CAZENOVIA — This spring, Eye Love Optical Boutique in Cazenovia is celebrating its first anniversary.

Shawna Clarke, owner and operator of Eye Love, has been a New York State Licensed Optician for over 15 years, working in retail, medical care, and now her own practice.

Clarke said the decision to go out on her own was inspired by a desire to provide the best possible care to her customers.

“After years of watching big-box retailers force their way into the optical industry, I felt that people deserved better,” she said. “They deserved better than the limited options and poor quality of the eyewear and lenses available at most retail locations. They deserved to look incredible, feel great about themselves, and enjoy the best vision possible by [being offered] the highest-quality frames, lenses, and coatings on the market, regardless of brand.”

Clarke is also an advocate of independent eyewear manufacturers, which, she explained, have been pushed out of the market by the rise of large conglomerates.

“Eye Love is a place where customers can find the most unique, bold, beautiful, independent eyewear on the planet,” she said. “We sell eyewear as unique and as beautiful as the customers who buy from us, and that is what lights me up every day.”

The entrepreneur is also a mother to Kayla, 23, Liam, 10, and Cameron, 7.

Clarke recalled that after years of commuting 30 to 40 minutes each way to work, she felt robbed of her time with her children. Ultimately, her desire to work closer to them and to play a more active role in their lives motivated her to open her own business locally.

“I knew that if I were to open my own business it would be here, in our hometown of Cazenovia,” she said. “The location of my boutique allows my children to visit, help at the store, and be an active part of its success.”

According to Clarke, her children have played prominent roles in the Eye Love story since the beginning — helping with everything from deciding on the business name, logo, and store concept, to renovating the retail space.

“The whole family helped out with drywall, flooring, painting, new counters, shelving, lighting, you name it,” she said. “. . . The kids have been part of it all, and it fills my heart for them to experience firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to open and sustain your own business. It’s been one of the best educations I could imagine for them.”

Although Clarke had been seriously considering opening her own business for years, she held off until the right opportunity presented itself.

When the space at 1 Lincklaen St. became available, she decided to take the leap.

According to Clarke, the space was the perfect size, location, and layout for her needs, and although she knew it would require some work, she could envision her future boutique.

The only problem, she recalled, was the timing.

“We were smack dab in the middle of an unprecedented global pandemic,” she said. “Bad timing, to say the least. Businesses were closing, lockdowns were the norm, and here I was thinking about jumping into the deep end and starting my own business. Nervous is understated.”

Despite her apprehension, Clarke left her job last spring to dedicate herself fully to her business.

After long nights, many tough decisions, tons of paperwork, and lots of renovation, Eye Love opened in June 2021.

“The response has been phenomenal,” said Clarke. “I’ve been so proud to serve my community and outfit men and women with some of the most beautiful and unique eyeglasses around. It’s been a blessing on so many levels.”

In addition to serving her customers, Clarke has also found satisfaction in being part of the Cazenovia business community.

She has particularly enjoyed working with other local business owners on new ways to promote Cazenovia as a whole.

“We have a lot of great new businesses in Caz and many incredible long-standing businesses as well,” she said. “We all help out and root each other on. I feel lucky to be part of such a strong and welcoming group of business owners.”

On June 7, from 4 to 8 p.m., Eye Love will celebrate its anniversary and give back to its customers with the Eye Love Trunk Show, a special event featuring the entire 2022 line of Face a Face Paris eyeglasses and sunglasses — some of Clarke’s most popular offerings.

The event will also include refreshments, lite bites, and giveaways.

“More importantly, it’s a chance to try on and purchase some of the most beautiful and exclusive eyewear available,” said Clarke.

To learn more about Eye Love and its offerings, visit eyeloveboutique.com.