We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brianna Erickson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brianna below.

Brianna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

At Framed Reverie, I’m bringing the sense of community back to opticianry. The optical industry has been turned into a machine by big corporations, and many practices believe the only way to compete is to follow that model. I don’t believe that’s true. People are craving connection—they want to work with someone who knows them, meets them where they are, and genuinely cares. Convenience and personalization aren’t just perks; they’re the future.

When I started sharing what I’m building, people immediately asked how I’d scale, franchise, or plan to sell. But that’s not my goal. I want to grow my business to a place where I can be a good partner and neighbor in my community, eventually mentoring an apprentice to carry it forward when I retire. My vision isn’t about mass expansion; it’s about creating sustainable, community-focused care and helping others who want to do the same. Corporations aren’t taking care of us anymore—we have to do that for ourselves. I’m here to serve my clients and support anyone who wants to build something meaningful, rooted in connection, not corporate strategy.

Brianna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Brianna Erickson, the optician behind Framed Reverie, a mobile optician business that brings personalized eyewear consultations directly to my clients—whether that’s in their homes, offices, or wherever they feel comfortable. Like most people in optical, the industry found me. I was walking around the local mall with my résumé, looking for a job in my college town, and when I wandered into LensCrafters, they hired me on the spot. I fell in love with this industry because I’ve always been fascinated by how something as simple as a pair of glasses can completely transform not just how someone sees, but how they feel about themselves. Eyewear is personal; it’s part of your identity, and going out on my own has allowed me to create a space to honor that.
Framed Reverie offers more than just glasses. I help people find frames that reflect who they are—frames that feel like an extension of their personality, which can change day to day if you’re anything like me. I work with busy professionals who don’t have time to sit in waiting rooms, with seniors who appreciate the convenience of in-home service, and with anyone looking for a thoughtful, tailored experience. My services include private eyewear consultations, custom vision solutions, and specialized fittings. This means we sit down together, identify how you like to wear your glasses, and create a vision solution using your doctor’s prescription.
Often, this might be a pair of progressive lenses that transition from distance correction at the top to a reading prescription at the bottom—but that’s not always how someone wants to wear their glasses. I empower people to use their glasses in a way that makes sense to them. For example, we might opt for single-vision distance glasses if you prefer to take your glasses off to read, or maybe a single-vision distance pair with a clip-on reading lens if you need more area for close-up work but don’t want two complete pairs. The industry is amazing and innovative, and there’s something out there for everyone if we just take a minute to have a conversation.
What sets me apart is my creative and compassionate problem-solving approach. My clients aren’t just appointments on a calendar—they’re people I get to know. That personal touch means they’re not just buying eyewear; they’re building a relationship with someone who genuinely has their best interests at heart.
What I’m most proud of is creating a business that reflects my values. Framed Reverie isn’t about rapid growth or chasing trends—it’s about community, creativity, and authenticity. I want potential clients to know that when they work with me, they’re not just getting glasses; they’re supporting a business built on care, intention, and the belief that small, meaningful connections can make a big difference. That’s how I run my business, too. I work with small, independent, and family-owned brands—from frames to lenses—so when you work with me, you’re supporting not just our community, but others as well.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I bootstrapped Framed Reverie, which is incredibly common for women in business. I saved enough to cover my bills for a few months and put the rest on credit. At the time, I didn’t fully realize the range of financing options available—especially those designed to support women entrepreneurs. Like many women, I was less likely to seek out funding because it often feels out of reach or not designed with us in mind.

Now, I’m working with an organization called WomenVenture to explore financing options that will allow me to continue working for myself full-time while my business grows. It’s been eye-opening to learn what resources are actually out there. If I could go back, I’d tell myself—and other women entrepreneurs—that it’s okay to ask for help and seek funding. We don’t have to do it all alone, even though many of us start that way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience, for me, has been about doing whatever it takes to keep moving forward while staying true to my vision for Framed Reverie. I’ve done what I had to do to make money and pay the bills, all without committing to a full-time job so I could maintain the flexibility needed to grow my business.

When funds started running low, I leaned into my network. A former manager I’d worked with let me pick up shifts at a brick-and-mortar optical at least once a month, which helped keep me connected to the industry. I was struggling to get out of bed in the mornings without having some external structure, so I started working at Caribou Coffee—not just to support myself but also to feed my coffee addiction.

I also reconnected with another former manager and began working as a leasing agent in his property management company, driving all over to show properties. Each of these roles helped me stay afloat, but more importantly, they kept me grounded in the idea that this was temporary. Every job was a stepping stone that allowed me to keep Framed Reverie alive and growing.

At the same time, I’ve been volunteering my time at senior centers, offering presentations, along with glasses cleanings, adjustments, and repairs. It’s been incredibly rewarding, not just because I’m able to give back, but because it reinforces why I started this business in the first place—to make meaningful connections and provide genuine care.

Eventually, I connected with a frame line I absolutely adore called Thema. I became a frame ambassador for them recently, hoping more optical practices will bring this brand into their offerings because it promotes such a wonderful custom experience—unlike anything else I’ve seen in the industry.

Resilience isn’t always about big, dramatic moments. Sometimes it’s about the quiet decision to keep going, to piece together what you need, and to trust that all the small steps will add up to something bigger. That’s been my journey, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.framedreverie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/framedreverieoptical/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FramedReverie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-erickson/