About Us
Jake Ellis® Sunglasses was founded in 2019 by two friends, Jake and Ellis, on the Isle of Wight, officially the sunniest county in the UK.
The Beginning
Born and raised on an island, the Isle of Wight, Jake and Ellis' upbringing was one of outdoor adventure. The Isle of Wight, officially the sunniest place in the UK and with some of the best beaches in the UK, is the island where some of the best UK summers are experienced.
With all this sunshine, sunglasses are a necessity!
Having a lot of experience in buying sunglasses by this point, and both looking for their next pair, Jake and Ellis jokingly talked about starting their own brand. Jake was itching to start something, perhaps a clothing brand, and Ellis had just smashed up his favourite sunglasses in the gym with a fourteen kilogram dumbbell (oops!). Knowing what he liked, Ellis couldn't find a suitable replacement that looked good, was branded well, and didn't have the luxury markup of the most well-known brands.
Ellis set about finding his next pair of sunglasses. Having little success with retailers, he contacted manufacturers to look through hundreds of catalogues, determined by the idea that someone in the world must have what he was looking for, or could at least make them.
Then, late one evening, Ellis discovered the sunglasses. These would become the Adventurers™. Ellis then pitched the idea to Jake, who later found the sunglasses too, these would become the Earls™.
After both discussing the idea of starting a sunglasses brand some more, this time more seriously, Jake and Ellis decided to go for it. With their respective backgrounds in manufacturing and marketing, Jake and Ellis didn't take long to get things really moving.
From starting in the Spring of 2019 to quickly selling out by the end of the Summer, Jake and Ellis had proven to themselves Jake Ellis® was real, and had greater potential. Jake Ellis®, at this point now a registered trademark, continues to grow.
The Next Few Years
In 2022, the Comptons™ were launched. Quickly, the Comptons™ became the Jake Ellis® best sellers, and subsequently the brand was recognised locally by being nominated in the Isle of Wight Awards.
Then, in 2023 Jake Ellis® are on the High Street. Following a successful retail trial in Summer 2022 with Visual Impact, Jake and Ellis decided that Jake Ellis® should be more present locally on the island. Deciding to offer an in-store experience as well as online, Jake Ellis® launched into a further three stores. Jake and Ellis reasoned this would help the local economy by sharing profits with independent retailers, elevate the Jake Ellis® brand locally, and provide a more direct and planet conscious way to shop; avoiding the packaging and emissions of shipping sunglasses individually, and instead encouraging collection on foot along with other items from the area at the same time.
Jake and Ellis, with a planet conscious mindset, recognised more could be achieved, and decided to partner with Ecologi, contributing to sustainability and reforestation projects around the world. With this partnership, Jake Ellis® is able to have a certified impact because the climate projects supported through Ecologi are certified by the Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard. Jake Ellis® is committed to being carbon neutral, helping to protect the planet and halt climate change. Looking to the future, new biodegradable materials and innovative lens technologies are a very exciting opportunity.
The Future
Jake and Ellis plan to take Jake Ellis® Sunglasses worldwide, with a new curated range of sunglasses with a sustainable, cool, island edge.
Jake Ellis® today represents just a small part of the greater more challenging aspirations Jake and Ellis have for the brand. With continued vision, determination, and heart, Jake and Ellis will do everything it takes to get there.
This is only the beginning.
Wherever life takes you, See Your Way™ with Jake Ellis®.
The Founders
Born and raised in Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight, enjoying the country roads and exploring the island. Jake is a car enthusiast and family man. With a background in engineering and manufacturing. His love for product stems from an early age, watching 'How It's Made' shows on tv and having a go at putting that into practice with various projects.
Jake was involved in building an electric and economical racing car back in high school, that he also raced at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Born and raised in Newport on the Isle of Wight, enjoying the sun, sea, and surf. Ellis is an award winning entrepreneur, talented in design and marketing, with crazy attention to detail. With relentless passion to solve problems, resolve strengthened through his endeavours over the last decade, he loves a challenge, and will have a go at solving anything.
Ellis started his first business aged twelve, and hasn't looked back.
Born and raised in Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight, enjoying the country roads and exploring the island. Jake is a car enthusiast and family man. With a background in engineering and manufacturing. His love for product stems from an early age, watching 'How It's Made' shows on tv and having a go at putting that into practice with various projects.
Jake was involved in building an electric and economical racing car back in high school, that he also raced at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Born and raised in Newport on the Isle of Wight, enjoying the sun, sea, and surf. Ellis is an award winning entrepreneur, talented in design and marketing, with crazy attention to detail. With relentless passion to solve problems, resolve strengthened through his endeavours over the last decade, he loves a challenge, and will have a go at solving anything.
Ellis started his first business aged twelve, and hasn't looked back.