Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Gibbs.
Hi Janice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2001, I opened an optical boutique in downtown Asheville and wanted to carry inventory that was unique to the Western NC area. The business was a success and now I have both of my daughters along with amazing staff working with me. We opened another location in the Biltmore Village area, also in Asheville.
After 2 years, we decided to have another look at Greenville. We visited Greenville several times and decided that we love Greenville too. It seems like everything happened as it should and all our plans fell into place with ease. When we arrived to meet with the realtor for a tour of locations available, we didn’t even try but found parking directly in front of our current location at 121 E McBee.
It was meant to be. Finding our licensed optician/manager was a little more difficult but again things fell into place.
Our apprentice on our creative team is Cara. She is married to the realtor that found the store location with is.
Anyway, we’ve been open at the new location for about 1 year and are very excited to be included in the Greenville scene.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Covid has complicated life for almost everyone and some of our staff contracted Covid in the past causing us to shut down locations for short periods of time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Along with all the technical knowledge of optics, understanding various conditions of the eye, understanding the mechanics of eyewear and the materials used along with the numerous mounting designs for lenses.
Then there is the industry of fashion to the equation. There are so many facets to the world of high-end eyewear. It’s always changing and challenging, I love what I do.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a bit of a class clown. I loved art and was a cheerleader but in high school, I was involved with the work-released programs because I always preferred working over studying.
Contact Info:
- Website: loptique.com
- Instagram: @opticaldivaz
- Facebook: l’optique
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/l-optique-asheville?osq=loptique
Image Credits
Laura Coddington and Cara Draz
