In RetroSpec…

I just wrote my 13th rent check today. It’s been a full year since I took over this tiny space of mine. I wrote the check with a smile.

I stumbled into my career. I need to mention my Pal-Mac BFF, Nikki, or the story goes nowhere. Nikki knew I was looking for a job. She was at Lens Crafters and encouraged me to apply. I did. I interviewed. I was offered a frame stylist position. I took it. “How fun is this? I get paid to help people find glasses.” I often thought. Nikki then said, “If they offer you an apprenticeship, TAKE IT!”. Nikki was my BFF. I listened as a clueless young adult would with their BFF.  

25 years later after working with amazing groups of Optometrist and Ophthalmologist. It was time to take a new step.  I have always admired the Opticians that stood alone. No Doctor to support them. Their clients came to them because of what they offered and the optician themselves. I could do this! But where???

The only option I could see was Canandaigua. I love Canandaigua. It was the first place my mom brought me, when we moved to the area. I have many fond memories here. It became a destination to hang out as a teen, to bring my kids and date night with Jeff. Before Jeff and I were married we took dance classes with Sean Buck. Jeff wanted our first dance to be special.  Our wedding was going to be crazy enough, sneaking it in the summer of 2020. I had to have it in 2020. It was only optically correct. (2020: 20/20). Classes happened to be in Canandaigua, in the Historical Downtown District. One evening after class, we took a walk up and down Main Street. I fell in love with the big windows of the shops, the history and the quaintness of the street.  Next class we talked with Sean about our idea.  Did he think that Canandaigua would be interested in a boutique? Well, he encouraged us and suggested we contact BID.  I did.

Denise at BID was/is a huge help! I learned so much about downtown, leases, landlords, where to be. She helped me connect.  I was ready…..alas the bank was not. Everything was put on hold in 2021. Jeff and I reevaluated.

By the end of 2021, I was ready to try again. The bank said yes. Now it was time to put it together. And WOW I didn’t realize how many steps there were. I thought it was to hang a sign and open the door.  I still needed to find a place to hang my sign.  The spot we are in now is the last shop I looked at. It was small. It was dark. Did I mention it was small? But what sold me was the small back room. It is the perfect place for a lab! And how much wall space do you need to display frames? Did I mention it had a “porch”…..

And now a year later, I look out my front window and feel grateful for making it this 1st year.  We are filling a niche. I was able to curate frames no one else carries in the Canandaigua area. Some of the frame lines are exclusive to me in the Rochester area. It is so exciting to research and bring in these frames for you!  But the most satisfying part is when they go home with you!  

This year looks to be just as exciting as last year. I’ll still carry Tom Davies, Maui Jim, Kaos, Sea2See and OWP. Keeping the same business model of offering nothing but the highest quality lenses, frames, and service. So, you can see your best, BUT not like everybody else.

Wait and see what I have coming in. A little NYC history to Canandaigua.