This is a love letter to Warby Parker…read more
Dearest Warby,
I have been receiving your emails for quite some time. I always open them. Never--not once--have I sent one straight to the trash without at least a glance. And if I'm being honest, it's rarely just a glance. I've lingered. I've admired. I've added frames to my cart only to abandon them at the last minute. I suppose I have commitment issues.
Then one day, while on vacation in Orlando, Florida, I saw you. Really you. A physical location. A storefront. A tangible, brick-and-mortar dream. I could hardly believe my eyes (which, in fairness, were working with subpar equipment at the time). I even picked out a pair of frames while I was there, but something told me... not yet. Our story needed more tension.
To be honest, much like that prince who keeps emailing me from Africa, I wasn't entirely sure you existed outside the interwebs. But I walked through your glass doors, met the loveliest associate, and discovered there was a location near my hometown. I gasped. Audibly.
When I returned home, I looked you up and found you in Victor, NY. I made a date. You accepted. I picked out an outfit. (Emotionally, if not physically.)
And oh... what a date.
You were punctual. Attentive. And the way you looked into my eyes and saw me--I mean you really saw me. (Swoon.) My eye exam was smooth, professional, and dare I say... enjoyable? I didn't know that was an option.
Now let's talk about Riley.
Riley handled my pre-testing, guided me through the process, and managed the absolute chaos of a packed store with grace. Apparently, it was unusually busy that day--but you would never have known it by how smoothly everything ran. She made sure I didn't have to wait long after my exam, got all my measurements taken, and helped me finalize my order like the calm in the storm.
Since I had already chosen my frames in Orlando (because of course I had--we love a slow-burn romance), this visit was all about making it official. Riley made that part effortless.
And then... the gifts arrived.
A box. For me. From you.
Inside? Not flowers--no, no. Not the tired, predictable bouquet that wilts in three days. No. You sent glasses. Beautiful, perfect glasses. And sunglasses, too. Functional. Flattering. Long-lasting. Honestly, the kind of gift that says, "I see a future here."
They are perfect. Truly.
I may need a small adjustment, so I will be seeing you again soon (how fortunate for us both). I also have a friend who is quite eager to meet you, so next time I'll be bringing a plus-one. Try not to be too charming.
Looking forward to our next encounter,
Jen