Meet Lucija Valentic from Lucija Valentic, Sandy Village Trader Interviews

Business Owner:

Lucija Valentic

Business Name:

Base Curve Optical

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What does your business offer?

Base Curve Optical is a full scope optical practice offering bulk billed eye checks and contact lens consultations to children and adults as well as a wide range of eyeglasses and sunglasses from local and international designers. My passion is sourcing ranges that are a little different to mainstream and I am an experienced eyewear stylist, as well as fully qualified optical dispenser. My optometrist Helen brings a wealth of knowledge with over 30 years in the industry. Helen is passionate about eye health and very caring and thorough when it comes to eye examination. Dry eye disease is of great interest to both of us and this is something we are going to explore more, once the current situation with Covid gets a little bit more under control. We also offer a wide range of sports eyewear and prescription goggles.

When did you open your business in Sandy Village?

Base Curve Optical was established two and a half years ago, and the premises literally fell into my lap. I knew about Sandringham as one of my best friends has been living in the area for over 20 years. I was on a lookout for an empty shop, on one of my rides along Beach Rd. I came through Sandringham saw the shop for lease, checked it out, liked it, signed the lease and here we are.

Why did you choose Sandy Village to run your business?

Main reason was that there wasn't an optometrist in the village. I thought there's podiatrist, physio, chiro, osteo, nutritionist and an optometrist would fit nicely in the Sandringham health hub as I'd like to call it.

Why did you start your business?

I've been managing optical stores for years, have been wearing glasses since I was 4 years old, I love chasing the latest looks in the fashion worlds but most importantly I genuinely love helping people choose best fitting frames for their face, I love helping kids with their visual needs. For example, we've helped a 10-year-old children successfully wear contact lenses, or goggles for swimming or basketball or soccer. I am a very sporty person and have been all my life and I totally understand what challenges children face and how to help them.

What’s your proudest moment in business?

Proudest moment in business is seeing client's reaction when they put their glasses on and they exclaim ohhh I love them. A child's smile or an excited jump, because that child is so happy with their new glasses. No money can buy that.

What’s something your business offers that people may not know about?

I always say to my clients I will not let you out of the shop with an ill-fitting frame, it's against my morals and at the end of the day you are representing me in the community.

Interesting facts about your business or yourself:

I am multilingual and have lived in 3 different countries. I never hiked and chose Kokoda in PNG as my first hike and ended up completing it twice. I am mum of a 10 year old boy and 14 year old girl , married and hubby picks up a lot of slack. Plus we have Charley our 5 year old rotti and two naughty kittens - Soxy and Boots.

What’s your favourite sport/team?

I am sports fanatic, I am an avid Melbourne Storm supporter, I follow Essendon in AFL and Bundesliga in soccer.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I love basketball and have played it for the most of my life. I love long distance running and have completed 5 full marathons and many half marathons. In 2018 I started dabbling in triathlon and have completed 5 half ironman. I'm currently training for my first full ironman.

Best thing about Sandy Village aside from your business?

Best thing in Sandringham, I gotta say is that friendly community feel. Food and eatery choices are endless. I support many of the local traders and they support me.

Apart from business, Sandy is a perfect spot for my training, Half Moon Bay is just down the road for the swim, Beach Rd for the bike sessions and trail for the run.

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