What if one of the coolest fashion stores in NYC was built by walking up to strangers on the street and asking, “Where’d you get that fit?”
In this episode of Through the Back Door, Claire sits down with Sophia Boli, founder of Retail Pharmacy — a cult-favorite boutique in the Lower East Side that’s become a hub for underground fashion and emerging designers. From chasing down fits on the street to curating one of the coolest stores in NYC, Sophia shares how personal taste, community, and creative grit shaped every step of her journey.
They talk about how the post-COVID era gave space for real artistic expression, the role of Dime Square in shaping a new downtown aesthetic, and what it actually takes to run a store, day in and day out.
This conversation is funny, sharp, and full of fashion deep cuts — a must-listen for anyone building something real in NYC or chasing creative freedom.
Key Takeaways:This episode dives into how self-image is shaped by our digital presence, and how Sophia turned a pop-up into a lasting retail space by staying rooted in community and personal taste. We talk about the evolution of Dime Square as a cultural force, the financial and emotional realities of running a fashion business in NYC, and how Fashion Week has shifted into a more accessible yet oversaturated space. Sophia shares why storytelling matters more than ever in a crowded industry, how authenticity cuts through the noise, and why building a career in fashion is less about virality and more about consistency, connection, and grit.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Navigating Self-Image and Media Perception
00:02:51 Sophia's Journey into Fashion
00:05:33 Influences and Inspirations in Fashion
00:08:40 The Birth of Retail Pharmacy
00:11:10 Building a Brand Identity
00:13:58 The Aesthetic of Retail Pharmacy
00:16:45 Curating Unique Fashion Pieces
00:19:49 The Challenges of Running a Store
00:22:41 The Reality of Retail Success
00:25:34 Balancing Work and Personal Life
00:28:31 Seasonal Challenges in Retail
00:30:10 The Evolution of Dime Square
00:37:53 Post-COVID Fashion Trends
00:44:57 Fashion Week Dynamics
00:58:33 The Future of Fashion Shows
00:59:18 Fashion Week Aspirations
01:00:18 Breaking into the Fashion Industry
01:03:40 Experiences at Paris Fashion Week
01:05:37 Future Plans and Community Engagement
01:14:10 Advice for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs
Follow Sophia:Instagram: @retailpharmacy_
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