Influential Woman · Vision Care / Optical Services
DaVonna Marin, ABOC
Founder, Eye Candy Concierge, LLC
Elko New Market, MN 55020
Her Story
About DaVonna
DaVonna Marin, ABOC, is the founder and owner of Eye Candy Concierge, a Minnesota-based mobile optical boutique redefining how people experience eyewear. As an American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certified Optician with more than 16 years of experience in vision care, she delivers personalized optical services directly to clients in their homes, workplaces, and senior living communities. By combining clinical precision with concierge-level service, DaVonna has created a business that makes premium eyewear more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable while supporting local Minnesota lens laboratories and eyewear designers.
DaVonna's career reflects a steady progression through nearly every facet of the optical industry. She began her professional journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant before transitioning into optometric care, where she served as an optometric technician, medical scribe, lens edger, certified optician, and eventually practice manager for a multi-million-dollar optometry practice. Her diverse background has provided expertise in patient care, practice operations, luxury eyewear, lens fitting, insurance billing, and staff leadership. Drawing on this extensive experience, she launched Eye Candy Concierge to bring high-quality, personalized optical care beyond the traditional clinic setting.
Known for her integrity, honesty, transparency, kindness, and empathy, DaVonna believes eyewear should enhance both vision and confidence. Rather than relying on high-pressure sales, she focuses on educating clients and helping them find frames and lenses that best suit their lifestyle, personality, and visual needs. She is an active member of her local Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at senior centers by providing complimentary eyewear adjustments and cleanings. Through her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to exceptional service, DaVonna continues to transform the eyewear experience for individuals and families throughout the greater Twin Cities region.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with DaVonna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit. Growing up through constant change, foster care, and the responsibility of caring for family taught me resilience and perseverance. Those experiences showed me that I am responsible for creating the life I want, and that mindset continues to drive me to pursue my goals, overcome challenges, and define success on my own terms.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop learning. I make it a priority to participate in career summits, pursue continuing education, and seek opportunities to expand my knowledge. I also believe in asking questions without hesitation, because the only question that goes unanswered is the one you never ask.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never stop learning. Continue to educate yourself, recognize that there will always be more to learn, and never hesitate to ask questions. Seek out mentors you admire, learn from their experiences, and gain exposure by working in different environments. Building a diverse skill set and understanding a variety of technologies and approaches will give you a well-rounded perspective and prepare you for long-term success.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is competing with low-quality, inexpensive eyewear offered by online and discount retailers. Many people prioritize cost over quality without realizing the impact that poorly made eyewear can have on their vision, comfort, and long-term visual health. The greatest opportunity lies in patient education—helping individuals understand the value of high-quality lenses, proper fitting, and personalized eye care to achieve the best possible vision and overall eye health.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, transparency, kindness, and empathy. I don't see myself as a salesperson—I see myself as someone who helps people find the frames and lenses that best meet their needs. I believe in treating everyone with compassion and respect because you never know what someone else may be going through. Leading with kindness and avoiding assumptions allows me to build genuine relationships and provide the best possible care and service.
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