In the optical industry, becoming an entrepreneur can also mean joining a well-known retail chain. Franchise and partnership models offer different ways of combining entrepreneurship with an established business concept, brand, and operational support. Two entrepreneurs in the optical sector share their experiences of running a business within an optical retail chain.
Entrepreneurial opportunities offered by optical retail chains combine the independence of running one’s own business with the support of established structures and resources provided by the chain. This allows entrepreneurs to develop their business based on their own strengths while benefiting from the expertise and experience of the wider network.
Entrepreneurs may have access to ready-made systems for appointment booking and customer satisfaction monitoring, as well as support in areas such as financial administration, pricing, marketing campaigns, and store development. In addition, a recognized brand and an existing customer base provide a strong foundation for business growth.
Ultimately, entrepreneurs are always responsible for the success of their own business. With many support functions handled by the chain, they can focus more on developing their store, delivering excellent customer service, and leading their team. At the same time, they benefit from the knowledge of the chain and a network of fellow entrepreneurs with whom they can easily share experiences, insights, and best practices.
Ulpu Hakkarainen, Instrumentarium Koilliskeskus, Tampere: “Freedom best describes entrepreneurship for me”
“I have just completed my third year as an entrepreneur. Before starting my own business, I worked for various optical retail chains for about 13 years, including around four years in Stockholm. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to Finland, contacted my former supervisor, and ended up working for Instrumentarium. At the same time, entrepreneurship began to feel like a much more realistic option. I had considered becoming an entrepreneur before, but at the time I felt I was too young.
What I value most about franchise entrepreneurship is the support provided by the chain. It acts as a safety net. You have access to established systems, a well-known brand, and professional marketing resources. If you take over an existing store, as I did, you also inherit an established customer base. Especially in today’s economic climate, that is a significant advantage.
The support I received from the chain was particularly important at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. The early stages were challenging because entrepreneurship involved many areas in which I had no previous experience. Dealing with regulatory requirements, financial administration, and various practical arrangements felt especially demanding.
Reaching the end of my first year as an entrepreneur was therefore a meaningful milestone. Once all my obligations had been fulfilled and the financial statements completed, I truly felt that I had what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Looking back, I could have made even greater use of the support available from the chain. You do not need to know everything from day one, and you do not have to figure everything out on your own. Retail chains have a wealth of knowledge and experience, so it is well worth asking for help whenever you need it.
I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and even as an employee I was interested in how the business could be improved and developed. The best thing about entrepreneurship is the opportunity to shape your own work and everyday life. I can make decisions and develop the business based on my own ideas and vision. Freedom is the word that best describes entrepreneurship for me.
In my view, the optical industry offers excellent opportunities for entrepreneurship because people will always need vision care products and services, and the sector is not particularly sensitive to economic cycles. An ageing population is also increasing demand for these services.
To opticians and optometrists who are considering entrepreneurship, I would encourage you to start looking at your work from a business owner’s perspective and thinking about how it could be developed even before launching your own business. If you are interested in these questions and enjoy exploring them, entrepreneurship may be a great fit for you. If so, I would definitely encourage you to give it a try.”
Anssi Kivistö, Specsavers Seinäjoki: “As an entrepreneur, you can pursue your own dreams and goals”
“I graduated as an optician in 1987 and then spent about three years managing the Alavus branch of Keskus-Optiikka. After that, I worked at Silmäkulma Oy, first as an optician and later as Managing Director, until the company was sold in 2007.
Around the same time, Specsavers had entered the Finnish market, and my current business partner, Hanna Rautava, and I were invited to join. We both come from entrepreneurial families, so becoming entrepreneurs felt like a natural choice. One of the most significant moments of my career came 18 years ago, when we decided to become entrepreneurs together and build a business as part of the Specsavers network.
We were involved in establishing one of the first Specsavers stores in Finland. We started virtually from scratch. On our first day, we did not have a single customer, but since then the journey has been one of continuous growth and success.
What has always attracted me to entrepreneurship is the independence, freedom, and the fact that your success is largely in your own hands. As an entrepreneur, you can pursue your own dreams and goals. I am also motivated by the opportunity to influence and contribute. At Specsavers, I have participated in various working groups, forums, and discussions with leadership teams. While we cannot change everything, we can share our views and play a role in shaping and developing the business.
Specsavers provides entrepreneurs with a proven business concept, strong marketing support, and a well-known brand. However, an established concept alone does not guarantee success. It still requires the right attitude, expertise, commitment, and willingness to put in the work. Success ultimately comes from the entrepreneur’s own efforts and requires time, perseverance, and dedication. The drive and determination to succeed cannot be outsourced to a brand.
In the end, entrepreneurship in the optical industry is based on the same fundamentals as entrepreneurship in any other sector: expertise, personality, trust, and long-term commitment. Well-known brands themselves are built on emotional connections and customer trust. When a business already has a recognized brand and a loyal customer base, becoming an entrepreneur is often easier than starting a completely new company from scratch. Opportunities like this arise, for example, when acquiring an existing business and, so to speak, stepping onto a train that is already moving.
I would encourage anyone interested in entrepreneurship to explore the opportunities offered by our chain with confidence. New entrepreneurs should also make full use of the networks and collaborative opportunities within the optical industry. Although each entrepreneur is building their own business in their local market, we are also part of a larger community. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession.”
