A Conversation with Paradis Winslet, Founder of Paradis Winslet NY

Today, we're speaking with Paradis Winslet, founder of Paradis Winslet NY, a limited edition eyewear brand that seamlessly blends artistry with purpose. As a Rwandan artist, poet, fashion model, and designer with nearly two decades of industry experience, Paradis has built a brand that transforms eyewear into a statement of inclusive luxury and meaningful impact.

Thanks for sitting down with us Paradis. Let's start with this; what inspired you to start Paradis Winslet NY?

Paradis: The inspiration came from a deeply personal place - my mother's story. My mother is blind, but growing up, I never really saw it as a problem because she never made it one. Then one day, I had a profound dream where I experienced complete blindness. It felt absolutely real, with all the emotions and fears that come with losing one's sight. When I woke up, those emotions stayed with me for a month, and I began to truly understand my mother's experience for the first time. That dream became the catalyst for creating a brand that would not only produce beautiful eyewear but also give back to blind and deaf associations, particularly in Rwanda, where access to eye care can be prohibitively expensive.

What makes Paradis Winslet products different from other eyewear brands?

Paradis: Our approach to eyewear goes beyond fashion. Every pair comes with protective lenses as a standard feature, not an expensive add-on. They protect from harsh lights, blue light from devices, and can even help with sleep hygiene if worn before bed. We're creating classic, thoughtfully designed pieces rather than chasing trends. When we showcased our samples to major retailers like Saks and Bloomingdale's, they suggested we could price our products higher, but that goes against our philosophy. We believe in making high-quality products accessible without being greedy - you can make a profit while still being fair to your customers.

Your brand seems deeply rooted in purpose and philanthropy. Can you tell us about that?

Paradis: Being from Rwanda and having witnessed the challenges of accessing eye care, I wanted to create a brand that genuinely adds value to people's lives. We're not just selling eyewear; we're creating products that protect and enhance people's daily experiences while supporting those with vision impairments. Every design decision, from the protective lenses to the pricing strategy, reflects our commitment to making a real difference in people's lives.

How has your background influenced your approach to design and business?

Paradis: As someone who's worked in the fashion industry for nearly two decades and traveled extensively, I've developed what I call a "citizen of the world" perspective. This global outlook, combined with my experience as a fashion model, has given me deep insights into fashion, trends, styling, and culture. But most importantly, my journey has taught me the power of celebrating individual beauty and embracing differences. Our brand goes beyond mere aesthetics - it's a platform for empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities and styles.

What's next for Paradis Winslet NY?

Paradis: While we currently have three styles on our website and are excited to be launching a fourth soon, our vision extends far beyond eyewear. We're working towards becoming a full house brand, though I'll keep the details under wraps for now. We're also focusing on collaborations with other brands and creatives to expand our reach and impact. The goal is to continue creating products that embody both luxury and sustainability, ensuring that our customers never have to compromise.

What principles guide your business decisions?

Paradis: Everything we do is guided by our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment. We believe fashion should be accessible to all without compromising comfort or financial wellbeing. This philosophy influences everything from our design process to our pricing strategy. We're building a brand that champions both luxury and sustainability, proving that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. This isn't just about creating beautiful products - it's about transforming the industry through art, fashion, and philanthropy.

You can explore Paradis Winslet NY's collection of limited edition eyewear at paradiswinslet.com, where each piece is handcrafted in Italy with purpose and vision.