Meet Your Neighbour: Blink Eyewear

Blink Eyewear offers a wide selection of designer eyewear sourced predominantly from European producers, many of whom make small batch, handmade or hand finished eyewear.  With over 30 brands and 200 different styles to choose from, Blink is a great place to find your new favourite pair of glasses.

“I do a lot of research and if any brand has a unique story, it really resonates with me” says Jessie Strype the owner of Blink Eyewear.

Jessie, who graduated from the University of Waterloo and went on to further graduate in Opticianry at Georgian College, opened Blink Eyewear in Collingwood Downtown in the fall of 2014. “I chose Collingwood because as a weekend skier I already loved this small town near the water.” recalls Jessie. “The small businesses owners in this town really know how to support each other.  I’m a huge fan of businesses supporting business and people supporting people.  In Collingwood there is a huge group of small business owners that are going to grow up together.  We’ve learned from the businesses that have come before us and we’re the ones that will help guide the businesses that come after us.”

Jessie feels fortunate to be able to tap into the resources that exist right here in downtown Collingwood.  She uses Mayka Marketing for social media and on many occasions, she’s been able to rely on Andrew’s Copy & Print Centre to ‘save her bacon’ when she needed a last-minute print job done.  She loves to support local and shops for new fashions at Cora Couture Fashion Boutique and frequents Gibson & Co., Sol Kitchen and Low Down Cocktail Bar.

Opening your own business is not for the faint of heart. “You need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.  If it were easy, everyone would do it.” advises Jessie. “You need to find your people…like-minded people that will be part of your peer group and support you. The level of gratitude I feel towards this community is almost unmeasurable.  We definitely know how to rally together and support one another.”

If you’re looking for a new pair of peepers, anything from classic and conservative to a unique piece of face art, check out Blink Eyewear.  You can find them at 23 Ste. Marie Street in Collingwood Downtown or visit their website at blink-eyewear.com.  Follow Blink on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blinkeyewearcollingwood or Instagram @blink.eyewear