SIGHTLIGHT ON: Sandra Schell

Without fail, Sandra knows how to pick 'em! Part of the optical team at SIGHT and a licensed optician for over 17years, this sassy German oozes style. We’re so excited to share a little insight into Sandra’s personal style, attention to detail and overall appreciation for eyewear with you. Read on... 

SIGHT: How long have you worked for SIGHT?

SS: I have worked for SIGHT for a little over 3 years. I actually never applied for a job - DR. Lambright and I got to know each other while waiting for a table at Plan B. She liked my husband’s glasses and this is how the story began.

SIGHT: Job Title & Description?

SS: I’m a licensed optician. I got my license in Germany 17 years ago.

I also studied fashion design and worked as a fashion designer for a German company before I moved to the USA.  I never lost interest in glasses though, they are part of a great outfit to me. Currently, I’m only working part time, during the week I’m a stay at home mom. I also opened a store on etsy.com recently. I still have a passionate desire to design and create things. I called my store housewifecollection (housewifecollection.etsy.com).

SIGHT: What do you like most about your job?

I love finding the perfect “decoration” for a face - finding a style that fits the face and the personality of the person wearing it. When it comes to choosing a frame it’s not just about liking a pair of glasses, it’s about making sure the fit is great and the glasses still look beautiful once the prescription is filled in. And last but not least making sure it fulfills the customer’s needs. People sometimes tell me how they've never received so much detailed attention while picking out glasses as they do at SIGHT, a comment like this really makes my day!  

SIGHT: Do you need to wear glasses?

SS: Yes, I do wear glasses. I own several pairs, it’s hard to resist. I feel like a child in a candy store sometimes. My latest addition is a pair from Freudenhaus, a German line. I’m German too! I just started wearing the new anti fatigue lens and I love it.

SIGHT: How long have you lived in the CT Area?

SS: I moved to West Hartford about 9 years ago. I switched continents for the love of my life.

SIGHT: What’s the best thing about working in West Hartford, CT?

SS: West Hartford just feels a little more urban and stylish than some other towns in CT. We have many customers at Sight that appreciate unique styles which makes working a lot of fun.

SIGHT: Where’s your favorite restaurant?

SS: I love Barcelona in West Hartford. I love to try different foods, and since my husband doesn’t like to share dishes the small sized tapas are perfect for me. Also, Barcelona reminds me somewhat of the bars and lounges in Germany which I sometimes miss. I’m also a big fan of Bricco’s and Plan B.

SIGHT: What’s your favorite “Not for Tourists” thing to do in the city?

SS: Wednesday night music in Blue Back Square during the summer months. It’s such a great event and our entire family enjoys it. My son and I love to dance!

SIGHT: What’s your coffee/tea order?

SS: Small coffee with a little bit of milk and sugar or a small latte, nothing fancy here.

I’m a big tea lover, but that’s something I enjoy at home.

SIGHT: Describe yourself with three words:

SS: unconventional, mommy, girl.

SIGHT: If you could go ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, where would it be?

SS: Tokyo! I own a book with pictures of street style fashion taken in Tokyo. I would love to see this in real life! Also, London.  And if I won the lottery (that I don’t play…) I would get myself an apartment in NYC.

SIGHT: What’s your comfort food?

SS: “Kaesespaetzle”. It’s a Swabian/German dish that I sometimes make at home. The “Spaetzle” are  handmade pasta made with flour, eggs, salt and, water. The cooked noodles are layered with Swiss cheese, topped with caramelized onions and baked in the oven for a few minutes. Paired with a nice mixed salad and a heavy red wine it’s the perfect dish for a cold fall or winter day.

SIGHT: Number One Played Song/Artist on your iPod?

SS: I don’t have an iPod, I still prefer putting a CD in the player. My favorite band is called “Comic Tales of Tragic Heartbreak. It’s a band from NYC, highly entertaining; they come to the Half Door in Hartford every other month. Check them out! In general my taste in music is very diverse; I like everything I want to move my body to.  We just added DePhazz to Sight’s Pandora after I suggested the band and everyone loves it.

Thank you for sharing with us Sandra!