Where to Begin?

As a self-confessed 'perfectionist' I've learned that it's often better to just begin.

For as long as I can remember I’ve enjoyed the process of writing. It allows me time to think, helps me process my thoughts, generate ideas and ultimately speak to the soul of another (if I do it well enough). I’ve started without the end in mind (unusual for me) and with only a vague idea of the topics I’d like to cover. All I know for sure is that for a long time now I have felt like I’ve had more to say than my social media and website allow for.

Full disclosure; I have a bricks-and-mortar and online eyewear styling business with my audience clearly defined. Yet somehow I’m viewing this outlet for expression differently. I’m not really sure if I’m correct to separate the audiences in this way, as it may be that I will attract the same type of people; just via this avenue instead of the alternatives.

My Happy Place - Eyestyle Studio

Why is it that we feel we can’t say more about ourselves, air our views, our hopes or our dreams on a business website or social media platform these days? Why do we feel the need to separate or even hide our ‘true selves’?

Perhaps some of my reticence to share stems from an awareness that there are two facets to my audience. There’s the glasses wearing public who follow to find unique eyewear and expert advice, and then there’s the optical industry followers (think other opticians and eyewear manufacturers) who follow for ideas or based on a previous role I had in the field. Both are important, and for the last 6 years at least I’ve focussed on the former. I’ve spoken to those people who are actually parting with money (I’m forever grateful) and helping me grow this feisty little business. I wonder with this platform whether there’s a way to blend and connect the two?

With all of this in mind I’ve learned from experience that it’s often better to just start. Because starting somewhere is better than overthinking and getting nowhere. So if you’re here and reading I thank you. I promise to experiment with topics and get clearer as I go, both with regard to what I want to write about and what you would like to read.

You can expect a mix of articles and opinion pieces on:

1. Eyewear - in all its forms.

2. Styling - top tips for choosing glasses and examples of what works and why when it comes to glasses.

3. Design - I’ll explore development, design and manufacture and chat about why all of these things are important if you want to own glasses that you truly love.

4. Sustainability - Having recently gained Net Zero Eyecare status and trying my level best to source, buy and sell stock in a more sustainable way, I’ve got opinions.

5. Small business - as a solo female business owner/operator I’ve got thoughts, wins and challenges to share.

At this point I’m not sure on the frequency of articles and am also hesitant about over-committing so it’ll be free to subscribe. This is likely to change as I learn.

The History

I’ll try not to bore you, but of course there will be those reading who want to know who I am, what I do, how I got here and what qualifies me to comment in the first place. So here goes…

• I’m Rebecca. An Eyewear Stylist, Dispensing Optician and glasses geek from the North of England. Yes, I do have the Lancashire accent (see social media for realness).

• I’ve worked in the Optical Industry for 18 years (sh*t, that’s a long time). I’ve been through the roles as Receptionist, Dispensing Optician, Practice Manager, Group Manager, Optical Business Coach, Trainer and Marketer. I’ve worked in and with independent stores, and seen the other point of view in a high street big name multiple.

• Always wanted to do things differently. I talk style and look. Not because I’m not interested in or can’t do the other stuff (techy lens and clinical aspects) but because that’s what YOU as the glasses wearer worry about most. And, being honest, it’s the frames and your resulting confidence I get a buzz out of!

• Like many before me I decided that after a second child this was the perfect time to launch my own business. It wasn’t perfect by the way… and I did it with zero money but that’s a story for another day.

• I’ve got northern soul and heart. I know that glasses are more than just glasses. Yes they are the tool by which you live your life and fullfill your dreams. But they are also a reflection of who you are. For many, they are the first thing you put on in a morning and the first thing people see about you. They’re never ‘just glasses’, they have associations and memories attached to them like no other inanimate object.

Fancy sticking around? I’d love you to subscribe and I’d love to hear your suggestions for future articles too.

Rebecca x

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