The Tint We View Life Through: Participant Spotlight on Modern Optix
Please welcome the Seattle Restored Collective Market participants of Cohort 3! We’ll be sharing some of their stories over the next few weeks. First up is Eva Spicher who is making custom eyewear bright, modern, and fun.
Q: Tell me about what drew you to creating your business idea.
A: I’ve been an optician for almost 20 years now. An optician is someone who measures, fits and makes glasses. I was the buyer and manager for over eight years at both Seattle Eye Mds and Oculus Eyecare in South Lake Union. I learned so much in those two positions.
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I’ve always had a dream of owning my own business. After taking a little time off in 2021, I got to work creating my vision and formed Modern Optix in early 2022. Throughout my career I’ve always been passionate about lens details–especially tints!–and decided to build my business on that concept.
Q: Why did you want to participate in the Seattle Restored program?
A: I found out about the Seattle Restored program through Do206 and couldn’t believe it existed! I knew I wanted to be a part of the solution immediately.
Q: What’s it like working with other participants on the Collective?
A: I have loved getting to know some of the Seattle Restored entrepreneurs. I think that meeting some of them are the best takeaways from this experience. I see the drive, dedication and commitment in their work and I know I’m not alone.
Q: How has this experience changed your business trajectory?
A: Having the experience of setting up shop and designing this retail space has renewed my passion for having a retail store front. My current studio is beautiful but a bit more private in a secure building and I’ve really enjoyed the exposure and interfacing with the community downtown.
Q: Has your experience with Seattle Restored so far opened up other opportunities?
A: Modern Optix focuses on lenses, the filter we view life through, both in prescription and non-prescription. I have a Dip Dye Lab and Lounge in the West Seattle ActivSpace. There I design, create and cut lenses.
I designed a special collection of tinted eyewear for the Seattle Restored Collective Market utilizing what we call NOS or New Old Stock, also known as vintage frames.
Q: Anything else you want customers to know?
A: I specialize in offering custom lenses as well as frame tinting, adjustments and nose-pad installs on plastic frames for a more universal fit.
In my studio in West Seattle I carry seven handmade eyewear lines that are made in Brooklyn, Italy, and Germany. I also carry Rudy Project, a brand known for providing technical performance glasses for cycling.
I’m at the Seattle Restored Collective Market several days a week and otherwise am available for styling appointments at my Studio in West Seattle.
If you’re interested, you can see what’s available and book a fitting with me at Modern Optix. I welcome any vision inquiries at Eva@ModernOptix.com.
Visit Modern Optics at the Collective Market
Address: 1503 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
Open hours:
Thursday | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Saturday | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday | 12:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dates: January 14 – April 23