SOPH in Westport has fashion for all sizes, accessories, novelty items
WESTPORT — Everyone is welcome at SOPH.
The new boutique, located at 875 State Rd., offers clothing, accessories, and novelty items.
With an eye on inclusivity, SOPH offers a clothing size range from small to 3XL.
Founded by Fall River resident Sophia Teves, SOPH is meant to foster “an equal shopping opportunity for all,” a mission statement declared on the shop’s website.
“Growing up in a bigger body, it was always harder for me to find clothes that weren’t only stylish, but that fit well,” Teves told The Herald News. “I knew if I was going to open a boutique, I wanted to do it the right way and have a wide range of sizes — just not the way most stores display them.”
No size-specific clothing sections: ‘All sizes have an equal shopping opportunity’
At SOPH, all of the clothes are displayed together:
“No petite, straight, or plus-size sections,” Teves said. “At SOPH, all clothes are together with no specific sizing sections because clothes are clothes, and it really is that simple.”
Not every vendor that Teves sources from has a full size range, “however I make sure that all sizes have an equal shopping opportunity at SOPH,” Teves said.
Pride SouthCoast-wide:LGBTQ+ Network plans festivals, parties across the region for June
SOPH moves from online to brick-and-mortar
Teves started out with an online business called Sophia Teves Handmade.
The switch to brick-and-mortar came when the right opportunity presented itself:
“My online business was all handmade clay jewelry, but I’ve always wanted to own a clothing store,” Teves said. “I had finished school and wasn’t sure of where I’d go next, but an opportunity for a commercial space came up and I decided to go for it. Very spontaneous, but I am so grateful I did.”
Teves runs the business with support from her circle.
“I run the business myself,” Teves said, “however, my friends and family are always stopping by to help when needed. I couldn’t do it without their consistent encouragement either.”
Alterations help clothes fit better, customers feel happier
She wants every SOPH customer to feel good about the clothes they’re in, and so SOPH even offers alterations to make sure that every fit is just right.
“I was starting to hear a lot of ‘if I was just taller’ or ‘I always have a gap on jeans,’” Teves said. “Comments that customers were making about themselves because something didn’t necessarily fit them the way that they wanted to led me to brainstorm on how I can give SOPH’s customers the best experience.”
Alterations are done by Lasell University fashion graduate Mekenzie Barbosa, and services include patching and mending, clothing adjustments, hems, waist adjustments, and sleeve-shortening.
“Mekenzie and I have been friends for a few years, and I absolutely love [collaborating] with other talented women in the area,” Teves said. “I reached out to her and we decided to team up to make sure that everyone has a resource to make those changes, right in store, and end those negative comments because: clothes are meant to fit you; you shouldn’t have to change your body just to achieve the outfit you want.”
‘Positive impact’:Sakonnet Vineyard has a new team to make wine. What it means for Carolyn Rafaelian
Customers can always check out the latest additions to SOPH: Teves tries to restock or bring in new inventory every week to week and a half.
SOPH’s summer hours are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. SOPH is closed on Sunday, except by event basis (Sundays at SOPH), and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Keep up with SOPH on Instagram at www.instagram.com/shopsoph.ma.
“I hope everyone knows that you are welcome at SOPH — all shapes, sizes, colors, etc.,” Teves said. “Fashion should be fun, and finding your style should be a fun experience. The days of not being able to shop in stores are over.”
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at[email protected]. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
link
