Ciarán McCarthy of Eyeful Things Optical in New Brunswick, Canada has built a sustainable business with an “underground / speakeasy” vibe. In this episode he talks about the “adventure” of entrepreneurship and the organic, intuitive way he is building his business.
Ciarán sources vintage deadstock and fine eyewear for his business. He has followed his intuition and created a career path that suits his strengths, with a kind of \"underground\" and very unique way of getting his products out there. For anyone who wants something different to the 9 to 5, this episode is for you.
I think his method of \"babysteps\" really frees us up from getting overwhelmed about the bigger picture. The result is a really successful business model where his passion and integrity shine through.
Have you caught up with the previous episodes? There’s something for everyone this season, Don’t forget to rate this podcast and share it with your friends. Thanks for sharing the joy!
Ciarán’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eyefulthings.optical
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaran.mccarthy/
Niamh’s Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/thewellnessclinicireland
Timestamps:
00.00 Intro
01:45 Ciarán’s Irish connection
04:40 His unique business
05:30 How he built up his business
09:00 Word of mouth / social media
12:32 Sustainability in younger generations
13:30 The adventure of thrifting
15:12 Changes in glasses manufacturing in the last few decades
18:00 Eye changes as you age
20:00 Helping people choose frames
23:00 Becoming an entrepreneur
24:20 Keeping up the day job
26:00 Keeping the business mobile
26:40 Having a brick and mortar office
30:40 Finding his core target market
34:15 How Entrepreneurship suits Ciarán
35:20 Being an introvert
38:25 Being self-employed
40:00 Challenges of “putting yourself out there”
43:40 \"Scaling up\" doesn't appeal
44:50 Being an \"underground\" retailer
46:05 Fine eyewear
47:40 Book/movie that made a big impression
49:40 Favourite meal
50:45 Motto for life
51:35 Idea of perfect happiness