Selima Salaun not only designs eyewear, she is also a licensed optician and optometrist. Although she was born along the Mediterranean Coast, the designer draws inspiration for her designs from the raw energy of New York. Her passion and drive led her to create her own luxury eyewear brand.

What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career?
Be social.  Interact, talk to everyone, meet people, create your support grid, and create your network.

Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?
Françoise Sagan, the rebellious French novelist. She was a rule-breaker, a symbol of fashionable rebellion in postwar Europe, a truly free spirited woman. She never shied away from speaking her mind and causing a stir. These are qualities I admire in women. Also, she had a great sense of humor.

What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?
I am on the board of Innocence in Danger and GirlThrive, two organizations against child trafficking and child abuse. It’s hard to take, but I am very proud to be able to give back.

Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?
I am lucky enough to have started my adult life in a country and a society where women were already freer and more respected than in the previous generation. The tremendous changes happened before I was an adult. Get a credit card: 1975, run an official marathon: 1972, reproductive right: 1973, keep your job while pregnant: 1978…and I hope we are still going toward more equality and not backward.

What future goals do you have for yourself?
To open an animal sanctuary.