Big Starts: WYCO’s Bright Idea

Local startup WYCO’s interchangeable sunglasses offer an affordable and fashionable option to pricey high-end shades.

“I was amazed at how hard it was to find sunglasses under $100 with any sort of brand or name behind them,” said WYCO founder Lance Windholz of Overland Park.

So last year Windholz started his own company to let people buy a pair of quality sunglasses for $40. The WYCO brand also invites customers to mix and match different colored frames, temples and lenses in up to 24 interchangeable looks for $100.

“It’s about having fun with your style and being unique,” Windholz said. “People can have a big collection and a big variety of sunglasses at a price that’s reasonable.”

WYCO’s interchangeable sunglasses require no tools and can go with any lifestyle, Windholz said.

“It fits everybody, because you can tool it to whatever you want it to be,” he said. “In terms of the market, we think of trendy, fashion-forward people. They’ve got a little bit of income to spend. They’re conscious of their look, not to mention that sunglasses just look great with sports teams. We feel like colleges are going to be a sweet spot for us, but we’re not limited to that by any means.”

www.wyco.club