Optical Prism May 2017 | Page 31

And during her time with C&G, the company has “become a lot more international” as they compete for marketshare and against online retailers. Seven years later with C&G, Mohammadi is wrapping up a contact lens fitting co-op for her opticianry program and credits her success to the extensive technical and business knowledge base she accumulated on the business side of Cutler and Gross. “It was a big part of my growth with the com- pany and I appreciate them acknowledging that and valuing this kind of skillset,” she says. Before joining the company, Moham- madi said she always wore glasses and enjoyed the “statement” they make. She is fascinated by detail and design. “I was a Cutler and Gross customer before I started working for them. They're one of the only companies that specialize in hand- made eyewear, with the whole push towards mass production and cheaper production. This was very attractive to me and it still is.” Styling celebrities from Elton John to U2's Bono, Mohammadi said C&G has always had a significant celebrity following linked to the styles that help them stand out. Mohammadi said her loyalty to C&G has made her feel “part of this international family” and inspired her in her goal to get more involved with design and the crea- tion of eyewear, which is her passion for the industry on top of just “being a good optician.” “I'm going to use my newly acquired skills and education towards helping the company in a variety of different ways,” she says.