Some even get a mini charcuterie pairing.”

4. PERSONAL PICK. Wilson’s favorite piece of art in the boutique is “Outside on a Monday” by Jiggy Korean, featuring a Black man with gold teeth and colorful round glasses.

5. IN DEMAND. Wilson’s eyewear line, Godxx Eyewear, sold out completely within two days of its launch in November 2023.

PHOTO GALLERY (9 IMAGES)