Carmen Kennedy has always had a passion for fashion. “Sunglasses are on that fashion spectrum,” she smiles. “So I joined forces with my husband Dean – who has two Sunstoppers stores in Durban – and opened a sunglasses showroom on our property in Gillitts four years ago.” Catering for Upper Highway residents, Carmen retails branded sunglasses, but the part of her business growing rapidly is the repairs side. “Our lab cuts new lenses, adds new screws, nose pieces and plastic ear rubbers for the arms. A total overhaul really. I get a mix of everything coming in from every brand, and most we can fix. It’s affordable, and it’s wonderful to revive much-loved glasses.”
Giving back to the community, the Kennedys support the 1000 Hills Community Helpers, run by Dawn Leppan, and donate sunglasses annually to all the inspectors at the Kloof SPCA and the men from Durban Search and Rescue. “Both sets of people spend enormous amounts of time on the roads. Search and Rescue are on the water a lot so all their sunglasses are polarized. These projects are wonderful to be a part of,” says Carmen – who has also started an online Sunstoppers store and now has customers all over the country.
“It’s been the most rewarding journey. I love people and was brought up in a family with a very strong work ethic – I am so grateful for all the entrepreneurial skills I have been taught from young. Work equates to more opportunities and more choices, being able to work is empowering.”
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