While window shopping in South Park’s Graffiti Beach I spotted some uber-cool sunglasses and discovered they’re made by a San Diego-based line called SOLO Eyewear. Started by Jenny Amaraneni and Dana Holliday, SOLO sunglasses are made with recycled bamboo and each pair purchased funds eye care for people in need. Sweet combo, no?
Today these talented entrepreneurs are talking about beach runs, mentoring students and chinchillas. (Their rituals make me seriously excited to live in SoCal!)
Name: Jenny Amaraneni
Age: 29
Hometown: Slidell, LA
Current city: San Diego, CA
Professional title: Co-founder/CEO, SOLO Eyewear
Beach runs
Nothing resets my mind like a morning run on the beach. Two to three times a week I head down to the Pacific Beach pier and run a few miles in the morning. I like to run right where the waves wash ashore so being barefoot is a must. It is an awesome time to reflect and think about all of the things for which I am grateful.
Trying something new
San Diego is such an amazing city. There are tons of hiking trails, cool activities, festivals, great restaurants and bars. I love trying new things and exploring more of San Diego. When life starts feeling a bit dull, I like to get out there and try something new. Whether I am checking out a hiking trail that I’ve never explored or hopping in the car for a last-minute road trip, I always enjoy experiencing something different.
Helping students
Starting a business has been the most amazing experience of my life. An experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I understand how intimidating it can be at first so I love meeting with students who want to start companies and encouraging them to do so. I typically share my experience and find ways to instill confidence in them. Every time I meet with a passionate student I walk away feeling even more excited about what I am doing.
Sunsets
I love sunsets! As a child I stayed with my grandparents every weekend and they always stopped to enjoy the sunset. To this day, I love taking a moment out of the day to appreciate a beautiful sunset. It is so peaceful for me.
Name: Dana Holliday
Age: 25
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Current city: San Diego, CA
Professional title: Co-Founder & Creative Director, SOLO Eyewear
Hiking
I love hiking! When I was younger, my mom would take me on “hikes” in Laguna Beach where she would do all the work, and I would sit pretty on her shoulders and enjoy the views. Now that I can manage the trails on my own, it’s a hobby I’ve grown to cherish. Our family meets up for holidays and celebrations halfway between Huntington Beach and San Diego for day hikes — it’s such a great way to catch up and have some quality fun in the sun!
When I need a break from a crazy work week, or just have some free time, hiking in San Diego is a go-to for me. SD County has a ton of beautiful trails from Devils Punchbowl to Torrey Pines and Kitchen Creek. Most recently, my boyfriend and I backpacked the Trans-Zion trial in Utah and The Grand Canyon in Arizona for my birthday.
Yoga
I was a competitive gymnast for 15 years, diver for 3, and cheerleader for 4 — needless to say, I have a passion for acrobatics. As I’ve gotten older, the intensity of tumbling has become too taxing on my body, so I’ve had to find other outlets to satisfy my need for exercise. The last few years I’ve become somewhat of a “yogi”. There’s a great studio by my house that offers a wide range of classes including the traditional heated flow and Vinyasa classes, but they also offer acro-yoga and blacklight yoga! On the weekends, I frequent yoga classes on the beach to reset my mind and body while enjoying the incredible San Diego summer weather.
Traveling
I really love to travel. Who doesn’t? It’s an expensive hobby, but when you love something, you make it work. I’ve explored most every nook and cranny of California. To me, three day weekends are just an excuse for adventure. I really enjoy exploring new cities and cultures. I’m most looking forward to going on an international giving trip with our company, SOLO Eyewear to see the impact we’re having around the world through funding eye care.
Animals
I know most people enjoy the companionship of animals, but I really love animals. I’ve had a fascination with creatures from a young age. I’ve had tons of pets including cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, lizards, hamsters, frogs, fish, chinchillas and probably more that I can’t recall at the moment. I currently have a green cheek conure (bird) named Boogie. One of the best daily rituals is to walk in the door, hear his greeting, and snuggle up to him for the remainder of the evening. My parents have a golden retriever named Deuce whom I also adore. Every time I travel to visit them, he’s anxiously awaiting my arrival. Our weekends consist of walking at the park, hanging at the beach and taking 1,000 pictures of him in SOLO sunglasses.
You can also find SOLO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
All photos provided by Jenny and Dana
