Meet Our Staff
Michael Willoughby began his career in the optical industry in 1990. Fresh out of high school and a freshman at Missouri Western State University, Mike realized he had a keen interest in optics and eyewear. His first position was in a small optical laboratory where he learned and absorbed all the he could regarding the production of prescription lenses and the process of cutting and edging these lenses into all types of optical frames. This experience soon led to a dispensing optician position at a local optometrist’s office learning the intricacies of proper optical alignment and frame adjustments. Mike has apprenticed with some of the most successful boutique owners in the country. He prides himself on his ability (and desire) to seek out beautiful and fashionable eyewear options for his clients.
“I believe that my aesthetic appeals to the desire of our customers to express themselves in a unique and personal way with their eyewear as accessories, and not just as necessities.” — Michael Willoughby
Deb Rake joined us just a few months after Wink opened in 2006. Deb’s sense of fearless style and fun keep us motivated every day. Ever willing to explore new styles, shapes and colors, Deb is considered by many of her clients as their “go-to” eyewear image consultant. Deb is vice-president of The Community Mercantile’s Education Fund and a fierce advocate of shopping local merchants. With two adult children raised in Lawrence and a professor of a husband, Deb has deep roots in both the university and community at large. Deb’s favorite drink is a tall, quad-latte (girl loves her caffeine) and her only vice is a Dairy Queen Soft Serve Vanilla Cone.
“I think that life is full of simple pleasures, but it’s how we celebrate them that makes us really happy.” — Deb Rake
Nick Ray has been entertaining us since January, 2011, with his quick wit, amazing stories and a dance and a skip every now and then. Nick possesses the ability to make friends instantaneously and can assess one’s personal style in a blink. Be careful if he hands you a frame while you’re laughing at one of his stories, you will most assuredly fall in love with it the moment you catch your breath and turn to the mirror. Many of you may know Nick from his former server/mixology positions in downtown eateries or maybe he’s been your favorite late night DJ. We convinced him to leave the food service industry behind and come help our customers fulfill all of their eyewear dreams. Nick is also a certified yoga instructor and conducts three yoga classes per week and offers private yoga instruction as well.
“Personal style is a proclamation of delight! It externalizes the internal; it broadcasts beliefs and visceral climates from within. Sometimes impetuous and brazen–but simultaneously clever and nurturing. Embrace the innate ornate inside yourself and happiness becomes intrinsic!” — Nicholas Ray
Quinn Morris became a member of our team in December, 2011. Don’t let her demure presence and kindly attitude fool you, this girl knows her fashion. Quinn has a great skill in interpreting your personal style and making sure that your new frame broadcasts your own aesthetic not someone elses. Quinn is not unfamiliar to the concept of customer service, as we fell in love with her first as a preferred server at 715 restaurant. (Some of you might be sad to know that we’ve stolen her from that favored downtown bistro.)
Quinn moved to Lawrence in 2001 with her husband, local artist, Jeromy Morris and they fell in love with this community and immediately embraced it’s vibrant downtown and energetic art scene. Quinn is also mother to her semi-celebrity four year old daughter and in some circles is most often referred to as ‘Opal’s mom.’
“Strive to be the best version of yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Don’t be afraid of change, especially when it comes to your personal style, embrace it!” — Quinn Morris
