Looking to launch a career that combined a problem-solving challenge with fashion and the ability to travel, Namita Karir dived into the world of opticianry at a young age. She’s now the manager of a luxury optical store at Yorkdale; find out more in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the manager of a luxury optical store, Karir Eyewear, in Yorkdale Shopping Center. I get to travel the globe to places like Milan, Paris and New York to scout for the latest products and designs.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
With two parents as opticians, I was born to work in the optical industry. Starting in high school, I worked at the Karir stores during evenings and weekends for pocket money. I wanted a career that was challenging (both mathematically and for problem-solving), fashion-based and allowed me to travel – this was a perfect and natural fit.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love building strong and trusting relationships with my clientele. They are extremely loyal and there is nothing more satisfying than helping them pick the perfect pair of glasses while pushing them to try something new and exciting. Finding the right lens for each person and frame can be challenging, as each situation requires a unique solution to ensure vision needs are met.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’d like to be more involved in the field of opticianry – there’s nothing more important to me than customers being treated professionally. Also, I’d like to still be servicing customers with their fashion and vision needs!
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is when you can look in the mirror and be satisfied with what you see. I find success at the end of the day when I know I did everything I could in a certain situation. That’s all one can expect from themselves.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I struggled with mathematics and physics all through high school, and now I use those skills everyday. Overcoming that obstacle, working hard, and finding success at college were the most memorable.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Make sure you pick a career you love to do. Money isn’t the answer to all, happiness is.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Karir Eyewear has donated over 6000 frames to schools for teaching purposes and third-world countries for poor vision needs over the last three decades. I really enjoy giving to charities, and we have supported a number of foundations through the donation of money, products and gift certificates over the years
Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years?
I’m too young to be thinking about retirement, but I can see myself doing a lot of travelling. I love working and I think it will be a long time before I can imagine not working.
What are you looking forward to most about retiring?
I’m looking forward to owning a small house overlooking the ocean somewhere on this wonderful planet.
What to you is notable?
Amazing customer service. It’s very hard to find great sales associates in today’s retail industry but I’m a definite return customer if I find great service.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry.