We recently connected with Sophia Pray and have shared our conversation below.
Sophia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Often I am the only one who looks like me in most situations. Having a very unique style at a very young age has always set me apart from the crowd. It was never something I did for attention, it just always brought me joy wearing things that made me smile. If my parents were to buy me clothing I knew I would only get a few new pieces and I always had to make sure they were special. My parents supported my individuality and never pushed me to change into someone I wasn’t. Because of the support from my family it was easy to accept that being different isn’t bad and that just because you are the only person in the room that looks like you actually makes you special. Because I have continued to grow in my own individuality as I’ve gotten older it has become a way for people to recognize me. Being recognizable can sometimes be hard but it pushes me out of my comfort zone and allows me to share my personal sunshine with others. People feel comfortable talking to me, they understand that even though I have a fun personal style that I work hard and know what I am doing. They are willing to hear my opinion because it is often coming from a different point of view and opens their eyes to new ideas. I not only look different but I think different and I’m not afraid to share my true thoughts that sometimes break the mold. It’s not easy, it takes a lot of courage and telling yourself over and over again that you meant to be here and that your opinion matters. It’s often easier said than done, but time and time again I prove to myself that I’m worthy and I belong in this room.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Professionally, I am an Optician / Office Manager of an optometrist office called Huntley Eye Care in Illinois. I started my journey in opticianry by chance. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and I always wanted to move to a larger city. After my parents passed away I felt it was now or never so saved up money, sold our house and moved to Seattle, WA without a real job but ready for an adventure. Prior to becoming an Optician I was a veterinary assistant, and while I loved it, it was very hard work and I was ready for change. I finally wanted to chase my dreams and get a job where I could be my true self, share my unique style and be creative. While job hunting my husband saw an ad for an assistant optician. I had no experience in optical, but decided to try and put myself out there. I have experience in sales, office management and veterinary medicine. I felt that with my past work history and personally wearing glasses, why not me? After the interview and being offered the job I found out later that it was between me and an experienced optician but they liked me better. This moment changed my life for the good and I found my true passion. I was finally in a point in my life that I was doing something I truly loved, learning a ton and staying true to myself. I was eager for knowledge and wanted to be the best I could. After living in Seattle, WA for about 5 years I was ready for change and decided to move to the Chicago, IL area for a new challenge. I was lucky to find the job I am currently working that was ok with my unique style and supported me in furthering my education and my personal goals as an optician. With this support it pushed me to want more and that’s when I applied to be a Transitions Change Agent, I had applied years before but was not selected, but because I wasn’t ready to give up I tried again and this time was selected. With my love of offering my patients the newest and best products on the market it was a perfect match. I started to focus on growing my personal brand on social media and gained followers. Seeing myself personally succeed at work and pushing myself for greatness I knew it was time for my next challenge. I applied to be a Transitions Healthy Sight Ambassador and couldn’t believe it when I became a finalist for this HUGE award! I often think that because I may not have the education others have that I am not worthy. But I know I have put in the work and deserve recognition for my hard work. I did not win the Healthy Sight Ambassador award, but being selected was a huge honor and worth celebration. Imposter syndrome is real and I know I need to continue to push myself and one day I will win. In the meantime I will continue to grow personally, push myself for my next adventure and know I am worthy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back when I started in the optical world the real success for me personally was to always focus on learning. Never stop learning. Many opticians in this field get to a point in their careers and just stop learning. A successful optician will know all the new products, the new frame trends and know who and why they should recommend those products to your patients. Second push yourself for more, sometimes being an optician seems like you have no room for growth but that is not true. Growth can be seen in many ways. Growth can be becoming the office manager/ Head optician at your office. Growth can be seen as volunteering for a local optical charity helping those who can’t afford eye exams/ glasses get them. Growth can be seen as pushing yourself to be seen in the optical world as a professional. Because of my personal knowledge of optical and staying on top of the trends it has set me apart as an optician. Knowing the ins and outs of the products you are recommending and having your own opinion as to why they are great makes you different. Always evolve as you grow.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking for other creative people in the optical field to collaborate with. I have made many friends in the optical world and would love to continue to grow our friendships. I have learned so much from the optical friends I have made and they have helped me realize my worth and my desire for greatness. If anyone would like to collaborate with me connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to become more of a brand ambassador for companies who align with my unique independent personality. Spread the word that you are worth investing in yourself and that eyewear is a worthy investment. Seeing is everything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxysofa/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiapray/
Image Credits
I have rights to all images they are taken from my personal phone.
