As a business owner, I can’t even begin to describe how much I value Independence. It lives in every corner of my business. It shows itself in how I purchase goods, it becomes apparent in looking at the companies I choose to do business with, it can be seen in the interactions with my clients. Independence is the inherent understanding that you are ruled by no one, you are doing things your way, and that your gut is the only compass you follow.
Independence affords the flexibility to present your unique perspective and creativity. An independent frame company like MODO has that same flexibility. MODO continually strives for conceptual innovation to find the unique balance of form and function in eyewear. Their tagline, “Eyewear for the individual,” means that rather than being part of a group that defines style, they want to help customers define their individual style and independence.
The key to making independence work for you is supporting other independents. This is one of those things I find to be especially rewarding as an independent. We have a unique little club where supporting one another means so much more than anyone outside of the club could ever understand. We, as independents, understand the difficulties other independents endure on a daily basis, and we go out of our way to do business with companies that understand our plight.Some of the struggles we face are staying current, or better still, being ahead of the curve when it comes to styling. Setting trends is far better than following them, and being the store that is known for having frames that are cutting edge is one of the things that will make a success story of your business. What then becomes important is partnering with frame vendors who not only follow these trends, but who have their finger on the pulse of the trend.
With offices in New York, Milan and Stockholm, MODO is very much connected to design trends, inspiration and innovation. The new semi-rimless additions to their Paper-Thin Acetate collection are a great example of style connected to function by combining the strength and lightness of titanium with the textures and colors of acetate.
Another thing we independents tend to do is to do business with other companies who have the same values and who believe the same things we believe, such as being generous and giving back, and valuing sustainability and being eco-conscious. These bigger picture endeavors not only make an impact on your community but can make a bigger impact on the world around us.For example, in 2016, MODO launched its Buy a Frame – Help a Child See program in collaboration with SEVA Foundation. Together, they have helped more than 650,000 children in India to see by offering free vision screenings, prescription glasses and corrective treatments. As an independent company, MODO is an eyewear industry leader in social responsibility.
MODOs dedication to the world community was honored with the Nana Woody and John Award in the category ‘Sustainability’ for their Biobased and Recycled collections and work with Trees for the Future. The award honors independent eyewear companies and their dedication to their customers. With ECO, MODO demonstrated care about their customers and the environment equally by creating and producing eyewear that customers love and is good for the environment.
If you’re looking for a frame company who is independent, MODO checks that box. If you’re looking for a frame company with their finger on the pulse of current frame styling trends, again, MODO checks that box. If you’re looking for a frame company that values recyclability and sustainability, MODO plants a tree for every Eco frame that is purchased. If you’re looking for a frame company that values what you value, you’d be hard pressed to find one that ticks all the boxes better than MODO does.
To learn more about MODO frames, see our CE, “Why You Should Know How Frames are Made,” free through an educational grant from MODO at www.2020mag.com/ce.
