In this episode of Best Practices, host Steve Alexander sits down with Kayla Ashlee, Founder and CEO of Spexy, to explore how continuous training and clearly defined mission statements can elevate optometry practices.

Together, they discuss Kayla’s unconventional path into eyecare, why structured staff development matters more than ever, and how a strong mission can guide better decisions for both patient experience and team culture. The conversation also dives into practical marketing insights, including social media strategy, authentic promotion, and creating experiences patients want to share.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Kayla’s Journey Into Eyecare

03:19 Identifying Gaps in Optical Practice Training

04:30 Steve’s Eyecare Story

07:44 Why Ongoing, Structured Training Matters

11:54 Standing Out With Creative Marketing Strategies

14:21 Customer Experience, Reviews, and Retention

17:20 Engaging Patients Through Social Media

17:50 Authenticity in Practice Promotion

19:46 The Role of Mission and Vision Statements

20:41 Defining Your Passion and Practice Niche

23:45 Creating Shareable, Memorable Experiences

30:14 Leveraging Team Input for Growth

35:30 Final Thoughts and How to Connect