Jaron Smith has been interested in opticianry since his first visit to an OD in his youth, where the practice had an on-site lab: “It was my first time getting eyeglasses, and that experience imprinted in my core memory. Even the sounds of the edger and the lab smell all piqued my curiosity about eye care.”

Jaron has been an optician in a wide range of roles and settings across the country. He is now a frame brand rep for 141 Eyewear, serving eight states in the Midwest, and a board member at large for the Show-Me State Opticians Society. Recognizing the importance of building a personal brand inspired him to launch JSpecs (jspecsinc.com and @jarontheframeguy on Instagram) to represent his work, providing an opportunity to operate professionally and independently based on his core values and aspirations.

“As a rep for 141 Eyewear, I’m given the opportunity daily to see how a thoughtfully designed product can be a real solution for the optician, their clients, and their community,” he says. He adds that independent eyewear gives the dispenser a chance to discover individuality, craftsmanship, innovative design, and materials. It also helps dispensing opticians connect with brands and products that align with their own values along with the values of their community.