KidRaq is a children’s eyewear brand born from a celebrity stylist’s creativity and innovation.
When Raquel Smith worked for Beyoncé as a stylist, she often created matching mommy-and-me looks for the artist and her daughter, Blue Ivy. But one day when Beyoncé was wearing a pair of glasses and playfully placed them on Blue Ivy, Smith knew she needed an additional pair. However, the production time would never meet the needs of Beyoncé. It was at that moment that Smith began thinking about designing eyewear.
And one day, while walking with her son, Smith put her sunglasses on. “Caleb asked, ‘Where are my glasses?’ ”
The Launch of KidRaq
And in full creative mode, Smith decided to start her eyewear brand that would feature mommy and me glasses.
“…It inspired me to begin sketching my own mommy-and-me, daddy-and-me kids eyewear designs,” Smith told Ebony. “I just stepped out on faith to launch my brand.”
The name for the eyewear brand, KidRaq, is Smith’s nickname, given to her by her late father. For Smith, her brand is more than just eyewear; it’s an opportunity for children to believe in their own passions and creativity. In the corner of every right temple is the affirmation ‘always believe in yourself.’
“I’ve always loved motivating others, and I’ve even worked as a motivational speaker at camps, schools, and shelters,” Smith told Ebony. “I feel like with kids, we have to pour into them from a young age, so that when they get older, our words will stick with them and help them stay on the right track as they reach their goals.”
KidRaq’s Success
Today, KidRaq is available on Nordstrom.com as well as the brand’s e-commerce website. Children can choose a set of trendy glasses and then match them with their parents or favorite adult figure. Sunglasses have names such as “Rising Star,” “Kool Kid” and “Ocean Wave” while eyeglasses are named “Scholar” and “Passport.” Children’s glasses are $119 to $139 while adult glasses are $119 to $159. In addition, the site features branded T-shirts, masks, hats and hoodies.
“Children today are mini fashionistas, and they need to be inspired,” Smith said. “Even as adults, we need a reminder to believe in ourselves. My son Caleb is really into fashion, and has been a major influence behind the designs and even the creation of KidRaq as a whole. I’m always asking him questions as we develop new designs, and many of them are inspired by things he likes or comes up with. I just take his creations and make them a reality.”
