Kyle Davidson (’12)
The future looks bright for Kyle Davidson (’12), an alum of Gonzaga’s Communication and Leadership Studies program. Together with founder Sean Hulin, Davidson is part of Orama, a progressive eyewear company whose purpose goes beyond simply selling sunglasses. They have committed to helping others and giving back to Gonzaga in a creative way.
“I got involved with Orama because I knew Sean from previous cause-based work we’d done together and I was impressed by the product,” said Davidson. “I tried them, loved them, and I’ve been doing business development for them ever since.” Orama’s sunglasses feature uniquely styled eco-friendly frames made of wood and stone, but sustainability isn’t the only cause Orama cares about.
Orama’s vision is to share vision with those who need it most. The company’s goal, as stated on their website is, “to mobilize people of a like-mind to help bring affordable vision to those in developing nations.” “Pass the vision” is the company’s tagline and they act on it by donating a portion of the proceeds from each pair of sunglasses sold to organizations that provide access to an eye exam and glasses for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.
“The idea is to create opportunities,” Davidson explained. “If you can see, you can read and if you can read, you can do more.” The organizations Orama works with most are Vision for a Nation and Center or Vision in the Developing World.
Sean Hulin
Philanthropy has always been important to Davidson and Hulin, who are seeking to expand their business by also giving back to their alma maters. The Fund for Gonzaga was a natural fit for Orama’s plans.
“I got my master’s degree through Gonzaga’s virtual campus,” said Davidson. “I loved the school—great community support, great location, a great alumni base. Gonzaga really seems to be doing everything the right way for the right reasons, which is why I made the choice to go there and am extremely proud of it.”
For each purchase made through Oramagear.com using the coupon code GOZAGS, not only will Orama give a 10% discount, they will also donate $25.00 to the Fund for Gonzaga in addition to their other donations.
“We’ve done well online and eventually, we hope to see the brand in more brick-and-mortar stores,” explained Davidson, who hopes to grow the business while continuing to give back. “We want to be the cause-based eyewear option and drastically decrease poverty worldwide.” One thing the company is working toward is providing proof of the impact their customers have, by using serial numbers on the frames to match people with those they’ve helped, sending photos and information about the recipient of their generosity.
“We are really excited about that,” Davidson said, adding that the coupon code for Gonzaga is more than just marketing. “It’s supporting Gonzaga, passing the vision and supporting economic development for others.”