Meet Taelor McMurray-Peterson | CEO & Creative Director, VZN Eyewear

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taelor McMurray-Peterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taelor, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
By the end of my career, I want to be recognized as a visionary leader who successfully built brands that not only made an impact in their industries but also inspired others—especially women and mothers—to pursue bold, creative careers without limits.

I see myself growing VZN Eyewear into a globally recognized brand that merges fashion, culture, and confidence, while also expanding into other ventures under a larger lifestyle and media umbrella. I want to be in a position where I’m leading both strategy and creative direction—whether through my own companies or high-level roles in marketing and brand development.

Long term, I also want to mentor and invest in other entrepreneurs, speak publicly, and create space for mothers like me who are balancing parenthood with ambition. My ultimate goal is to have built a life and career that’s driven by passion, purpose, and impact—on my terms.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art lives at the intersection of style, identity, and storytelling. For me, creative expression has always been more than just aesthetics—it’s about making people feel seen. That’s what VZN Eyewear is all about. It’s not just sunglasses—it’s a confidence statement. A main-character moment. A way for people to step into who they are, unapologetically.

What sets me apart is that I’m building this from the inside out—with heart, hustle, and a clear vision. I’m not backed by a huge team or funding. I’m a single mom building a brand from scratch, and everything—from the packaging to the photoshoots to the event planning—has my fingerprints on it. I’m proud of that. I’m proud that this brand has soul.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, of burnout, of starting over more times than I can count. I’ve had to figure out how to balance motherhood with ambition, stability with creativity, and still show up for myself in the process. But every challenge taught me resilience. I learned how to pivot. How to market with no budget. How to lead with intention, not ego. And how to bet on myself—even when no one else could see the vision.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that my story—and this brand—isn’t just about sunglasses. It’s about visibility. It’s about creating space for women, creatives, and mothers to build loud, beautiful lives on their own terms. VZN isn’t just what you wear—it’s how you see yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d show her the San Diego only locals really know how to move through—equal parts aesthetic, vibey, and low-key.

We’d kick things off with Holy Matcha or James Coffee Co for a caffeine fix and catch-up, followed by a golden hour walk at Sunset Cliffs or Harbor Island for skyline views. Brunch would be at Morning Glory or The Mission, depending on the day, and we’d hit Pigment, Artelexia, or a Hillcrest thrift run for some curated retail therapy.

Midweek we’d do a creative day—photo ops at Balboa Park or the Convention Center steps, then late lunch at Cocina de Barrio or Underbelly. Evenings might be rooftop drinks at Kettner Exchange, sunset at La Jolla Shores, or live music at a tucked-away spot in North Park.

We’d definitely carve out a beach day—maybe Windansea or Torrey Pines—and if the vibe is right, a little content shoot with our outfits and sunglasses, obviously in VZN.

We’d wrap the week with a coastal drive up to Encinitas, grab Better Buzz, explore local shops, then head back for dinner at Cesarina—a must.

For me, the best version of San Diego is stylish but soulful. It’s not just about going viral—it’s about good energy, good people, and catching the light in more ways than one.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If you look closely at any dream, you’ll usually find a village behind it—and mine is no exception. First and foremost, this shoutout belongs to my daughter, Kaleia. She’s the heart of my hustle and the reason I push boundaries, build brands, and bet on myself with no plan B. Motherhood didn’t slow me down—it sharpened my focus.

I also have to credit the women who came before me, especially my Nana Sylvia. Her fearless individuality and timeless style taught me that being “too much” is often exactly enough. Her legacy lives in everything I create—from eyewear designs to the way I show up as a creative director.

Then there’s the community—the friends, collaborators, and mentors who showed up for VZN Eyewear before the world caught on. The ones who shared my posts, modeled in shoots, and reminded me of the bigger picture on the tough days. Their quiet acts of support have echoed the loudest.

And finally, a nod to every book, podcast, and voice note I’ve ever sent to myself at 2AM. Because sometimes, the most important shoutout is to the version of you that refused to quit.

Website: https://www.vzneyewear.shop

Instagram: https://instagram.com/vzneyewear

Other: Online Store Email: info@vzneyewear.shop
Inquiries: vzneyewear@outlook.com