From Maternity Leave to Entrepreneurs – The Story Behind Three Optician Boutiques in Ostrobothnia

The optical industry has taken us to many different work environments and taught us a tremendous amount about people, customer service, and entrepreneurship. Together, we have 33 years of experience in the optical field, including work in several optical stores, retail chains, and an eye hospital.

Over the years, we have seen the diversity of the industry and learned to recognize the factors that truly make an optical store successful for both customers and employees. Being an optician is about much more than eye examinations. It involves meeting people, providing personalized service, and helping customers find the right eyeglasses and sunglasses for their needs. We met each other, as well as the ophthalmologists who are now part of our company, in 2020 at our previous workplace. We quickly found common ground. We realized that we shared the same views on customer service, quality of work, and how a workplace community should function.

Soon afterward, life took both of us back on maternity leave. Although life with small children was busy and full of activity, it was during that time, in 2022, that the idea of opening our first boutique in Vaasa was born. Starting a company in the middle of family life with young children may sound demanding, but for us it became a shared goal that brought energy and enthusiasm into our everyday lives.

During our maternity leave, we spent a lot of time discussing the kind of company we wanted to build: one where the best practices of the industry come together, where cooperation between opticians and ophthalmologists works seamlessly, and where customers are treated genuinely and warmly. The core values that guide us are customer satisfaction, professionalism, joy, dedication, and quality. These values are reflected in everything we do, from eye examinations to frame collections and color analysis services.

Starting the company required courage. It also required a tremendous amount of energy, perseverance, and faith that something meaningful would come out of it. Once our first store was up and running, we quickly found ourselves fully engaged in our work, and with the same energy we soon opened two additional boutiques in Kristinestad and Kokkola. Today, eight remarkable women work in our company, and we are proud of the workplace community that has grown around us. Our goal is to provide customers with high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses, as well as expert service in an approachable and welcoming environment.

Although entrepreneurship requires a great deal of practical expertise, we strongly believe in the importance of personal chemistry. What unites us is attention to detail, punctuality, and a sense of humor. Humor has been an invaluable resource, especially during busy and challenging times. In addition, we have learned that open communication and honesty are among the most important ingredients of successful collaboration. Everything should be discussed openly, directly, and constructively.

One of our most important support networks throughout our entrepreneurial journey has been Fenno Optiikka, a network of local optician entrepreneurs. As part of Fenno Optiikka, we are completely independent entrepreneurs, but we are never alone.

We especially want to encourage young people and those at the beginning of their careers to network boldly. Collaboration with fellow small business owners in the same industry can provide new perspectives, support, and valuable lessons from both successes and mistakes. It is important to remember that every experience has value, even if it may not feel that way at the time. Every workplace, every encounter, and every situation teaches us something. Sometimes it is only later that we understand why a particular experience was important for our professional growth.

That is why it is important not to burn bridges behind you. The optical industry, like many other industries, is surprisingly small. Good relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and business partners can carry you far into the future. Professional competence is important, but so are collaboration skills and a positive attitude.

There will always be a place for hardworking, flexible, and kind people. The path is not always straightforward, nor does it need to be. Often, it is through the twists and turns that we discover what is truly ours—and, in the best cases, the people with whom we want to share the journey. ❤️

Wishing you light, courage, and joy on your journey,

Sari & Hanne-Mari

Tuike