What’s it like to be female entrepreneur in the optical industry? Ever thought of what it takes to become a “Girl Boss?” Find out for yourself next month in Vegas.
The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) is providing yet another way to connect members to leaders with a panel discussion on the many paths to becoming a “girl boss.” It will happen at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, and will bring a roundtable of female entrepreneurs in the optical industry together to share their stories and provide inspiration to attendees.
 
“Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs” is the latest event in the OWA’s Connection Series: Connecting members to Leadership Ideas.
 
Based on the OWA book selection, #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso, creator/CEO of Nasty Gal, moderator Christie Walker and six panelists from five companies will explore and provide insight into:  how they decided to run their own business, the challenges they’ve faced, how they’ve turned those challenges into opportunities, and how they became “Girl Bosses” of their own.
 
An interesting and diverse panel of female entrepreneurs from all areas of optical have been lined up for the event. The panel will include:
 
Corianna (Coco) Dotson and Brianna (Breezy) Dotson
The founders of the cutting-edge sunglass brand Coco and Breezy these sisters aim to reach new fashion heights and introduce fashion connoisseurs all over the world to their unique sense of style and original accessories. The duo are also brand ambassadors for Transitions Optical.
 
Corinne McCormack
Corinne McCormack, Inc., now a subsidiary of FGX International Inc. was founded by Corinne McCormack in 1993.  A former fashion and jewelry executive, she started her company over 20 years ago and was the first brand on the market to introduce handmade, optical quality, fashionable reading glasses. Today, Corinne McCormack, Inc. is now a subsidiary of FGX International, and is one of the most recognized names in high-end department stores and eye care professionals.
 
Ann Rea Miller, O.D.
Dr. Miller traveled on mission trips to Nicaragua in 2006 and 2007 with a group providing free eye exams and glasses to more than 1,000 individuals per week. Dr. Miller joined the practice of Optometry with Dr. Stephen CaJacob in Lima, Ohio in 2008 as an associate before opening her own practice, Visual Eyes, in 2014. Visual Eyes offers comprehensive eye care for all ages. The office also offers InfantSEE exams.
 
Kristin Ellsworth
The creator of the children's eyewear business, Peeps Eyewear, is also on a mission to increase awareness about early child vision health. Ellsworth is the winner of the 2010 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest--Business Services Division. She is a Board Member of Prevent Blindness Wisconsin and Co-founder of the Great Glasses Play Day with Jessica Butler. Her youngest daughter’s vision problems inspired Ms. Ellsworth to create her unique social enterprise.
 
Jessica Butler
Jessica Butler is the owner and designer for Eye Power Kids Wear. Her company focuses on creating t-shirts and products for kids and optical shops that make glasses, eye patches, and vision awareness fun. She has successfully funded multiple Kickstarter projects and is the Co-founder for Great Glasses Play Day, with Kristin Ellsworth. Her son’s vision problems inspired Jessica to create her company to help other parents and children who were dealing with similar challenges.
 
The event will be held Thursday, September 15, from 12 to 1:30 PM, in room 905 (Galileo), level 1, in the Venetian Palazzo Congress Center. The location makes it easy for Expo attendees to take a break from the exhibit floor or education area. Everyone is welcome (male and female). Registration is $30 for OWA members, $35 for non-members. Lunch will be served. Advanced registration is required.
To register, click HERE.