How I Built A $4M/Year Eyewear Brand In The UK
Who are you and what business did you start?
Hello! I’m Sid Sethi, the founder of Specscart, the fastest-growing eyewear brand in the UK. I started the business during my time at the University of Manchester when I broke my glasses and was shocked by the high prices and slow service. That moment sparked the idea to create an eyewear brand with a mission to revolutionise the industry by changing the way people perceive eyeglasses with affordability, speed, and style at its core.
Our customers range from students and professionals to style-savvy individuals looking for trendy, functional, and premium glasses at affordable prices. What makes us truly special is our approach: we offer clear and transparent pricing, free clear fully loaded lenses with every frame, 24-hour dispatch for most prescription glasses, a free home trial service, and stylish collections designed in-house. We’ve even built our in-house Manchester-based glazing lab to deliver on our promise of speed and quality. Today, we’re generating over £4 million in annual revenue and continuing to grow fast.
Founder-Market Fit
Skills
What skills did Sid Sethi have that led to their success?
How do you come up with the idea for Specscart?
A day before my semester exams, I broke my glasses. While searching across Manchester City Centre, I found overpriced, poor-quality options locked behind shelves like treasure. The pair I liked cost over £150 and didn’t even arrive on time. Frustrated by the process yet inspired by the need for change, Sid saw an opportunity. Why wasn’t stylish, high-quality, and affordable eyewear accessible in the UK? That moment sparked the idea. I got to work, and that’s how Specscart was born, with a mission to disrupt and transform the eyewear industry.
How did you build the initial version of Specscart?
When building Specscart, founder Sid Sethi focused on creating a seamless process for manufacturing and delivering eyewear. Utilizing a combination of cutting-edge technology and in-house craftsmanship, the first prototype of the product was designed and tested thoroughly before launch. The tech stack included software for design, manufacturing equipment, and quality control systems to ensure the highest standards were met. It took approximately several months to build the first version, overcoming challenges in material selection, production efficiency, and ensuring fast turnaround times for customers. Despite the difficulties, the experience of building the product was ultimately rewarding, as it laid the foundation for Specscart's success in the eyewear industry.
How did you launch Specscart and get initial traction?
I officially launched Specscart in 2017 after winning The Albert Gubay Award, which gave me a £5,000 cash grant and a two-year rent-free retail space in Walkden. That support gave me the confidence and the means to turn my university idea into a real business. A year later, we won the Venture Further Award, adding £10,000 in funding and more credibility to our vision. These early wins helped us set up our first store, build a small team, and invest in customer experience. The response was overwhelming, and we received immense support from the local Mancunian community.
What was the growth strategy for Specscart and how did you scale?
We’ve grown Specscart by staying laser-focused on solving real problems because I personally faced them. Unlike many startups that chase “brand” status from day one, our mission was always about solving customer pain points. That’s why we introduced innovations like 24-hour dispatch for prescription glasses, a Free Try At Home service, and a transparent pricing model.
Early growth came from the local Mancunian community, who truly championed our vision. Word-of-mouth played a huge role. People were excited to support a local business that was doing something different, and they became our flag bearers.
We also invested in organic SEO from the beginning, making sure people could find us when they searched for affordable, stylish glasses online. We used social media (mainly Facebook and Instagram) to connect with people, showcase our frames, and tell our story. The recognition of our work in prestigious lists by publications like Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe and the Sunday Times Seven Ones to Watch allowed us to take our story to the masses.
Entrepreneurs should always focus on solving problems first. Your customers will notice, and they’ll help you grow. For aspiring entrepreneurs, I’d say listen more than you speak, build trust with value, and never underestimate the power of local support.
What were the biggest lessons learned from building Specscart?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that a great team with a shared vision can move mountains. At Specscart, our success has come from building a team that truly believes in our mission. Early mistakes like trying to do everything myself taught me the power of delegation and trust. A good idea only goes so far; it’s the people who bring it to life. Luck, timing, and community support helped, but it was our team’s passion that made the difference. My advice is to hire for mindset, not just skillset and make sure everyone sees the same vision you do.
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More about Specscart:
Who is the owner of Specscart?
Sid Sethi is the founder of Specscart.
When did Sid Sethi start Specscart?
2017
How much money has Sid Sethi made from Specscart?
Sid Sethi started the business in 2017, and currently makes an average of $4.2M/year.
