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IDESIGNS
HELPS PEOPLE
SEE WHILE
LOOKING GREAT
By Denis Langlois
Optician Kathy Jenkerson attributes the success
of iDesigns Optical to the genuine care she and her
staff provide to every customer that walks through
their door.
“My team is made up of carefully chosen individuals
that share the same passion for helping people to see
and look great while doing it,” says the owner of the
Trenton, Ont., optical shop.
“Our motto is ‘seeing has never looked so good!’ ”
Jenkerson has more than two decades of experience
in the optical industry. She opened iDesigns in 2013.
Six others also work at iDesigns, including a second
optician who recently joined the team. Recently,
Jenkerson took some time to discuss her business
and give us some insight into its success.
Q. Tell us about your clientele.
A. Our clientele varies. We have a very supportive community
that has graciously spread the word about our shop. Our
community is nestled in the Bay of Quinte region which is
known for its artisans, antique shops, wineries and overall
friendly village. We've been very fortunate to have support
from the military community as well; we are located basically
at the end of the runway of Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
Q. What are the primary brand names your store features?
A. We carry too many brands to mention but some include
Tom Ford, Silhouette, OGA, Spy, Ray Ban, Serengeti, Maui
Jim, Leon Max, Outspoken, Judith Leiber, Koali, Jean
Michel, L.A.M.B and Nadya Toto.
22 EYE FOCUS December Digital 2017
Q. What kind of marketing tools do you use?
A. We advertise through local newspapers, radio, our web
page and Facebook page which we have been fortunate to
have great comments and reviews on. We also donate to
many local charities which not only gives back to the com-
munity but also helps to get our name out there. Some of
our best advertising seems to be word-of-mouth. I always
ask each new customer how they heard and the general
consensus is they were referred by a friend or they saw
someone and asked "where did you get those fantastic
glasses?" I wear a smile of pride knowing how much we
help people to see and feel good about themselves.
Q. What are some of the benefits of operating an
independent outlet?
A. I like to have a variety of choices and want everyone feel
special in the pair of glasses they choose. Instead of selling the
same pair over and over again because it's a good-selling
frame, I choose to replace my frames with different models
so that my clients know they can have their own look. The
most popular style is your own style; whether it be simple
and elegant in shiny metals or bold and chunky plastics or
even combinations of both. We also ensure proper fits.
I always tell my customers "if it doesn't fit good it doesn't
look good, no matter how beautiful the frame may be."
Being independently run gives much more flexibility on
what frames and lenses I can offer my clients. I feel I can
help them better with more options available to me.