10/08/2022
Hey Changemakers
I write this update with a heavy heart.
It’s time to say goodbye.
Our last day in business will be September 30, 2022.
The uncontrollable headwinds of the current macro conditions seem too strong for our small business to continue on.
I never imagined writing those words when we launched four years ago. It has been both a blessing and a curse to be ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and circularity in eyewear.
I have tried my absolute hardest to find a path forward that allows Genusee to continue existing in the world and provide value for our customers, employees, investors, and stakeholders.
In early Q2 2022 Genusee pursued investment conversations in efforts to raise a seed round of funding. These efforts were met with minimal early interest or enthusiasm from existing and new investors.
We were still planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign for our highly anticipated second frame style on June 27th to crowdfund the necessary funds for the new frame tooling and production. Unfortunately, with the turbulent timing we paused the Kickstarter launch with the belief that the timing was not right, and doubts about the ability to fund a successful campaign at this time.
Unfortunately the increasing costs across our supply chain, labor, and customer acquisition costs; and macro-conditions (a pandemic, a war, and recession) all contributed to this undesirable end result.
We have a lot to be proud of. With only one frame style we have sold over 12,000 pairs of Genusee glasses, made in Flint from recycled single-use plastic bottles.
I still deeply believe in the Genusee brand, product, our mission, community, and business model, which has made this decision all the more difficult to make.
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The next 51 days will be your last chance to shop the remaining Genusee eyewear.
Starting today all non-prescription sunglasses and non-prescription blue light glasses will be Buy One, Get One 50% Off. (Discount automatically applied at checkout & you can mix and match) 🛍 Shop Now Here: https://genusee.com/collections/shop-all
Please note we have limited availability in non-prescription solid tinted non-polarized & polarized sunglasses.
If you’re wanting to order Frames Only for prescription glasses you can do so HERE & we recommend you get your prescription lenses done locally with an optometrist or through Lensabl. You can use code FAREWELL-FRAMES20 for 20% off just frames.
FREE Shipping will apply to all orders over $150
Please remain patient as I will personally be fulfilling and shipping all the final orders myself. Please allow 1-3 business days for your order to be fulfilled + 3-8 days for standard shipping. (Expedited shipping services are available at checkout)
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Closing Remarks:
THANK YOU for believing in Genusee, our mission, and our vision for the future of sustainable and circular economy eyewear. THANK YOU to our customers & community, current and past employees, collaborators, manufacturing partners, and retail partners for all of your hard work. You have been the soul of this brand and the only reason I had the courage to persist throughout the challenges building a business during a pandemic presented us.
I know the standards we have set and the seeds we planted in the hearts of anyone who has come into contact with Genusee will create a ripple effect of impact far beyond what we have seen in just the last four years.
My love of eyewear, entrepreneurship, and my passion for sustainability and circular supply chains has only grown. Although I do not know what is next for me, my vision for a future generation that demands businesses to be good to the core is steadfast.
I’d love to stay in contact with this community of Changemakers and if you’d like to do the same you can connect with me on social HERE: https://www.instagram.com/alirosenyc/
You may reach out to me directly with any questions you may have.
Joy & Ease,
Ali Rose Van Overbeke
Founder & CEO
Genusee
