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

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