CEV About Us Background

OUR STORY

HOW IT
ALL STARTED

From Fort Wayne,
With Vision

CEV About Us

OUR BEGINNINGS

In 2018, Jaylon Smith and Jamal Robinson launched CEV Collection—a brand rooted in the Clear Eye View mantra that guides Jaylon's life. They design eyewear for people who move with purpose: a community of Confident Achievers, Entrepreneurs, Creatives, Athletes, Leaders. Visionaries with unshakable drive, ruthless self-belief, and focused vision to build, to lead, to serve, to leave something that lasts.

They don't confine their design approach to specific categories. They make frames that reflect every version of them. Size-inclusive, elevated design, and premium feel without the premium markup made to show up with them—wherever they go.

Jaylon Smith

JAYLON SMITH

Jaylon was one of the top college football players in the country. A career-threatening injury in his final game at Notre Dame could've ended everything—but it didn't. The mantra he lived by—Clear Eye View—became real.

He sat out his rookie year, came back stronger, and went on to lead on and off the field for the Cowboys, Giants, Packers, and Raiders. That same focus now drives his journey as a serial entrepreneur.

"Clear Eye View. It's how I live my life. It's part of my core values. Having a focused vision, a determined belief, and earned dreams has guided me to where I am today. It allows me to make decisions and operate with purpose in every part of my life."

—Jaylon Smith
Co-Founder

Jaylon Smith

JAMAL ROBINSON

Jamal has been a designer and leader in the eyewear game since 2008. His big break came when a famous rapper spotted his custom crystal frames backstage—and wore them the next day. Since then, Jamal has led in style, business, and service—building and running his own eyewear brand for over a decade, and founding Believe In A Dream, a nonprofit that reaches 500+ youth through the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Jaylon and Jamal both hail from Fort Wayne, Indiana. A mutual connection saw the spark—two stories built on clarity, culture, and purpose. That connection became CEV Collection.

"My purpose in life is to inspire others and CEV is a beacon, a guidepost, and an example of my journey in life. Now, it’s our hope that CEV can be the same for others."

—Jamal Robinson
Co-Founder


MORE THAN JUST EYEWEAR

We craft culturally inspired, size-inclusive pieces that feel good on every face. Unisex by design, handmade with care, and proudly Black-owned.

Culturally inspired

Culturally inspired

Size-inclusive

Size-inclusive

Unisex design

Unisex design

Proudly Black-owned

Proudly Black-owned

Handmade with precision

Handmade with precision

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