Get to know the people behind your glasses. Today's optician: the girl from Saguenay
Name : Julie Régnier
Nickname : Duct Tape
Years of experience : 22 years
Territory : Mile End, Ville Marie, Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Cartierville, Laval, Ville Émard, Verdun, Montréal-Nord, Ahuntsic
Duct Tape is so great, it would be hard to live without. We're not talking about the good old multi-purpose tape here, but about our Julie Régnier. Versatile and already boasting a solid experience despite her young age (she started in the field even before she was of [legal] drinking age), Julie lives directly at the intersection of eyecare and social work. In short, a perfect match with the Bonhomme. You don't even need Tinder!
HOW DID YOU BECOME AN OPTICIAN?
This story begins with a low-paying student job in Ontario. Between high school and CEGEP, I took a job as a vegetarian cook. The experience was rewarding on a personal level, but not so much on the financial level! Back in Québec, my mother took "pity" on me and referred me to an optometrist friend and I was hired as an assistant optometrist. So even before I was of legal age, I was already working in an office and the optometrist friend became my mentor in a way. After a little over 3 years, it seemed natural for me to actually study in that field. I just stumbled into it very young, just like Obélix!
HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING AT BONHOMME À LUNETTES?
I was working at another store (not my optometrist/mentor's) when I got pregnant. At the end of my maternity leave, I realized I wanted to do something that was more in line with my humanitarian values. That's when I remembered Philippe, who worked with me for while a few years back. When I saw that he had started his business, and that it was exactly what I was looking for, I decided to call him. This is when I started filling in at Bonhomme à lunettes
IS THERE AN INTERESTING STORY BEHIND YOUR NICKNAME?
Actually, when I was first hired, I was pretty much filling in and "patching holes" on the schedule as they say. So I was replacing people because of illnesses, appointments, impediments, etc. I was holding it together, basicially. That's where the nickname "duct tape" comes from.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
The human touch. I should say I also studied social work. Working for Le Bonhomme was quite natural for me. I like the diversity of our customers. I also like that no matter the budget, we treat them with respect and empathy. I am lucky to be part of a team that flies to James Bay to serve the Cree community. This is an extraordinary experience for me, both professionally and personally. Being able to talk with them, learn their names, clearly identify their needs, is both inspiring and motivating. It's an adventure, but also kind-of a homecoming for the girl from Saguenay! We offer an essential service at affordable prices, and it aligns very well with my values.
WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER ONE ADVICE FOR CLIENTS?
If something doesn't work, call me. We really make it a point of honour to offer an impeccable service, to make corrections when necessary and to support the customer even after the transaction. The ultimate goal is to see clearly!