Why I Skipped Cosmetics to Build Eyewear

Inside Desi Perkins Multi-Tier Product Strategy. ► Free Shopify Trial: https://utm.io/yt_podcast_trial ► SUBSCRIBE to our channel: https://utm.io/uhw53 ► Want to have a piece from Dezi? Check out their store: https://utm.io/us2vd ______________________________________________________________________ Most people doubted that a beauty influencer could successfully launch a luxury accessory brand, until Desi Perkins turned years of saved brand-deal income into DEZI, driving $2.5M in sales on day one. In this episode, Desi Perkins, founder and CEO of DEZI, shares how she built an independent luxury eyewear empire by self-funding, surrounding herself with trusted consultants, and focusing on custom-designed frames rather than taking the predictable path into cosmetics. She didn’t wait for venture capital—she quietly saved her income as a creator, designed custom silhouettes from scratch, and bet on herself. That self-funded gamble sparked a massive debut and a $3.6 million restock, while teaching her how to navigate supply chain delays, inventory strategy, and product failures like "mint jade". Desi breaks down how she went from an unannounced Instagram teaser to scaling an independent brand that stands on its own merits, how she handles multi-brand execution while raising a family, and why her ultimate goal is to build an empire that outlives her personal fame. *In this episode, we talk about:* - How Desi self-funded DEZI to $2.5M on day one and $3.6M on restock - Why choosing non-compete alternatives opened up custom design - How hiring consultants helped navigate launching at scale without winging it - What product failures like "mint jade" teach founders about inventory tiers - How to manage supply chain lead times when viral demand outpaces stock - How to build an autonomous brand that outlives its founder’s persona ______________________________________________________________________ *Chapters:* 00:00 - Introduction and Key Milestones 00:01:03 - Career Tr