Meet Tanisha Middleton

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

Tanisha, 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 the CEO of Framed By Tee Tee—and the only Black woman I’ve ever seen in leadership within the field of optometry and optical—I’ve had to master the art of thriving in rooms I was never expected to enter, let alone lead in. This industry, like many others, is predominantly run by white men, and being the only one who looks like me has never been easy—but it has made me *exceptional* in ways they never saw coming.

First, I had to unlearn the idea that I had to shrink to fit into spaces that were never built with me in mind. Instead, I built my own table—and brought my own light. I turned my uniqueness into my advantage. I bring perspective, culture, and lived experience that challenges the norm and pushes the industry forward in ways only someone like me can.

I’ve learned to be effective by being *unapologetically prepared*, speaking with clarity and confidence, and letting my work speak volumes. I focus on excellence—because when you’re the only one in the room, you’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing everyone who’s never had a seat at that table.

I’ve also built strategic relationships—not just to survive but to lead. I seek mentors, allies, and collaborators who understand the vision, even if they don’t look like me. I’ve developed resilience through years of showing up, being overlooked, underestimated, and still delivering results. Every time I win, I open a door for someone else.

Framed By Tee Tee isn’t just an eyewear brand. It’s a statement. It’s a movement. It’s proof that representation *does* matter—and I wear that responsibility with pride, power, and purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

**Framed By Tee Tee (FBTT)** started as my personal vision to bring affordable, stylish eyewear to communities that are often overlooked by mainstream optical brands. As a Black woman in an industry dominated by white men, FBTT has always been about more than fashion—it’s been about representation, accessibility, and vision on every level.

Now, we’re entering a powerful new chapter.

We’re transitioning into **Nish Noir**, a luxury eyewear brand that reflects sophistication, heritage, and bold elegance. This evolution isn’t just a rebrand—it’s a reflection of my growth, my legacy, and my mission to create something *unapologetically high-end*, *unmistakably Black*, and *undeniably visionary*. Expect intentional designs, premium craftsmanship, and a deeper story behind every frame. Nish Noire is where culture meets couture in eyewear.

At the same time, I remain deeply connected to my roots as a **traveling ophthalmic technician**. I love what I do—bringing eye care directly to people who need it most: the uninsured, the under-resourced, the homeless, the forgotten. I’ve dedicated over 20 years to this field, and nothing compares to seeing the joy on someone’s face when they receive their first pair of glasses. It’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and hope—one patient at a time.

My work, both through FBTT/Nish Noire and in the field, is all about vision—seeing clearly, dreaming bigger, and showing others what’s possible when you lead with heart, purpose, and unwavering focus.

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—from ophthalmic technician to founder of Framed By Tee Tee and now transitioning to luxury with Nish Noire—three core qualities have truly shaped my success:

1. Resilience
Being a Black woman in a white male-dominated industry meant I had to navigate spaces that weren’t built for me. I was often the only one in the room who looked like me, and that came with pressure, isolation, and constant underestimation. But I learned how to keep going, even when doors closed or support was lacking.

Advice:
Resilience is built through experience. Show up even when it’s uncomfortable. Learn from every “no.” Keep your purpose in front of you, especially on the hard days. Journal your wins, big or small—those are your proof that you’re still moving forward.

2. Mastery of My Craft
I’ve spent over 20 years in ophthalmology. I didn’t just clock in—I learned deeply. I asked questions, stayed current on technology and trends, and developed a standard of excellence in patient care. That commitment earned me trust and opened doors that talent alone couldn’t.

Advice:
No matter your role, become undeniably good at it. Take pride in what you do. Study. Practice. Stay curious. When you master your craft, you become irreplaceable—and respected. That foundation will support every elevation you make.

3. Vision (Literal and Figurative)
I always knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself. Framed By Tee Tee was born from the idea that eyewear could be fashionable and accessible. Nish Noire is my statement that luxury can come from a place of culture and depth. I’ve always led with vision—not just for eyes, but for the future.

Advice:
Develop your vision by asking yourself: What legacy do I want to leave? Dream beyond your current environment. Build a vision board. Surround yourself with people who see your potential, not your limitations. And never be afraid to pivot when your purpose evolves.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who values more than just looking good—they care about seeing clearly, showing up boldly, and supporting purpose-driven brands. They appreciate quality, intentionality, and individuality in their eyewear, and they’re not afraid to wear something that turns heads while telling a story.

Whether it’s through Framed By Tee Tee or our evolving luxury line Nish Noire, my ideal client is:

Style-conscious but substance-driven – They want frames that are fly and functional. They appreciate design but also care about the story behind the brand.

Culturally aware and community-minded – They support businesses that give back, uplift underserved communities, and represent voices not often seen in luxury or healthcare spaces.

Confident and unapologetically themselves – They see eyewear as an extension of their personality and power. Whether they’re creatives, professionals, entrepreneurs, or everyday visionaries, they walk in their truth.

And for my work as an ophthalmic technician, my ideal client or patient is anyone in need—especially those often forgotten by the system: the uninsured, the homeless, the under-resourced. Because for them, vision care isn’t a luxury—it’s a life-changing gift.

Ultimately, my ideal client believes in the power of vision—both in fashion and in purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://framedbyteetee.com/
• Instagram: @Framedbyteetee
• Facebook: Framed by Tee Tee
• Linkedin: Tanisha Middleton
• Youtube: Framed By Tee Tee

Image Credits

Models in photos:

-Makeda Iroquois. (Red Frames)
-Shurida Lundi (Brown Frames)
-FBTT chief of operations, Autumn Johnson (White frame)

FBTT Photographers: Michael Graham and Monica McMillan