Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Gogosha.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My desire to introduce creative, personal, handmade eyewear to Los Angeles began long before the opening of Gogosha Optique in 2008. I represented independent eyewear designers, traveling the North America finding the right ambassador stores to showcase the collections and connect them with the wearer.
I found LA was lacking in options and there was nowhere I would shop for my own eyewear tastes in LA so I opened my own shop where I could curate my favorite independent handmade eyewear designs and connect with clients through precious fittings and storytelling.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Entrepreneurship is a testament to fortitude, persistence, tenacity, stamina, grace, and humor. It’s a risk and often a struggle. But overcoming obstacles is the name of the game. The learning curve is steep and with each lessons the next hurdle becomes a little shorter and the bumps and bruises a little less inevitable. We’ve moved locations after having an undesirable landlord. We learned how to be lean and flexible while opening pop-up shops while we built out a customized dream location which took substantially longer than anticipated. Now we’re in a space beyond what I could’ve imagined when I first began with 200 frames and a skeletal construction. We now have 1200 of the world’s most coveted frames, a full experienced and passionate team of opticians, and in-house workshop to cut and create custom lenses and frame finishes in a space that feels like my Tetris cathedral artspace playground. It’s all designed in service to the experience I imagined from the first time I opened the doors 11 years ago is now a reality.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gogosha Optique – what should we know?
We curate handmade, independent frames from around the globe. We fit, style, and guide a personalized selection process for each individual. We aid in creating an eyewear wardrobe based on needs, wants, moods, and occasions. We fill custom rx lenses and well as custom tinting, frame refurbishing. We offer rental services and styling for editorial, tv, film, music video, red carpet, and events. We encourage exploration and self-expression through a traditional medical device and elevate it to a vehicle of vision and art form. We feature a comprehensive, expertly curated selection of hard to find coveted design-focused brands such as Kuboraum, Theo, Jacques Marie Mage, Ahlem, Anne et Valentin, Masahiro Marayuma, Rigards, Blake Kuwahara to name a few.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Gai Gerardi and Barbara Reynolds of LA Eyeworks were the first designers of which I fell in love with wearing glasses. When I opened a shop, they were the first to welcome me to the community. They welcomed my voice and vision. Selima Salaun nurtured my curiosity and drive by giving me a chance as a young optician at the age of 20 in one of the most prestigious eyewear and accessory stores in NY. So many clients are our hero’s, disciples, advocates, cheerleaders, too many to name but our gratitude to them is immeasurable. We wouldn’t be here without them.
Pricing:
- Frames 250-1250
- Lenses 395-1395
- Refurbishing services 100-250
Contact Info:
- Address: 1555 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026 - Website: Gogosha.com
- Phone: 13236601122
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gogoshaoptique
Image Credit:
Lani Trock, Stephen Schauer
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