Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Ross.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our journey to becoming opticians started back (before we met) in the early 2000’s. I was a teenager craving a science-minded career path, so I decided to get a job in the opticianry field to see if I liked it enough to go to school for it. Turns out it was perfect! Around the same time, Clinton was moving back to Florida and wanted to make a career change. He found opticianry and was hooked right away. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable opticians and doctors in Florida, who generously took the time to teach us their methods. Doctors we still learn from and have amazing relationships with to this day. After 20 years in the business we were discouraged by the shortcuts and lack of empathy that fill typical optical shops. We knew we had the technical skills to excel at making the perfect pair of glasses and we craved something with soul, not just in products offered but in relationships with the people we serve. We decided to open a new shop. These days most optical shops are owned by optometrists. Optician owned is increasingly uncommon but used to be popular decades ago. We knew of one such legacy in Jacksonville, Patty Davalt, her shop had been operating in Jacksonville since 1958. We’ve always admired how she navigated her underdog status in a big box industry, so we couldn’t think of anyone better to turn to for advice when we were ready to open our optical boutique. We asked to pick her brain and she agreed, which was when she told us she was looking to retire. I’ll never forget the goosebumps the three of us shared when she said, “I’m a firm believer that God brings me people that need me and people I need. No one but my husband knew I was thinking about retiring and then here you are, sitting in front of me, a week later.” The stars aligned and within a few months Patty was passing the Davalt Optical legacy on to us. We still pinch ourselves nightly. The location, the people, the differences we get to make in our communities lives, we couldn’t have architected a better fit if we tried. Five years later we moved our shop from 5 Points Riverside to downtown Jacksonville and although we miss our old home, we have been thrilled with the decision.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We took over the business January 2020. Navigating COVID shut down was tough but we pulled through thanks to our wonderful customers loyal to Davalt Optical after all these decades. We faced months long street construction closures shortly after COVID along with building maintenance closures. Then we moved our established 66 year old business 2 miles away from it’s original location, disrupting the normal flow. We are now in our second year at our new location and it is finally running smoothly.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in the details that aren’t typically offered in other places. We offer complete eyeglass restoration along with repairs and customization options like gold plating. We partnered with local craftsman L.A. Mills who makes bespoke eyeglasses primarily from buffalo horn. If you can dream it, he can make it. We love to deep dive into complicated prescription lens solutions and are known for our unique, fun eyeglass selection. I am most proud to be the 3rd generation owner of our shop, to honor its legacy, keep its core values while innovating for the future and one day be part of that history.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Sunshine. Stepping outside in nature and feeling that warm glow makes a sad day brighter. So thankful I live in the sunshine state!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DavaltOptical.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davaltoptical/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davaltoptical
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/davalt-optical-jacksonville
- Other: https://www.lamillseyewear.com/
