Optician May Hwen opened her practice in Nashville, TN, now known as Neighbor Eye Wear, at the young age of 32 with a budget of only $25,000. Her focus: offering personalized eye care, or what she refers to as “white-glove service.”

Since then, the now 36-year-old videographer, actress, and musician also chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Media Committee of the Opticians Association of America, for which she recently has been tapped to produce edutainment media for the industry.

“We’re building a program that’s entertaining, educational, diverse, and inclusive,” she says.

Here, Hwen dishes on frames, lo-fi hip-hop, and her pet bunnies.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

I see the beauty in everyone. You can’t be a good optician unless you understand what’s beautiful about the person you’re styling and fitting.

Inspiration to pursuing a career in optical?

My grandmother was a health care executive with a passion for music. I was a full-time musician before my career as an optical manager, executive optician, and consultant. I discovered that being an optician can be an excellent fit for artists and creatives.

Most treasured eyewear style in your wardrobe?

My gramma’s frame that I gifted her for her 86th birthday. I inherited them when she passed away at age 89, and had my own prescription made. I catch a little glimmer of her when I wear them in her honor.

Song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

I have a soundtrack playing when I work—a live radio station of instrumental music on YouTube called “Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Radio—Beats to Relax.” I try to keep a chill vibe for myself and the shop.

Podcast in your earbuds?

A lot of local Nashville podcasts, some business-related, some fiction. I’ve thought about releasing an optical industry podcast of my own to go alongside the YouTube videos that we’re working on, so keep an eye peeled.

Pivot during Covid-19 to follow your dreams?

We created outdoor patio seating and a work-from-home option for the optician that provides the same white-glove-service experience. We were already by-appointment-only, as well as offering mobile delivery and virtual services since we started in 2017, long before the pandemic.

Best activity to find calm?

Spending time with my pet bunnies, Tortoise and Gandalf, @TnGBunnies. They don’t know anything about a pandemic. They just know that they are bunnies, and that they are cute.