Healthy Magazine Healthy SoFlo Issue 58 | Page 20

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · MARCH 2018 THE EYE GLASS PLACE A CLOSER LOOK N estled in a shopping center, at the cross-roads of two of Miami’s busiest streets (US1 and Le Jeune, for the curious) sits an unassuming optical store by the name of The Eyeglass Place. At the heart of the project is a passion and dedication to craft that is unrivalled by the typical corporate franchise. In many ways, it could be called the fruition of a vision. It began over 15 years ago when Lisa, a Board Certified Optician and founder of the store, decided to dedicate her life to the practice of Opticianry. After a lot of hard work, she managed the optical department at the University of Miami Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, one of the nation’s leading eye hospitals. But while this position was prestigious, she felt a yearning to go out and create her own space. And so, The Eyeglass Place was born. Just by going through her selection, you can tell that Lisa’s sparkling personality can’t help but bleed into her work. It’s a collection that’s changing constantly, through it, she attempts to bring what she finds “different, unique from any part of the world” and in this quest she’s acquired a slew of styles, colors, and shapes to choose from. Through this meticulous and exploratory process, she has gained a reputation with customers who have a certain “joie de vivre” (as she likes to put it). These are people with a sense of style and a certain appreciation for quality and value. Lisa’s philosophy is that eyeglasses should be your best accessory, one that you need everyday, so why not give them the importance they deserve? When my customers see themselves in our frames they immediately agree and appreciate the style and youthfulness they bring. Our collections are desirable and inspiring. Our collections are desirable and inspiring. And that matters for some people. They can show up to the store and watch a video detailing how a particular set of frames was designed by the finest artisans in France. In it’s own way that gives person satisfaction about what they are buying. Or, even better, it may People shop here because there is an energy, a encourage them to take sense of joy and purpose that fills this small space. an extra-step out of their No one seems anxious to leave or be somewhere comfort zones. At the end of else. Its clear from the sense of ease, the friendly the day, that’s all Lisa wants chit-chat and the impeccable service, that somehow you to do. this magic mix works. By Andres Portillo 20 HEALTHY MAGAZINE