Ep/011: Discover the Trailblazing Woman Revolutionizing Eyewear Customer Service
“Exceptional customer service isn’t just about meeting needs—it's about creating memorable experiences that make every customer feel valued and appreciated."
Amanda Nasser
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In this episode of Storefront Strategies, host Lee Midlane sits down with Amanda Nasser, the passionate founder of McClintock Optical Styling Boutique in Lossiemouth, Scotland. Amanda shares her journey from optometry to creating a unique business focused on personalised eyewear styling, offering a fresh perspective on customer service and business innovation in a challenging market.
Episode Highlights:
[00:01:00] Amanda's Background and Business Journey: Amanda discusses her early life, educational background in optometry and dispensing, and the transition from running a home eye care business to launching her optical styling boutique.
[00:03:00] Inspiration Behind the Business: Amanda reveals the motivations that led her to open a physical store, driven by the desire to help people find eyewear they truly love, after noticing many customers were dissatisfied with their glasses.
[00:04:00] The Challenges of Starting a Business in Lossiemouth: Facing low footfall and introducing a new concept to the area, Amanda talks about the obstacles she encountered and how she overcame them with creative marketing and window displays.
[00:07:00] Mastering Social Media and Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone: Initially inexperienced with social media, Amanda explains how mentorship helped her gain confidence in video marketing and using social media platforms to promote her business effectively.
[00:08:00] A Day in the Life of an Optical Stylist: Amanda shares what a typical day looks like in her boutique, emphasising the importance of commitment, customer service, and the flexibility needed to manage a location-based business.
[00:09:00] Ensuring Excellent Customer Service: Amanda details her approach to providing an exceptional customer experience, from offering refreshments to creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment for her clients.
[00:11:00] The Importance of Personality in Eyewear Styling: Lee and Amanda discuss how choosing glasses is deeply personal and reflects one’s personality, with Amanda emphasising the role of trust in the stylist-customer relationship.
[00:14:00] Memorable Customer Experiences: Amanda recalls touching stories from her clients, including a customer who found confidence in wearing glasses for the first time, showcasing the impact of her work on people's lives.
[00:17:00] Adapting to Market Changes and Consumer Behaviour: Amanda talks about the growing demand for personal attention and the trend toward supporting independent businesses, as well as how she has adapted her business to these shifts.
[00:21:00] Overcoming Pandemic Challenges: Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda shares her creative solutions, including video consultations and moving to larger premises during the lockdown.
[00:25:00] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Amanda offers valuable advice for those looking to start their own business, stressing the importance of good IT systems, market research, customer communication, delegation, and maintaining a good cash flow.
Key Takeaway:
Amanda’s journey highlights the importance of passion, resilience, and a customer-focused approach in building a successful business. Her experiences provide inspiration and practical insights for anyone looking to start or grow a brick-and-mortar business.
Where to Find Amanda:
Visit Amanda’s boutique at the Marina in Lossiemouth.
Follow her on Instagram: McClintocks of Lossie
Follow her on Facebook: McClintock Optical Styling Boutique
Listen Now:
Don't miss this engaging conversation with Amanda Nasser, where she shares her unique approach to optical styling and the lessons she's learned along the way.
Subscribe to Storefront Strategies for more episodes that bring you real stories, challenges, and triumphs from brick-and-mortar business owners.
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Special Thanks:
Special thanks to all our listeners joining us for this journey. Your engagement and feedback fuel our mission to empower each business owner to succeed.
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and actionable advice tailored for bricks and mortar entrepreneurs. Let's build strong foundations and thriving businesses together!
