Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Sendel

Hi Suzanne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I began my journey in the optical industry 10 years ago, in falling in love with a pair of handpainted frames. I left my former career behind, a national sales manager, in the architectural and interior design world, to sell eyewear. Always inspired to build brands, share beauty and art, my heart was full of passion, when I shifted gears from interior to eyewear fashion!

Today, our niche agency distributes five international independent designer collections, which have all inspired me with their passion, dedication, and backstories. To me, it’s all about the people and their history. Inspired by the “likeminded” in terms of high fashion and quality, I am also on the lookout for the next best aspiring designer, to feature and introduce, to North America.

In losing my frames as I’ve traveled, or being fed up with packing so many bulky cases, I dreamed up and designed the perfect solution, my Original FTG (Frames2go!), which solves an old problem. Many companies and optical shops have custom-branded us and gifted us to their customers. Most recently, we made it to Hollywood, and now, many celebrities have been loving our accessories.

In finding beauty everywhere, and globally, I then decided to write a TV series, and am in development with a remarkable team. We hope to inspire all, to learn more, about our movement, the independent businesses and designers, who have infused our industry, with so much more, than most people are familiar with, and my ultimate goal, is to have all eyewear passionates, sporting the coolest glasses~!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

We launched our FTG in tandem with the pandemic and had a two-week window before the industry shutting down. Our sales were “off the charts!”, and then nothing. Frames to go wasn’t going anywhere~! We had to pivot, and come up with some new and exciting reels and videos, to inspire our buyers to safely keep their eyewear at home, and always know where their glasses are~!

Our sales agency had several representatives working with us throughout Canada, and many of them got “poached” by larger corporate companies, who offered them benefits, that we just couldn’t match. There were weeks and months when I had to cover the country independently. This was most difficult as we have such a vast country, and so many customers, who needed our attention.

In terms of our TV series, we were working in tandem with a senior producer from the Star Trek franchise, “Strange New World”, as the writer’s strike gave them the ability to best support and develop with us. Once the writer’s strike was over, they went back to their 14-hour daily, on the set, and we were left to navigate, independently. It takes a team and a dream. If you believe, you succeed, and I’m on to never give up!

Throughout my career, I have come to appreciate that, “with every problem, there is a solution”, and I keep things moving along, to achieve both my professional and personal goals.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I run an optical distribution agency and within my agency, I have four divisions.
Sales, The FTG, Television, and writing a column for Optik Magazine.
Ever since I was a child, I had dreamed of being a writer. At the young age of 60, I was finally paid for my written word, and this I fully celebrated, as for me, dreams can come true, at any age!

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?

Camping! I spent seven summers in sleep away camp, and this taught me so much about the appreciation of nature and team building. Some of my best friendships were forged either at camp or at school. To date, I have maintained several friendships, over a five-decade history, this to me, is the life of a successful and wealthy woman.

I also have fond memories of painting classes, which gave me an outlet to expand on my creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: The Original FTG
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalftg/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoriginalftg/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne_sendel/reels/