If you have ever thought about starting your own business, or wanted to get ahead in your career, this year's OWA Connection Series was definitely one to attend. "Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs" was inspired by the unorthodox Business Book #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, creator of Nasty Gal (online retailer). Sophia offers women of all ages, a unique view into becoming an entrepreneur. She gives us all the belief that no matter what your background is, if you have desire and put in the work it takes, you can achieve amazing things.
The six panelists that joined us for this session are no strangers to the idea of hard work. These women all come from different backgrounds, and have been met with some adversity along the way, but they never seemed to view these obstacles as negative. In fact, where some of us would have given up on a dream because life got tough, these ladies pushed right through to make their visions come to life. One thing that stands out among these #Girlbosses, is they are all risk takers. At some point in our lives, we are all faced with a challenge, and that can lead to the birth of a product or concept that can change someone's life.
Panelist Jessica Butler, owner and designer for Eye Power Kids Wear was inspired to create her business due to the lack of cute and comfortable glasses for her infant son, who was born with a congenital cataract. Kristin Ellsworth, creator of Peeps Eyewear, also has a child who requires glasses. She took the idea of children's eyewear a step beyond just function, and actually made wearing glasses an adventure for kids. Both women partnered together to create the Great Glasses Play Day, which is a multi-city event that invites all kids to play, and have fun wearing eyeglasses.
Corianna and Brianna, aka Coco and Breezy, were able to make their own opportunities in the fashion world, instead of waiting for opportunity to happen to them. Growing up in Minnesota, their unique style was often misunderstood, but that never stopped these twin sisters/best friends from making it from the suburbs of Apple Valley, MN to "The Big Apple". These ladies handled their business despite having nowhere to live, and no money saved. Coco and Breezy's motto — "Your eyewear is always your outfit and your clothing outfit is always your accessory" — exemplifies their brand as well as their two passions; art and fashion.
Corinne McCormack, a former fashion and jewelry executive, started her own company to infuse her style and expertise into creating fashionable reading glasses and eyewear accessories. Her enterprising view of Presbyopia, has earner her one of the most recognized names in high-end retail and ECP practices. During the panel, Corrine encouraged us all to be, " . . . creative and crazy", when it comes to pursuing a dream or goal — I'm sure you have to be a little of both these qualities to make it in business.
Dr. Ann Rea Miller is the only female Optometrist in her town, with her own private practice. With an admiration for high-fashion eyewear, and a desire to give her patients a special experience, Dr. Miller was able to create a boutique optometric practice in her area. In these times, when ECP's are competing with big box store products and prices, it would have been safer for Dr. Miller to avoid establishing a high-end practice. However, she understands that if you give patients exceptional treatment, and show them the value and quality of the products and services you provide, people will keep coming back to you.
When asked by moderator and Optical Industry #Girlboss, Christie Walker, what defines success, the ladies all seemed to agree that success is not about getting to a certain point, then sitting back to relax. Those who obtain measureable prosperity, never stop learning and growing. They go out and hustle to make things happen, things don't just "happen to them". Having passion for what you do and being authentic in your presentation is vital to being happy in any aspect of life.
Never see being a woman in business, as a disadvantage. Don't allow yourself or anyone else, to make you feel like it's impossible. Be willing to venture outside of your comfort zone, out of your community, and establish partnerships that can help with your success. Use the resources available to you; Social Media plays a huge part in the growth of an organization. Don't shy away from risks; they are usually your best and most fulfilling opportunities. Do what you enjoy, and above all be a #Girlboss.
Back to: November 2016 : November 2016 Newsletter — 2016 Vision Expo West