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Elisa Johnson is slowly becoming the it-girl of eyewear. See: everyone from Lori Harvey to Quenlin Blackwell rocking her shades. As for her latest Mother’s Day campaign? She tapped her mother, Cookie Johnson, alongside close family friends Tina Knowles, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Mara Brock Akil, and Pauletta Washington to star in the shots.

For the founder, the moment felt especially timely. “At this moment we all need a village. Lifting each other, supporting each other, even checking each other when we need it. Some of these ladies’ friendships have been over 30 years,” Johnson shares with ESSENCE. “Portraying motherhood today needed to be reflective that motherhood is fun, it’s loud, it’s in your face, but sometimes it’s soft, caring and comes right when you need it.”

As a young Black woman raised by a strong community of Black women, the campaign carries personal meaning. “Growing up in LA, my mom was my rock. I was really blessed to be surrounded by an incredible village of Black women, all in different industries, truly helping each other succeed,” she shares. “I wanted this campaign to not give back to them, but show these powerhouse women in a new way. I loved seeing my mom step into the spotlight after years of supporting others.”

Captured through an intimate lens by photographer Greg Swales, and led by creative director Kyle Bryan, the women posed in waist-up portraits, laughing, smiling, and embracing one another while modeling frames that reflected their personalities. Tina Knowles and Mara Brock Akil both wore the “Aries” shades, which are oversized with a clear lens. Pauletta Washington wore the “Jane in gold metal,” which has an aviator lens with a gold wire frame.  Last but not least, LaTanya Richardson Jackson sported the “Cookie,” which has a tortoise shell frame with a subtle cat eye.

“This Mother’s Day campaign was rooted in the intention to present these powerhouse Black women through a high-fashion lens—one that honors both their legacy and their individuality,” Bryan shares. “I approached the creative direction with a focus on pushing motherhood beyond tradition, leaning into a narrative that feels modern, powerful, and glamorous.”

Johnson also hopes the campaign encourages people to celebrate the mother figures in our lives. “Whether they raised us, birthed us, gave us that little piece of advice, or came to pick us up from a place we know we shouldn’t have been,” she says. “This is my homage and I hope people can understand the importance of having one around you.”

The post Tina Knowles And More Star In Elisa Johnson’s Mother’s Day Campaign appeared first on Essence.