By Aleesia Benkey
Dr. Sana Shakil-Ansari has always dreamed of opening her own optometry practice to provide comprehensive eye care, expanding beyond basic vision care. She was recommended to the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC) and met with business consultant Hang Harper.
Hang helped Sana develop a complete financial plan and analysis for her business. The two collaborated by exploring new opportunities and mapping a path toward success. With the OCIE SBDC behind her, Sana began to build her own optometry practice, Visionaire Optometry Spa.
Sana is grateful for the support of the SBDC through training programs and one-on-one consulting, but she acknowledges that she couldn’t have done it without her family.“My parents have been my motivation. They are both immigrants, and I am first generation. They believe in the American Dream and have always pushed me to strive for better,” said Dr. Ansari.
Visionaire Optometry Spa hosted a successful ribbon cutting on Thursday, Mar. 21, with a great turnout of family, friends, community members, and elected officials including Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson of Riverside.
Sana provides not only vision care, but specializes in dry eye disease and ocular aesthetic solutions, with the goal of “empowering patients through vision, health, and beauty,” says Sana.
Visionaire Optometry Spa is now open to serve the city of Riverside and the broader region for optometry and aesthetic services. “We are so happy that we could help her start her business, and I look forward to continuing to support her,” said Hang.
Looking to start or grow your own small business?
Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. We offer business consulting, training, and access to resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties at no cost. As the go-to resource for small businesses, the OCIE SBDC solutions and opportunities for all small businesses to become successful. Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment.
