As Managing Director of House of Branded Lifestyle, Neelam Gopwani Chainani is ushering in a new era for eyewear in the Philippines, blending advanced technology, global design, and a deep sense of purpose.
Neelam Gopwani Chainani didn’t step into the family business with immediate certainty, but one principle from her father stuck with her early on: “Easy money made is easy money lost.” That belief in building steadily, with integrity and intention, has shaped Neelam’s approach to leadership as she transitioned from a career in finance to running House of Branded Lifestyle, the company behind Vision Express, Eye Society, and Sunglass Gallery.
“My dad always believed in doing business with heart—prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains,” she shares with Lifestyle Asia. “He also taught me that work should always be tied to purpose, to make a difference in the world. Sales are one part of the picture, but it’s purpose that gives meaning to the long hours and hard decisions.”
READ ALSO: The Art of Place: Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala
From Finance to Eyewear
Today, Neelam stands at the helm of a growing retail empire with a portfolio currently spanning three brands, which she explains: “Vision Express is our core—offering high-quality eye care and a curated selection of modern eyewear. Eye Society speaks to the ultra-premium market—it’s edgy, refined, and exclusive. And Sunglass Gallery is our newest concept, focused purely on fashion-forward sunglasses, built for the traveler and trendsetter.”
She comes across confident today, but the initial move from a structured, numbers-driven world into the dynamic pace of retail came with its own set of challenges. For Neelam, who had built her early career in finance across Boston and London, retail felt unpredictable. “I was used to structure, predictability, and clear outcomes,” she says. “Retail, on the other hand, is fast, emotional, and constantly evolving. In the beginning, I often felt like I was trying to catch up more than I was leading or setting direction.”
That disconnect wasn’t just professional, it was personal. “Initially, I struggled to find my passion for the business,” she admits. “I didn’t feel the same connection my parents had, and that made me question whether this path was truly meant for me.”
It wasn’t until Neelam started bringing in her own ideas and seeing real impact that things shifted.
Neelam Gopwani Chainani Is Coming Into Focus
“Proving my worth one project at a time—seeing results, seeing customers happy—not only earned my parents’ trust, but gave me the sense of purpose and love for the business I had been looking for.”
That sense of earned confidence eventually empowered her to make big swings. One of her proudest moments was the launch of VisionPlus, an AI-powered eye exam exclusive to Vision Express. “It was a bold move—and, honestly, a gamble,” she admits. “But I’ve always believed in innovation. I’m obsessed with tracking my steps, staying healthy, and being proactive about wellness—so I thought, why wouldn’t others want the same?”
The tech proved transformative. In under a minute, VisionPlus can screen for early signs of hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetic eye disease—changing the way people view eye exams. “Through this service, we’ve already helped identify seven customers who were pre-diabetic and had no idea,” Neelam shares. “Because of VisionPlus, they were referred to the right care pathway early. That, to me, is the real win.”
Beyond the Frames
Eyewear itself is changing rapidly, and Neelam is watching it all closely. “Eyewear is no longer just about utility—it’s about identity,” she says. “Filipino consumers, especially the younger generation, now view eyewear as an extension of their personal style and self-expression.”
Neelam is also keenly aware of how consumers shop: “The line between online and offline continues to blur. People want the convenience of e-commerce, but they also expect an immersive, elevated in-store experience.”
To meet this demand, House of Branded Lifestyle is rolling out innovations like an AI Styling Studio, which recommends frames based on face shape, skin tone, and hair color. “We’re creating a smarter, more personalized, and truly elevated vision experience at every touchpoint,” she adds.
That momentum is only building. “We’re entering a new phase—one that’s driven by AI and immersive experiences,” Neelam says.
She lists future plans with calm confidence: expanding the VisionPlus diagnostic system, growing the AI Styling Studio, and bringing in global names like Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, and Oliver Peoples exclusively into local stores. “We want our stores to feel different—to be places where you can explore, try, touch, relax, and genuinely enjoy the journey of finding your next pair of glasses.”
Neelam’s Vision For Tomorrow
Beyond the frames and lenses, Neelam is looking to shift mindsets, raise standards, and build something that lasts. “Too often, we accept mediocrity because ‘that’s how it’s always been done.’ But that’s not good enough anymore. We can’t build the future by holding onto the past.”
Rather than simply keeping pace, Neelam is determined to leap ahead, challenging conventions and reimagining what eye care can look like in the Philippines. “We’re not just selling eyewear—we’re building a future where eye care is personalized, innovative, and transformative,” she explains. “This is more than retail—it’s a bold shift in how eye care is delivered. I’m committed to raising the standard in the Philippines and making innovation the new norm.”
For Neelam Gopwani Chainani, vision isn’t just her business. It’s her mission.
Photography by Kim Santos of KLIQ, Inc.
