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Faces of Kelowna was created to provide a connection between business owners and consumers, offering a deeper look into what makes them unique and recognized in their sectors. Over the next few months, expect to see 20 different entrepreneurs and community business leaders sharing their stories of business in Kelowna. We hope after reading about all of this year's Faces of Kelowna, you feel more connected to our community and the businesses that help it thrive.
In 2019, a remarkable marriage of art and science took place and Wink i Wear Optometry was born. Dr. Laura Draycott, owner of Wink i Wear Optical Boutique, and Dr. Tim Degelman, Optometrist and a founder of FYI Doctors, committed to taking eye-care in Kelowna to new heights of service, fashion and creativity.
Six years ago, Laura opened Wink i Wear Optical Boutique in the Pandosy Village. After scouring the globe for independent frame designers, she curated unique, fashion-forward eyewear not previously available to Kelowna. Today, clients come from all around to check out the new arrivals whenever they get a chance — a spec-tacular frame could be just around the corner!
Laura, a retired chiropractor and licensed Optician, has worked in the optical field for more than a decade.
After moving to Kelowna in 2011, Laura and her husband Stephen embraced the Kelowna lifestyle and community by supporting worthy causes such as COHA, Rotary International, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Opera Kelowna.
Their untiring commitment to these organizations has made a significant difference in our community. Dr. Degelman is a second-generation Optometrist with over 25 years of experience. He’s a founding member of FYI Doctors and continues his role on their Board of Directors.
In 2018, along with his wife Paula and their two sons Brock and Dane, they made Kelowna their home.
“My passion for optometry comes from my dad, who was my mentor and an Optometrist for 51 years,” said Dr. Degelman. “My summer job while I was growing up was working in his office and learning everything I could.”
The serendipitous meeting at a local fundraiser was perfect timing for both Laura and Dr. Degelman. “Wink i Wear’s business growth had reached a critical need for expansion,” said Laura. “Our space was small and on certain days, we needed a shoehorn to get all of the customers into the store. Our clients were requesting an onsite Optometrist and we wanted to expand our frame lines, but just didn’t have the room.”
With their visions aligned, they combined expertise and began working energetically on the renovations for their new space on Richter Street.
“Not only did we want to fill the space with the latest in optometric technology, but we also knew that we needed to create a space that felt inclusive and inspiring — a modern fusion of industrial warehouse with a twist of glamour,” said Laura. “Mission accomplished! The bright, newly designed store is a one-of-a-kind Optometry Boutique. Our customers can truly look beautiful and see beautifully.”
“I love the look on a patient’s face when they suddenly see the world clearly and see themselves in a very flattering frame, perfectly suited for their vision needs and to their face,” said Dr. Degelman.
Together, they look forward to providing friendly, personalized patient-care and exceptional eyewear to clients — always striving to bring the perfect balance of fashion and function. But what’s in store for the future?
“We have an expansive outdoor patio we can make available for community causes, fundraisers and special events.
As a local business we both feel it’s important to be authentic interactive members of our community. We love giving back to the place we live and the people that fuel us,” concluded Dr. Degelman and Laura.
All photography taken by NowMedia. Makeup provided by Jenny McKinney
Check out the rest of this year's Faces of Kelowna on our online publication page!
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