Massada was started by a couple, designer Kate Lupinsky and financier Chris Mastaler, whose shared background in art history and cultural collecting shaped the brand from the outset rather than getting layered on as marketing. The name means "strong foundation," and the two describe the art focus simply: "it comes from our heart, it comes from our blood." Frames split across two manufacturing bases chosen for their specific expertise, titanium and combination frames made in Sabae, Japan, and acetate frames made in the Valdobbiadene area of Italy, using Japanese bio acetate from Takiron Rowland and Italian acetate from Mazzucchelli.