An Inspired Chat with Lauren Ivey of NoMa

Lauren Ivey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding and getting focused. I wake up, say a quick prayer to start on a grateful note, then head straight to the kitchen for coffee because—priorities! From there, it’s usually emails, checking in on overnight orders, and either jumping into packing or planning content for the day in Planoly. It’s a mix of CEO and creative mode before the world fully wakes up.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Lo, the founder of Framed by Lo—an affordable luxury sunglasses brand built for the everyday millennial who wants to feel bold, stylish, and seen. I started the brand in 2021 with a vision to make high-quality, statement eyewear accessible without the luxury price tag. Our frames are unisex, versatile, and made for moments—from brunches and vacations to day parties and just running errands with a little extra confidence.

What makes Framed by Lo special is that it’s more than just sunglasses—it’s about helping people step into their main character energy. Every pair is designed to turn heads and elevate your everyday look. We’re a Black woman-owned brand based in D.C., and everything from our frame names to our content is rooted in culture, confidence, and community.

Right now, I’m focused on scaling, connecting more deeply with our audience, and building a brand that lasts. Whether you’re new here or rocking with us since day one, just know—you’re getting frames that are anything but basic.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Hands down, my mom. She’s the reason I move the way I do. She taught me how to research everything, plan with intention, save like it’s second nature, and protect my credit like my life depends on it. But most importantly, she taught me to show up as myself—unapologetically. Watching her handle life with grace, grit, and her own brand of quiet power shaped how I approach work and business today.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain the moment the idea for Framed by Lo was born. This brand was created from my own mental health journey. At a time when I didn’t have the words, sunglasses became my armor. They helped me face the world while still protecting my peace. I realized I wasn’t alone in that feeling, and I wanted to create something that allowed people to express themselves boldly—even in silence. That’s what Framed by Lo is: eyewear that speaks for you when you don’t feel like speaking. Turning pain into power was the first step. Building a brand from it was the next.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the eyewear industry is that “you get what you pay for.” It’s this idea that luxury has to come with a hefty price tag—and I just don’t believe that’s true. At Framed by Lo, I’m proving that you can have style, quality, and a luxury feel without breaking the bank. Luxury should be about how it makes you feel, not just what it costs.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m near the water. There’s something about it that instantly quiets my mind and soothes my spirit. Whether it’s the ocean, a lake, or just sitting by a pool, water has always been a safe space for me—it helps me reset, reflect, and just breathe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://framedbylo.com/
• Instagram: @framedbylo
• Facebook: Framed by Lo

Image Credits
LaChell A. Photography