Sunglasses
Cool sunglasses are today’s ultimate must-have accessory. This sizzling market grew 9.1 percent in unit sales, for total retail sales of more than $2 billion, according to the Sunglass Association of America. High-end designer sunglasses are driving the trend, notes Tibor Gross, president of the SAA: “People are paying a lot more attention to sunglasses. They’re a status symbol and a fashion accessory.”

From upscale brand names to more affordable lines, various entry points into the market are open to entrepreneurs. Veteran sunglasses entrepreneurs Jack Martinez, 42, and Dan Flecky, 51, made their mark with Black Flys, an Irvine, California, company founded in 1991 that projects $10 million in sales for 2007. Their signature shades cater to a rock ‘n’ roll, youth and sports clientele. Black Flys has even added Fly Girls, a line for women, and plans to branch out with a new prescription line next year. “Sunglasses are a crazy deal–there are so many brands now,” says Martinez. But don’t let a competitive market deter you: Success means finding your own style and brand, he says. –N.L.T.