The Starter Company Plus program is funded by the government of Ontario and delivered by the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County and Orillia. The program is designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow or buy a business. Participants receive mentorship from experienced business professionals, access to valuable training and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to pitch for up to $5,000 in micro-grants.
The Small Business Centre team is excited to share the companies they had the chance to work with this fall.
Meet Teresa Smith and Simplifeye Optical
At Simplifeye Optical, they’re more than just an eyewear retailer – Teresa is on a mission to redefine the eyewear experience, making it accessible, sustainable, and focused on quality. Teresa founded Simplifeye Optical to revolutionize how we choose our glasses. Whether you're young or young at heart, on a budget, or looking for luxury, Simplifeye Optical welcomes you with open arms and a stunning collection of frames curated to cater to your unique tastes. Simplifeye Optical believes that eyewear should be accessible to everyone, which is why Teresa offers in-home mobile optician services. No more navigating through overwhelming choices at a brick-and-mortar store - they bring the optical store right to your doorstep.
Mobile Visionary: Learn More About How Teresa’s Transforming the Eyewear Experience
- What is your favourite part about being an entrepreneur?
That I am in control of my own destiny- investing in myself, my future.
- What inspired you to start a business?
I wanted to give a more personalized and accessible approach to eyewear shopping. I knew I could deliver this using a mobile method which would also allow me flexibility in where I would offer my services and a flexible schedule to meet both my personal needs as well as those of clients.
- What services/ products do you offer?
Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, prescription lenses, custom clip-ons, frame modifications and repairs, and non-prescription sunglasses.
- Who do you look up to for inspiration when it comes to either being an entrepreneur or your business?
Arlene Dickinson and other female entrepreneurs, as an example. I always enjoy reading industry trade articles or magazines that focus on female leaders in this industry, especially small business owners.
- How did you come up with your business name?
I like to make things as simple as possible and eyewear and understanding your prescription can be overwhelming and confusing. I wanted my business name to convey how I can simplify the process for customers, and I love the fun play on the word (Simplifeye).
- What is unique about your business?
I help people choose glasses from the comfort of their own home or office instead of the traditional process of having to go to the optical store. This approach gives me the opportunity to provide a personalized approach to selecting eyewear that allows me to find them eyewear choices that suit their lifestyle, personal sense of style and unique visual needs. For those with mobility issues, lack of transportation, social anxiety, or those who are always ‘busy’, the in-home service is a big gamechanger.
- What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through your entrepreneurial journey?
I knew being an entrepreneur would be a lot of work and I spend more time on my business than I would a regular 9-5 job, but I love it. While not a complete surprise, was the notion of wearing many different hats. How in-depth I've had to dive into some of those other roles has been surprising. I'm learning code and backend tech stuff, which is not something I thought I would ever learn. You really learn to become a jack of all trades within your business, which is a good thing, because as you grow your business and you begin to hire or outsource for some of those roles, you have a better understanding of what you require, targets, benchmarks, etc.
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another entrepreneur?
The best piece of advice I would give is to network and to find a mentor and some great business resources to help you. Starting a business on your own can be a lonely endeavor at first as it's usually a one-person show. You can get some great advice, insights and access to resources you never knew existed that can help you along the way.
- What do you hope to achieve through the Starter Company Plus program?
I hope to have a clearer vision of my business moving forward, allowing me to better reach my target market and grow my business through better targeted marketing, funding access and networking with people to find some great partnerships.
Explore Simplifeye Optical Today
To learn more about Teresa and Simplifeye Optical, you can reach out via email at simplifeyeoptical@gmail.com or head to their website https://www.simplifeyeoptical.ca/. Follow Simplifeye Optical on social media to stay informed about their services.
Instagram: @simplifeyeoptical
Facebook: Simplifeye Optical
Learn More About the Starter Company Plus Program
To learn more about the Starter Company Plus program, reach out to the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia today at smallbusiness@barrie.ca or 705-720-2445.