This past May 3rd, I celebrated my one year anniversary in running my own mobile optician business. This is what I reflected on as I thought over the year and where I am as I head into year number two.
I hope my story is encouraging to any of who may be considering a change, struggling with your current situation, or starting something new and possibly terrifying.
As I sit and reflect on this—the eve of my one-year anniversary—a lot of thoughts are vying for attention.
First and foremost: I own my own business. Some days, I still can’t believe it. I remember getting the first piece of mail addressed to Because Eye Care. I almost cried on the spot. That moment made it feel real.
There are days when I question myself—Should I have started this? Am I doing this right? On those days, my husband always reminds me, “Owning your own business is a good problem to have.” And he’s right. He also encourages me by saying, “Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you were brave enough to try.” That perspective has helped more than he probably knows.
I also find myself thinking back to all the circumstances that led me here. It wasn’t the path I would have chosen—but it’s the path that brought me to something I genuinely love. And for that, I’m grateful. Even the challenges that felt unfair at the time played a role. So, thank you—to those who supported me in obvious ways and those who helped me in more… unconventional ones.
Becoming a mobile optician has been quite the experience.
What a lot of people don’t see behind the scenes is just how challenging this journey has been—especially in the beginning. For the first year, I was juggling this business while working full-time. That meant early mornings, late nights, and weekends filled with appointments, paperwork, and figuring things out as I went. It was exhausting, but I kept going because I believed in the vision.
Eventually, I knew I had to make a choice. So I took the leap—and decided to focus solely on Because Eye Care. It was both terrifying and liberating. I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s been harder than I imagined, especially financially. There have been tough moments where I questioned if I could really make it work.
But I’m holding on to faith. Faith in the vision. Faith in myself. Faith in the people who’ve supported me this far—and in the ones I’ve yet to meet. And most importantly to me, my faith in God.
One of the greatest gifts in this journey has been the community I found through Secure Vision. The course gave me the tools to become a mobile optician, but more than that, it connected me to some of the most incredible people. We’ve lifted each other up, shared wins and frustrations, and reminded each other that we’re not alone in this.
So today, on the cusp of my one-year anniversary, I want to say thank you—to every client who has trusted me, every friend who’s cheered me on, and every colleague who’s offered support and advice.
And if you’re reading this and wondering if it’s worth taking a chance on me—I invite you to. I’ve built this business on care, convenience, and a genuine passion for helping people see better and feel better. I promise, it will be worth your while.
This past year has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect, but it’s also shown me just how capable I am.
I’ve learned that growth often comes wrapped in discomfort, and that small steps, taken consistently, can lead to big changes. I don’t have it all figured out—but I’m still here, still moving forward, and still believing. And as I step into year two, I do so with gratitude, hope, and a heart full of purpose.
Author: Vivian Butler
Author Bio:
I am a Licensed Mobile Optician on the Sunshine Coast BC. I am redefining the way the people of the Coast purchase their new glasses – by bringing the optical store to wherever they are most comfortable. Be that in their homes, offices or favorite coffee shop.
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