What No Business Loan Could Buy: Courage
When the first phase of Nicholas Mac. Mobile Optician became a reality, it started with a simple request from my grandparents for new eyewear. I thought: why can't I just do that under my own name, rather than my current place of work? After all, I have my optician license.
It took a full year of dedicated work to explore many hurdles and prove it was possible—far more involved than expected. With each task completed toward delivering their glasses independently, excitement grew as this passion project evolved into a service helping not just family, but Halifax seniors, busy professionals, and communities beyond.
What no business loan could buy was the courage and resilience required to step out of my comfort zone, expand my professional network, and elevate my skills to a greater level of confidence—plotting and planning this passion into a business that feeds my soul and motivates. Along the way, I have met some of the most courageous people who gave me the boosts I needed. Right at the start of my "Can I < I Can" mindset—amid a doom scroll on LinkedIn searching for purpose—I discovered Helen Whitaker, a mobile optician in Powell River, B.C., running Secure Vision Mobile Optician. Helen also founded the Secure Vision Mobile Optician Academy and now serves as President of the International Opticians Association.
Being the sole owner of my business brought challenges I hadn't anticipated—like needing someone to celebrate the wins, losses, and learning curves of this unique path. With Helen, her one-on-one mentorship calls and the tight-knit support system among her mentees provided a weekly boost of courage and insight. Having industry experts like her and fellow students made a world of difference in those initial setup steps and continues to do so.
Another key figure along my journey is Barb Stegemann, Halifax-based entrepreneur, author, and founder of The 7 Virtues perfumes—a social enterprise. Her story of turning ethical business into global impact, especially through her book The 7 Virtues of a Philosopher Queen, inspired me to infuse mobile opticianry with purpose. I cannot imagine the courage it took to stand up and pitch her story on Dragons' Den—especially when Kevin O'Leary didn't align with the concept—but she did it because she truly believed in her cause, acting in governance with her virtues of Wonder, Balance, Truth, Courage, Justice, Wisdom, and Beauty. Her presence was captivating, and her passion rang vibrantly through her speech; she was neardy about the entire project, right down to the wallpaper. Having the opportunity to style her with multiple pairs of glasses is something I will never take for granted—as she and her book have given me the reflection I truly need when I struggle to remember my "why." When I feel uncertain, I spray on my one-of-a-kind Liquid Courage perfume, made at her waterfront atelier, and think, “What would Barb do?”
Now, after being in business for over a year, I understand that my network truly is my net worth. COVID lockdowns took a little piece of humanity away from me, but it also made me realize how much I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories. Truly, something we could all work on is giving one another the time of day—to listen, actively, away from distractions. I aim to stay authentic in the connections I aspire make: not just looking at people, but seeing them, embracing their wisdom, and asking questions beyond the surface. Everyone knows something you don’t, and as Judge Judy so eloquently put it, "Two ears, one mouth—for a reason." I strive to be intentional when building my professional network, as it compounds over time and helps me discover more about myself through meeting others.
This business model has brought me to kitchen tables, local cafes, and even hospitals. Fitting someone for glasses in their own space creates such a pleasurable, non-rushed experience for both parties—it also feels like a very Nova Scotian thing to do. It's relatively new to Halifax and catching on across Canada.
My dream is to grow this from a part-time passion project into a full-time, sustainable venture. Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way. The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.
You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals; you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, willing to listen, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.
To those who've discovered and embraced my service, you leave me with immense gratitude and gust East Coast winds in my sails. I truly feel I've found my calling, playing a meaningful role in my community and beyond.
