Meet Benni Harding

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Benni Harding a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Benni, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As a child, I faced severe health challenges from epilepsy to life-threatening allergies. Because of that, I often found myself alone while others went to sleepovers or amusement parks. At first, being the only one in the room made me feel sad. But over time, I got tired of feeling sorry for myself and decided to channel that energy into creativity. Being alone became my superpower. I could sing, dance, and express myself freely without fear of judgment. I didn’t care if I made mistakes because I was the only one in the room. Eventually, I outgrew my seizures, and my allergies became more manageable. I was finally able to join my peers at events but now, I brought something unique with me: a set of creative skills I had developed in solitude, from photography and audio recording to songwriting, skills that many kids my age hadn’t explored yet. Now, “being the only one in the room” holds a new meaning. It can still be scary to share my creativity in front of others, but I’ve learned to see the value in it. What once isolated me has become a source of strength and a reminder that sometimes, standing alone is where you discover who you truly are.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Benni Harding, the founder and creative force behind Lucky1020 Eyewear , an independent eyewear brand that’s all about bold self-expression, cultural depth, and timeless design. This year marks a major milestone—our 5-year anniversary and I couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come.
What started as a vision to create eyewear that tells a story has grown into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. I launched Lucky1020 The Brand because I saw a gap in the market; there wasn’t enough eyewear that celebrated individuality while honoring both fashion and function. Every pair we create is designed not just to be worn, but to be seen. To celebrate this incredible 5-year journey, I’m excited to announce the release of our new fashion capsule collection: Illustrious Luxury. It’s a bold, limited-edition line that blends avant-garde aesthetics with elevated streetwear. The collection includes exclusive eyewear designs, luxury apparel, and Merch, all crafted to make a statement.What’s most exciting to me is how the brand continues to evolve. Illustrious Luxury represents the intersection of art, identity, and innovation. It’s for those who lead with presence and aren’t afraid to stand out. And as we grow, I remain committed to creating pieces that spark confidence and conversation.

To everyone who’s supported Lucky1020 over the years—thank you.
This moment is as much yours as it is mine.
And for those just discovering us: Welcome to the VISION!
Continue to Create Your Own LUCK!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that have had the most impact are Patience, Resilience, and Gratitude.

Patience taught me to honor the process. In building a brand, especially one rooted in creativity and vision; nothing happens overnight. There were seasons of slow growth, waiting on suppliers, reworking designs, and learning through trial and error. Patience helped me stay grounded and focused, even when results weren’t immediate.

Resilience was essential for bouncing back from setbacks. There were challenges I never anticipated—delayed shipments, failed launches, financial hurdles. But resilience reminded me that failure isn’t final unless you stop. Every obstacle became a lesson, and each time I got back up, I was stronger and more strategic.

And Gratitude has been the fuel that keeps me inspired. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s next, but taking time to be thankful—for the wins and the lessons keeps your spirits up and your purpose very clear. Gratitude can shift your perspective from lack to abundance, and that energy is contagious!

Practice patience by setting long-term goals and giving yourself room to grow into them. Don’t rush the outcome, trust the process.

Build resilience by getting comfortable with failure. Keep a journal to document the lessons you learn and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.

Express gratitude daily. Celebrate the small wins, acknowledge your support system, and never lose sight of how far you’ve come—even if you’re not where you want to be yet.

The road isn’t always smooth, but with patience, resilience, and gratitude, it’s always worth it.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was pour belief, wisdom, and strength into me in their own unique ways.

My dad (Mr. Jimmy) always spoke life into my ideas; no dream was ever too big or too small. He believed in me more than anyone else and constantly reminded me that I had something special to offer. He introduced me to entrepreneurship, photography, and how to use my hands to create and earn. That early encouragement gave me the confidence to build something of my own.

My mom(AJ) is my voice of reason and resilience. She’s the one who tells me to keep going when things get hard and gives me honest advice, even when it’s not what I want to hear. Watching her lead in her career with strength and grace taught me how to manage people, handle pressure, and stay committed to my purpose no matter the challenges.

I was also blessed to have a bonus dad (CJ) who showed me the power of quiet leadership. He’s not a man of too many words, but his actions speak volumes. He’s taught me how to stay calm in chaos and how true leadership is often about composure, consistency, and showing up even when it’s hard.

Together, they gave me belief, honesty, and strength—the foundation to keep going today!

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than