With a Little Help From Tri-C, Eye Candy Named Second Best Independent Optical Retailer in the U.S.

July 14, 2015

Eye Candy Optical in Westlake has been named the second best independent optical retailer in the country by Invision magazine, a national publication for eye care professionals.

Founded in December 2013, the store has drawn heavily on Cuyahoga Community College know-how and personnel, including graduate Marina Syzdykov and student Jessy Maravola.

“Your Optical Technology program and staffing advice helped to build a very cool culture at Eye Candy Optical store,” co-owner Anton Syzdykov wrote in an email. “Marina is a star optician, and now we are training Jessy to be [a] great one as well. As we grow, we are positive that we will be hiring more Tri-C graduates.”

Marina Syzdykov graduated from Tri-C’s Optical Technology program in May and was instrumental in setting up the shop. Maravola works at the store part time and anticipates finishing the Tri-C program next spring.

“When they first were thinking about opening and designing their business model, they approached me to help them follow the law in Ohio,” said Molly Drenan, Optical Technology program manager. “Since then, the majority of their employees have been hired out of the Optical Technology program.”

Eye Candy specializes in high-end eyeglasses, carrying brands like Dior, Ray Ban, Oakley and more. It sports a funky interior design.

Nearly 50 businesses entered the competition, now in its second year. They were judged on interior appearance, exterior appearance, website and overall individuality. All will be featured in the July-August print edition of Invision.

“Second place is not a bad place to start,” Syzdykov wrote.