Not Your Average Designer

Welcome.

I wanted to create a space to share thoughts about eyewear, business and the optical market in general.

I'm Brett Waugh. I started my journey in eyewear in 2001. I worked for one of the largest eyewear companies in the UK for 15 years. Whilst there I worked in many different positions. By the time I left, the company had been bought by Essilor and merged with another UK eyewear company. I was Commercial Director of both companies. In my time there I worked with hundreds of retailers, hundreds of brands, produced millions of pairs of frames and sunglasses. I managed large teams dedicated to producing the best eyewear possible.

When I started my own company, Ashton Riley, it was to continue this journey with passion, energy and a focus on delivering for the customer.

I have now been in the eyewear industry for 25 years. The knowledge I gained in the earlier years helped build a solid foundation. The lessons I've learned owning my own business and creating my own products has been a whole other education.

My journey to becoming an eyewear designer is not like most. As such I look at the frames, sunglasses and business as a whole a little differently. I'd say I'm Not Your Average Designer.