Exploring Life & Business with Brandon Zimmerly of Project Optical

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Zimmerly.

Hi Brandon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Project Optical was born from my vision to reimagine what the optical experience could be. After spending more than 20 years in the independent and luxury eyewear industry, I noticed a common theme: while many places offered quality products, the overall experience often lacked a personal connection; and often, eyewear was treated simply as a necessity instead of an extension of someone’s individuality, confidence, and personal style.

Since becoming a Licensed Optician in 2007, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my craft under the mentorship of some of the most respected professionals in the industry. Through those experiences, I developed a deep appreciation for both the technical precision of optics and the artistry behind frame styling. Over time, I realized that what clients valued most wasn’t just the glasses themselves — it was the experience of finding them. Personalized service, curated collections, and genuine relationships made all the difference, yet very few places brought all of those elements together in one space.

Rather than settle for the traditional model, I decided to create something different. I wanted to build an independent optical boutique where clients could explore eyewear in a way that felt elevated, inspiring, comfortable, and truly customized. I envisioned a space that honored craftsmanship, celebrated independent designers, and made every interaction meaningful. That vision ultimately became Project Optical.

Today, Project Optical is more than just a place to buy eyeglasses. It’s a carefully curated experience built around individuality, artistry, quality, and personalized care. From unique independent eyewear collections to our state-of-the-art onsite finishing lab and one-on-one styling experience, every detail is designed to make clients feel seen, valued, and confident.

At its core, Project Optical is about restoring the heart of independent eyewear — creating an experience rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and meaningful human connection.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges along the way was navigating a business partnership where we ultimately didn’t share the same long-term vision for Project Optical. There were moments where decisions were being made that I didn’t feel aligned with the company’s best interests or the direction I believed we needed to go in creatively and strategically.

That experience forced me to make difficult but necessary changes in order to protect the future of Project Optical and the integrity of what we were building. It wasn’t easy balancing those internal challenges while still showing up for patients, continuing to grow the company, and maintaining a positive forward momentum.

At the same time, those experiences taught me a lot about leadership, discernment, resilience, and the importance of building with people who genuinely align with your mission and values. In many ways, overcoming those obstacles helped shape Project Optical into the stronger, more focused company it is today.

Looking back, I’m proud that even through difficult transitions, we stayed committed to evolving, elevating the Project Optical brand, and creating an independent optical boutique experience centered around exceptional service, personalized care, and helping every patient feel genuinely seen and valued.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Project Optical?
Project Optical is an independent optical boutique built around the idea that eyewear should be both highly personal and elevated. We specialize in curated eyewear, personalized styling, and delivering a patient experience that feels intentional from the moment someone walks through our doors.

What sets us apart is the combination of fashion, individuality, and care. We’re not a corporate chain or volume-driven practice — we take the time to truly understand each patient’s lifestyle, personality, and visual needs so we can help them find frames and lenses that not only improve their vision, but also reflect who they are. We’ve intentionally created an environment where people feel comfortable, confident, and genuinely cared for.

We’re known for carrying unique independent eyewear brands that you won’t typically find everywhere else, as well as for creating an experience that feels more like a luxury boutique than a traditional optical office. Every detail — from the frame selection to the atmosphere to the level of service — is designed to feel elevated and memorable.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Project Optical has grown into something authentic and community-driven. We’ve built a brand that people connect with because it’s rooted in quality, creativity, trust, and relationships. Patients aren’t treated like transactions here — they become part of the Project Optical family.

More than anything, I want readers to know that Project Optical is about redefining what going to the eye doctor, or optical store, can feel like. We believe eyewear is an extension of self-expression, and we’re passionate about helping people see clearly while feeling confident in what they wear every day.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think both good luck and bad luck have played important roles in my journey, but I’ve also learned that what you do with those moments matters the most.

Some of the difficult experiences I’ve faced in business — especially challenges involving partnerships, leadership, and growth — felt like setbacks at the time. But looking back, many of those situations ended up pushing me toward necessary changes that ultimately strengthened both me and Project Optical. They forced me to trust my instincts more, become more intentional about the direction of the brand, and stay grounded in the vision I had for creating something truly authentic and patient-focused.

At the same time, I feel incredibly fortunate for the relationships, opportunities, and support that have come along the way. There’s definitely an element of timing and luck in entrepreneurship, but I also believe consistency, resilience, and staying committed to your standards create opportunities over time.

One thing I’ve learned is that even ‘bad luck’ can become valuable if you’re willing to grow through it. Some of the hardest moments ended up leading to some of the best decisions for the future of Project Optical.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectoptical.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectoptical/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectOptical
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-optical/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectOptical