VANCOUVER OPTICIAN AND OWNER

Valerie was born and raised in Montreal. There her parents owned women’s clothing factory, where Valerie learned about business, designing, fashion, and making her own clothes, at the young age of 10 yrs old. Valerie truly loves eyewear and individuality and truly enjoys helping people find their perfect pair of glasses.

She Moved to Toronto in ‘88 and after graduating, worked in all levels of this industry from Retail to wholesale for over 30 yrs. Being the adventurist soul that she is, she drove across the country in 2015 to Vancouver and never left. Valerie is very grateful in being able to create and open Niche Eyewear Boutique in 2018. Here she is able to express her love for the industry and the art of frame-making. Where Valerie is always learning more about making hand made frames.

In her spare time, Valerie could be found on the ski slopes, skiing. On the beautiful trails of BC hiking, and in the summer you can always find her on her bike.

valerie afriat