Meet Jesse Haynes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesse Haynes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jesse , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’ve never been the smartest or most talented person in the room, but I’m really good at putting in the effort and getting things done. I’ve always believed that hard work can bridge the gap where natural ability might fall short. My superpower, perhaps, is running through walls with a smile on my face. I don’t shy away from challenges; instead, I embrace them, knowing that persistence and a positive attitude can make all the difference in achieving success. If you want to do something special, you can’t be afraid to push up the sleeves and put in work, whether that’s executing or learning.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Solaro Shades is all about bringing high-performance, affordable sunglasses to the baseball and softball markets. My journey started in collaboration with Mark Paul, a well-known baseball comedian with a large social media following (@mpthree). Together, we identified a need for sunglasses that could stand up to the demands of athletes without breaking the bank. This led to the creation of Solaro Shades, where we offer sunglasses made in the same factory as Oakley but at a fraction of the price.

What excites me most about Solaro Shades is our commitment to innovation. We didn’t just stop at creating a product; we’re constantly pushing the envelope. For instance, we noticed that most companies in the sportswear industry often overlook female athletes, simply resizing men’s products and adding a touch of pink. We took a different approach, developing softball-specific sunglasses designed for the female face. This has resonated with many top athletes, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see big names like MLB athletes and Savannah Bananas wearing our gear.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans, including expanding our product lines and entering new markets. We just announced our next endeavor—a lineup of blue-light-blocking screen glasses designed by the popular YouTuber LoverFella. While they’re intended for gamers, they’ll be great for anybody who looks at a screen more than a person should. So, perhaps, everybody. We’re also looking to deepen our engagement with the community through events and partnerships, further solidifying Solaro Shades as a brand that not only delivers top-notch products but also gives back to the community that supports us.

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?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are team building, being a self-starter, and avid learning.

First, team building has been crucial. I’ve always believed that surrounding yourself with people who are smarter or more skilled than you in specific areas is key to success. I’m good at identifying talent and putting those people in places where they can thrive. My advice for those early in their journey is to prioritize building a strong team. Don’t be afraid to admit where you need help and seek out those who excel in those areas.

Second, being a self-starter has been essential. I’m willing to take risks, cold-email anyone, and push forward when others might hesitate. My advice here is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment or someone to give you permission. Take initiative, reach out, and create your own opportunities. The more proactive you are, the more doors will open.

Finally, I’m an avid learner. I’m constantly looking to add new tools to my belt, whether it’s through reading, networking, or just staying curious. For those just starting, I’d recommend developing a habit of continuous learning. The world is always changing, and the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to adapt and grow.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

For us, the challenge right now is keeping up with rapid growth. It’s a great problem to have, but it comes with its own set of difficulties. We’ve taken our lumps along the way—selling out of almost all of our inventory, outgrowing our storage space, and more. While it’s exciting to see such high demand for our products, managing this growth effectively is something we’re constantly working on. We’re focused on scaling up our operations to meet the needs of our customers without compromising on the quality and service that got us here in the first place.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Greg Bollinger, TulsaPeople

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