In honor of Fathers' Day, the SOLO Eyewear team members share a few things about the father figures in their lives.
Jenny Amaraneni, CEO & Co-Founder
What do I admire most about my dad?
I most admire my dad's generosity. He grew up in a rural village in India and moved to the U.S. after completing med school. After moving here, he worked tirelessly to provide for our family and to help others. I always knew how important it was for him to provide for my mom, brother and me; however, it wasn't until I was older that I realized how much he put others, in general, before himself. In my hometown in Louisiana, people have approached me in grocery stores or other public places to tell me how my dad helped them in their time of need. I'm very proud and blessed to have him as a role model in my life.
My favorite memory of my dad... In 2009, my dad had a massive heart attack and was shocked 10 times. It was a life changing experience for our family. My dad was faced with making major lifestyle changes. Seeing his attitude after that experience has been incredibly impactful for me. He quickly took on the mantra "I only have great days and good ones!" His optimism and positive outlook serve as constant inspiration in my life.
Dana Holliday, CCO & Co-Founder
What do you admire most about your Dad?
I have always admired my dad for all of the hard work that he does. In addition to being a full time aerospace engineer, at home, he's also our mechanic and handy-man. He is determined and able to fix anything. Somehow, through it all, he still found time to be a Pretty-Pretty-Princess-playing, nerf-gun-shooting, incredible father. He is a fantastic role model to me and my brother.
What is your favorite memory with him?
Some of my favorite memories with my dad are learning new things. He taught me how to ride a bike and a motorcycle, to water and snow ski, scuba dive, and so much more. I've loved every trip we've ever taken with him because he's so adventurous and always finds really unique and incredible things to do. One recent experience that comes to mind was traveling to the top of Mauna Kea, a volcano on the big island, Hawai'i. It's the highest point in the state of Hawaii and the world's tallest mountain to base summit. Once at the top we sat and observed thousands of incredible, vibrant stars and identified all of the visible planets. My dad inspired a thirst for adventure in me that I cherish deeply. Now that I live further away, I always look forward to visits home where we share photos and maps of our recent journeys and travels.
Kevin Dare, Customer Support
What do you admire most about your dad?
I'm adopted, and I admire my father (and mother) for having the heart to take in a child that wasn't his own. I'm also glad I got his work ethic!
Favorite Memory of my dad:
This is a picture of us in the staff newsletter of the train museum we used to volunteer at. Every Sunday, pop and I would help out for a few hours at the gift shop. Good times.
Barrett Jones, PR Support Intern
What do you admire most about your dad?
The thing I admire about my father is his think outside the box mentality. He has and never will grow up which keeps his mind and conversations youthful.
What is your favorite memory with him?
My favorite memory of my father are the many road trips we have taken across the US. We have seen nearly every lower 48 state over the years and have traveled from coast to coast 3 separate times.
Leona Shinkai, Marketing and Social Media Intern
What do you admire most about your dad?
I admire my dad for always putting his kids first in line. No matter how busy he is, he makes sure to check up on each of us, and continues to work to provide for our family although he faced major health issues five years ago.
What is your favorite memory with him?
My favorite memory of him are the many times he took my sisters, best friends, and I to places on the weekend - beach, park, zoo, Seaworld, Legoland. Even if we didn’t go out to places, he would always find a way to entertain us, whether it be cooking our favorite meals together or building a mini water park in our backyard. I also appreciate him for treating my friends like family, as if they were his own kids.
