It sounds like a daydream: Oprah walks into your optical shop.

For optician Yolanda James, it’s reality—as her optical boutique, InSight Opticians in Washington, D.C., is one of Oprah’s favorites.

So, what’s her top advice to fellow optical bosses?

“Always exceed your clients’ expectations while offering an experience that they will definitely tell others about.”

As business owners today work to provide a high-quality, concierge experience for customers, taking pointers from James (for both the in-store and virtual encounters) is key.

Here, she dishes on eyewear, spoiling her canine, and more.

Your most distinct characteristic?

The ability to combine my degree in graphics/advertising art and retail management experience with the science of optics.

Greatest source of inspiration?

My mom and my former business partner’s mom—both independent women who choose to work well past retirement.

Favoring upcoming eyewear trend?

The straight brow bar from the ’80s.

Best activity to find calm?

Coming up with social media ideas and working on store displays.

Your most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Fitting one of the most influential women in the world.

Optical hero?

Virginia Burton of the former Burton Optician—the person who hired me for my first job in optics.

Most likely to splurge on?

Making sure my mini Doberman pinscher mix lives her best life.

The song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

The Isley Brothers’ “Harvest for the World.”

Pivot during Covid-19 to continue to follow your dreams?

[We] changed our business model to put emphasis on assisting our clients in a personalized and safe environment through virtual fitting and up to an hourlong fitting or dispensing by appointment only. We do not allow any more than five people in the shop, including me and [co-owner] Tony [Byers]. New and previous clients really appreciate this experience.

Most treasured eyewear style in your wardrobe?

My current fav is Veronika Wildgruber. I love how she designs the brow bar to give the illusion that it is woven in and out of the eye wire.