Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’m a Chicago native and I received my Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston. After we relocated to Dallas post-grad for my husband’s job, we would frequently visit Houston and fell in love with it! When the opportunity arose to take over downtown Houston’s Cohen Eye Associates, a nearly 70-year old practice, it was a dream come true and I jumped on it.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I am blessed to be the mother of a beautiful 2-year old girl, Rania.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
People are always surprised to know that I own my practice. Almost 75% of practice owners in the eyecare industry are men, and women make up just 38% of the workforce in our industry. While we are underrepresented, I think this is changing and I’m proud to be a part of this change.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I absolutely love taking walks around the neighborhood with Rania. We frequent Sprinkles for delicious cupcakes. Discovery Green and the Houston Zoo are also two of our favorite spots in Houston. My hubster and I love date night at IPic, but I personally can’t miss my workouts at Equinox for some much needed ‘Me’ time!
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
La Calle Tacos on Franklin Street. Seriously, the best tacos in Houston!
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
Pampering at Milk and Honey. Mom’s night out, definitely at Uchi.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the owner and lead optometrist at Cohen Eye Associates, the premier eye care destination in downtown Houston. We use the best technology and techniques available to make sure that examinations are thorough and any and all issues are accurately diagnosed. When our patients visit Cohen Eye Associates, they see an expert eye doctor, not a technician. Also, I’ve always been very in tune with design and fashion. I modeled professionally back when I was in school, so I’m very involved with the fashion side of optometry, as well. I travel to cities like Milan and New York to personally curate the collection of luxury frames found at my practice. It’s been a real eye-opener (no pun intended) gaining exposure to international brands with such a deep commitment to craftsmanship!
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
It’s been instrumental both personally and professionally. I’m still relatively new to this vibrant city and I can’t tell you how excited I am for the future. I wanted to be a part of a cosmopolitan community with a hometown feel and my husband and I couldn’t think of a better place to raise our daughter. I take pride in knowing we are growing with this community. It was also important for me to be a part of a practice that has been a significant part of Houston’s fabric and therefore is a part of Houston’s legacy. Cohen Eye Associates opened their doors in 1949 and we will be celebrating our 70th anniversary this year!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
It’s important for moms running a business to know how to get away, and this could even mean to a different country! I love traveling to Europe or Morocco to hit the reset button. Getting away can be life’s little escapes and if I can’t travel abroad, my comfortable space is escaping to Sprinkles because once in a while you just need a cupcake!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Don’t buy the extra small; it’s never going to happen.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Pretend like you’re still sleeping.
