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The Hustle

Name: Anja Jakupovic (Optik St. Pete)

Posted By Megan Holmes

Anja Jakupovic is hustling to make sure that St. Pete residents have every option to treat their eyes well. Wearing glasses every day means accessorizing constantly. Jakupovic's business, Optik! St. Pete, specializes in high end eyewear and specialty one of a kind pieces that can't be found anywhere else. Her unique products are combined with her expertise as a trained and licensed optician to find the perfect eyewear for every need and every face. Located on Beach Drive, Anja brings her high end collection to the high end clientele that frequent St. Pete's trendiest district.

Years in Tampa Bay

Lived in St. Pete for two years but I have been in the Tampa Bay area for 19.

Hustle (job)

Founder/CEO
Board Certified Licensed Optician

What do you do?  

I fit eyewear that is anything but ordinary. I also make sure I educate my clients on what makes quality eyewear, and why it is important to see an optician vs. shop for eyewear online.

Why do you do it?

We all only get one set of eyes, and have to treat them with love. I love beautiful eyewear and optics, and being able to combine the two and educate people along the way is a win-win for me.

What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)

After climbing the ladder in the optical industry and exhausting my options for growth at my last employer, I knew it was the right time to take a bigger step and take a risk. It was the only way I could start implementing my vision of how an optical boutique should operate and introduce beautiful eyewear that is not readily worn. Part of my concept was to introduce OPTIK! brand, which are all single piece items that are only made one time, to create a true one-of-a-kind look.

What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?

A lot of people do not know what an “optician” actually is. A licensed optician is not a sales person. We are like the pharmacist that specializes in filling your prescription correctly. We are able to transform your prescription into several different lifestyle needs and combine them with the appropriate frame to go with it.

What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?

The fact that I go into my store every day without knowing if I will have any customers. It is a challenge when you do not know what to expect for the day, but it also pushes me to do more and helps me come up with new ideas for my store.

What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?

Take notes and listen to your customer. It has really helped me curate a perfect collection for my store and get a better understanding of what my clients are looking for.

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