By: Seraphina Quinn
In the bustling landscape of entrepreneurial success stories, few narratives capture both tenacity and innovation as vividly as that of Annette Sollars. Owner and operator of Eye Want, a thriving eyewear boutique for 27 years, Annette embodies a rare blend of expertise, resilience, and foresight. Her journey, spanning nearly four decades in ophthalmology, is an invitation for investors to be part of a legacy that merges medical science, art, and retail excellence.
A Career Rooted in Expertise and Innovation
Annette’s career in ophthalmology began 39 years ago. During this time, she mastered every facet of the industry. Certified in opticianry, she ventured into designing medical garments and devices. Recently, she filed eight patents—six for medical devices and two for tech startups. This innovative approach is reflected in her businesses: Eye Want, Eyeporium Gallery established in 2007, and Apothecary launched in 2014. Each venture is a testament to her commitment to merging health, art, and retail.
Photo Courtesy: Annette Sollars
A Story of Resilience in the Face of Adversity
What makes Annette’s story especially compelling for investors is not just her professional success. It is her indomitable spirit. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and later breast cancer, she underwent 38 surgeries and chemotherapy. Despite these health challenges, she continued to operate her businesses. She built them into the thriving entities they are today. Such resilience is not only inspiring; it signals to potential investors that her enterprises are built on strength, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.
Photo Courtesy: Annette Sollars
International Recognition and Expertise in Optics
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Annette has been featured in international publications like Elle and Playboy magazine. Additionally, her involvement in fitting eyewear for celebrities such as John Malkovich has placed Eye Want on the radar of discerning clients. Annette’s expertise extends to teaching and instructional courses in optics. This contribution showcases her desire not just to succeed, but to elevate industry standards.
The Opportunity for Investors
Now, Annette is poised to scale Eye Want into a franchise. This presents an opportunity for investors to join a journey that is about building both a business and a brand. “As entrepreneurs, we build businesses to enrich the lives of others and ourselves simultaneously,” she emphasizes. Her vision is to see Eye Want become a national, if not global, brand that delivers quality eyewear and personalized service.
Photo Courtesy: Annette Sollars
A Transparent and Strategic Approach to Business
Investing in Annette’s franchise model means partnering with a leader who understands both the nuances of retail and the intricacies of medical-grade eyewear. Her meticulous attention to detail in designing medical devices, paired with her aesthetic curation of eyewear, sets Eye Want apart. She is not merely selling glasses. She is offering a holistic vision of health, art, and technology that appeals to a broad and discerning clientele.
Annette’s exit strategy is grounded in reality. She is transparent about her vision: to scale, sell, or, if necessary, face the potential pitfalls of business. This candid approach demonstrates her strategic mindset. It makes her not just a business owner, but a thought leader. As she pursues TEDx talks and seeks recognition in platforms like Forbes and USA Today, investors can trust they are backing a brand with a solid roadmap for growth.
Join a Visionary Journey
By partnering with Annette Sollars, investors contribute to the expansion of an eyewear empire. They align with a brand that champions innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking retail. For those ready to see their investment grow with a legacy built on vision and excellence, Eye Want offers more than just a business opportunity—it offers a chance to be part of an inspiring success story.
To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit Eye Want’s website or follow Annette on Instagram at @eye_want_eyewear. This is not just an investment; it is an invitation to join a narrative of perseverance, innovation, and impact.
Published by: Khy Talara
