I am always amazed by the Spectacle Hut story. Little is known about the people behind this leading chain of eyewear stores, because the founders are low-profile, humble, hardworking and focused. Gary Khoo and his wife Sara Hay are my friends and I am so happy that Sara has agreed to this interview! A mother of four and a woman who proves that being partners with her husband at home and at work can mean success. Proof is in the growth of their chainstore, which they started just 14 years ago and is today the largest in Singapore with 40 stores. Spectacle Hut is also in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

Here’s my conversation with Sara:

Nanz: Sara, what is your position and role in the company?
Sara: I am the co-founder and director of Spectacle Hut. My role is to oversee all departments especially operations, marketing and merchandising.

You started Spectacle Hut with Gary 14 years ago. How have you grown as a person through your business journey?
I’ve learned to be less perfectionist, more forward-moving. I don't dwell on things and issues like I used to. Now I focus on finding the best solution and moving on — there are always too many things requiring attention all the time. We started as a small company with minimal resources, so I learn to optimize what is available, in every sense. I learned to work on a small budget, on a short notice, and to leverage to the maximum. I stretched myself a lot and discovered that I could do a lot just by being persistent and having a willing-to-try attitude. I wear many hats as a result and through all that, I have found that it is possible to have a family and a career at the same time.

What are the notable trends in your industry?
Many have gone for Lasik. I would not go for it. Practically all eye doctors and optometrists don't. We take a more precautionary stand especially having learned about the procedures and their negative effects on the eye tissues. Eyes should be kept as intact as possible so should one later develop conditions like cataract, glaucoma, retina detachment which are more common than people realize — some forms of cataract occur in all people after 60 years of age — the eyes should be able to withstand further trauma.

Still, the trend for Lasik has risen as convenience is key for some consumers. Hence, I started to bring in a wider range of brands of sunglasses some five, six years ago to not only to counter the loss of sales to Lasik, but also to promote eye protection and to excite consumers. Every Spectacle Hut outlet has a dedicated shelf for Gucci, Dior, Armani, Hugo Boss, Prada, Rayban, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Loewe sunglasses. In the city outlets, we have exclusive brands such as Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, DSquared2, which one won’t see often. We were also the first few to bring in Tom Ford eyewear before it became popular here.