Melissa Szajna is the co-owner of Eye Candy, a bold and beautiful eyewear boutique located in the heart of downtown Delafield. A proud graduate of Kettle Moraine High School, Class of 2002, and lifelong Waukesha County resident, Melissa began her journey in the optical world shortly after high school—starting out by answering phones and filing paperwork at a local optometrist’s office. But curiosity quickly took over, and it wasn’t long before she was doing pre-testing, teaching contact lens classes, and falling in love with the world of eyewear.That passion led her to a local ophthalmology practice, where she spent the next six years deepening her knowledge of the eye and earning her American Board of Opticianry Certification. After over a decade in the field, she was ready for something more—and in 2013, she found her home at Eye Candy. Now, as co-owner, Melissa combines her clinical expertise with a creative eye to help clients find glasses that don’t just fit—they transform. She believes the right pair of glasses should reflect your personality, elevate your confidence, and make you smile every time you put them on.
When she’s not helping clients fall in love with their frames, Melissa enjoys baking, golfing, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband Brian, their two wonderfully unique kids, Fred and Elinor, and their sweet pup, Roger. Above all, Melissa is passionate about building relationships and earning the trust it takes to help each client discover a one-of-a-kind look that’s as unique as they are. Be you, Be bold, Be Eye Candy.
About Melissa Szajna
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My hilariously wonderful husband Brian and I have been married since 2005! We’re proud parents to Fred, 14, our goofy and kindhearted son, and Elinor, 13, our beautifully unique daughter.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I co-own Eye Candy in downtown Delafield. I’m a Board-Certified Optician with over 15 years of experience and proudly serve on the Board of Directors for the Delafield Chamber of Commerce. I’m passionate about helping people find glasses that make them feel confident and seen—literally and figuratively. I like to say that I didn’t choose this path—the path chose me.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
I have fun every day and get to work with amazing people. Our customers are the best, and helping them find glasses they love while building relationships makes the job feel less like work and more like a rewarding experience. Plus, being part of a team and community that I truly enjoy makes it even better.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
I’ve been lucky to avoid any major challenges—just a few bumps along the way. When things get tough, I try to keep an open mind, learn what I can, and grow from it. I like to think every day and every challenge is a chance to build a little more resilience—and maybe even have a little fun doing it!
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
I get to build relationships—with clients, coworkers, and colleagues alike. Connecting with people, helping them find the perfect glasses, and working alongside such amazing individuals makes my job truly fulfilling.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I’m excited to keep growing personally and professionally and to get more involved in the community. It can be a bit tricky with a small team, but I know they’ve got my back. No big plans just yet—I’m just taking it day by day and staying open to whatever fun opportunities come my way!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
My advice would be to dive into hands-on learning and get certified—it really makes a difference. I was lucky to work with the best and for the best, and that experience taught me so much. Surround yourself with great mentors and don’t be afraid to start anywhere; the practical experience is invaluable.
Melissa Szajna & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
Where do I begin? Our community is incredibly strong and supportive, making it a wonderful place to live and work. I’m proud that Eye Candy was voted Business of the Year 2024—it really shows how much the people here value and support local businesses. I love being part of a community that truly cares and comes together.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
The Board of Directors and local business owners are some of the most inspiring people I’ve met. Their dedication and support motivate me to stay engaged and keep growing.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
My favorite coffee shop is Steeplechase at Belfre, and when it comes to cocktails, Sports Page is my favorite local watering hole. As for restaurants? Honestly, I can’t pick just one—I love them all!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Supportive, Lively, and Ambitious.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m confident, but I really hate being alone—whether it’s eating by myself or going to a bar solo. I’m definitely more of a “let’s do it together” kind of person.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I’m not a big reader, but I enjoy TV shows like Friends and The Office. When it comes to movies, anything with Jim Carrey is a favorite. As for music, I can’t pick just one favorite song—I love 80s and 90s hits.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My husband, my kids, and my friends!
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
I’d be a shot of Tito’s vodka—straight up, not chilled.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be my grandpa, Merlin Moldenhauer, or my husband’s grandpa, Fred Warden, both of whom have passed away. I feel like they would be really impressed by how awesome my kids are—and I know they would be so proud.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
One item on my bucket list was to meet Hulk Hogan, but since he’s passed, I guess now it’s to see a giant panda in person!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
My family!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Always be yourself—everyone else is already taken.
Where to Find Melissa Szajna
Email: melissa@eyecandywi.com
Phone: (262) 303-4619
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
Read More
