Exploring Life & Business with Dashaini of Smartbaby Decor LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dashaini.

Hi Dashaini, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a pediatric optometrist, educator, and advocate with more than 15 years of experience advancing children’s eye health. Born and raised in Toronto, I moved to California to pursue my Doctor of Optometry degree, completed a pediatric residency, and went on to serve as an assistant professor at multiple academic institutions. Over the course of my academic career, I received multiple teaching and leadership awards, was invited to speak on respected platforms, and served on several committees focused on strengthening infant vision care, medical education, and access pathways for vulnerable populations.

I ultimately became the co-director of a nonprofit eye clinic in South Central Los Angeles, where I helped expand access to specialized pediatric vision services in underserved communities. Alongside clinical practice and teaching, I dedicated nearly two decades to pediatric vision research, with a strong focus on equitable access and diverse representation.

After stepping away from academic leadership to raise my son, I launched Smartbaby Decor—a mission-driven company creating development-focused nursery products, including specialized collections for children with visual impairments. Through free parent consultations and my “Ask Dr. Dash” program, I support families seeking clarity and confidence in understanding their child’s vision. I also remain deeply committed to service, volunteering with Partners for Pediatric Vision and Serve the People Community Health Center, where I provide no-cost consultations to families of children with visual impairments, and coordinate a mobile school-based vision program delivering eye exams and glasses to students in need.

Across every chapter of my career, my purpose remains the same: to help children see their world more clearly and empower families with knowledge, access, and compassionate care.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I faced many barriers throughout my career—including persistent ageism, sexism, and instances of workplace harassment. These challenges were difficult, and at times discouraging, but they strengthened my resolve and shaped me into a more resilient and intentional leader. Along the way, I learned to navigate institutional red tape, champion change even when it wasn’t welcomed, and distinguish between those who rise with you and those who resist progress. These experiences sharpened my advocacy, deepened my commitment to inclusive leadership, and made me a stronger changemaker for the communities I serve.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Smartbaby Decor is redefining what a nursery and children’s space can be. Rather than decor created only for parents’ aesthetics, we design environments that actively support a child’s visual development—from infancy through the school-age years. Our mission is simple: make children’s spaces not just beautiful, but purposeful, enriching, and development-focused.

What makes us different is the science behind every product. As a pediatric optometrist, I personally design each piece using real techniques from infant eye exams—translating clinical knowledge into adorable characters, bold patterns, and scenes babies can actually see and learn from. Every design is sized and calibrated for appropriate viewing distances and visual milestones, with specialized adaptations available for children with visual impairments. We also offer braille, sensory options, and custom designs tailored to specific visual needs—because every child deserves a space made for their world.

But innovation means nothing without safety and accessibility. As a mom and doctor, I’m deeply committed to quality and transparency. Our wall art is vinyl-free and VOC-free, our linens are organic cotton, our packaging is recyclable, and we test all products to CPSIA child-safety standards—even when it’s not required. Families deserve peace of mind, and babies deserve safe beginnings.

Smartbaby Decor makes it easy, convenient, and affordable for families to create development-rich nurseries and play spaces. Whether you choose from our curated collections or work with us on a custom design, we help turn your vision into a purposeful environment that evolves with your child. We even provide free nursery design consultations and our “Ask Dr. Dash” service—a direct line for parents to get clarity, next steps, and trusted guidance about their child’s vision.

We believe a nursery should do more than look cute—it should spark curiosity, build visual and cognitive skills, and support every milestone. Smartbaby Decor challenges the traditional idea of a nursery and children’s room, transforming it into a place where learning begins from day one. Beautiful. Smart. Meaningful. Designed for their eyes, their development, and their future.

What are your plans for the future?
I have bold plans for the future. I’m dedicated to expanding Smartbaby Decor’s developmental product collections and redefining what early childhood environments can be—places designed not just to look beautiful, but to nurture every child’s potential. Beyond our products, my mission is to spark greater awareness around pediatric vision health and ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to the care and support they need to thrive. This work is deeply personal, and I’m committed to building a world where all little learners can see, grow, and dream without limits.

A core mission I’m passionate about is shining a light on the limitations of standard school vision screenings. Many screenings only check clarity of sight, overlooking essential visual skills that impact learning and development. One patient’s story has stayed with me: a teenage girl who had passed traditional screenings for years, received glasses, yet continued to struggle academically. After a comprehensive eye exam, I diagnosed her with a common pediatric vision condition called Convergence Insufficiency. With proper treatment, her grades soared—and she became the first in her family to attend college. She later returned to ask me to help her raise awareness so children like her wouldn’t grow up thinking they were “just not smart enough.”

Kids like her are the reason I do what I do. My goal is to help families on the largest platform possible—so every child has the chance to see clearly, learn confidently, and reach their full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smartbabydecor.com
• Instagram: @smartbabydecor
• Facebook: @smartbabydecor
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dash-retnasothie/