Bright Sight

College course assignment leads local entrepreneur to enter the vision and eyewear market

By Tabitha Ervin
Of Fort Wayne Ink Spot

Amber Tinsley is the new owner and operator of A&J Optical, one of Fort Wayne's first-ever female- and African American-owned optical stores. She has nine years of experience in the optical field and has held positions in management, human resources, and sales.

During her nine years in the field, she became interested in opening her own store, so she signed up for business classes at Indiana Tech. In one of her business classes, she wrote a business plan, and it became clear that this was her path to being a business owner. She’s a 2020 graduate of Indiana Tech, earning a bachelor's degree in management with an emphasis in human resources.

Located on Clinton Street (very close to the mall), A&J Optical opens on Friday, September 3—the first phase of a three-phase plan. I was able to chat with Amber about how she got to this point and what she sees in the future.

Tabitha: First, I love a nice pair of glasses so I cannot wait to see what your store will have to offer! So, tell me about your journey.

Amber: Well, after being in the optical business all those years and playing various roles, I felt like I could do it, so I started business classes at Indiana Tech for a degree in business management and human resources. In one of my classes, we had to write a business plan which is where I wrote it all up. I took baby steps backing away from my old job and then as the pandemic happened and I decided to step down and stay home with my kids for virtual school, the idea became more real.

Tabitha: What helped you decide to move forward with the idea?

Amber: I have four kids who I wanted to make sure had a bright future and as the stimulus money came, I decided to start saving all of it to build capital and find a location. Last year, my fiancé Jason and I decided together that I would stay home with the kids as I began to save and streamline the business plan. I couldn’t get any loans at first; I looked at various locations for lease. When I finally found one, I had some remodeling work to do along with the support from my Mom and Jason, I was able to get started. He has 2 children of his own and was very helpful and supportive throughout the process.

Tabitha: Tell me more about what will make your store unique and the optical business in general.

Amber: My store will have a boutique feel not like a regular doctor’s office. Most people don’t know this but optometrists typically are independent contractors, so I will contract until I find the person that’s the right fit for my location. When we open, I will be in phase one, mainly selling frames. Phases two and three will include my lab and optometrist on staff. I've been approved for some Medicaid, United Health care, Eye Med and some others.

Tabitha: I look forward to seeing how your store thrives in the community!

Amber: Yes, I am excited to have something for my kids, a future that will create financial stability for them and my family. They can all learn this work as a trade. When I became an optician, I didn’t think I’d Own my own store, but now I’m excited about what the future holds for my family. I already told my daughter when she comes in after school, she can learn how to work the front desk.

Tabitha: I love this—building a legacy for your family!

A&J Optical
3629 North Clinton.
Phone: 260.444.2415
Facebook, Instagram and website coming soon