Founder and co-owner of the TOP-DRAWER
@lina_sokova
@topdrawer76
From Teacher to Boutique Owner: A Fashion Success Story
Although my higher education was in biology and chemistry, I always knew that my destiny would be tied to style, fashion, and beauty.
My husband, a man of refined taste and a passion for style, inspired me to pursue this path. His successful business required frequent trips abroad, and while I worked as a manager at an international trade organization, my creative instincts found an outlet in interior design. It was my passion, something I did for myself and for friends.
However, life had its own plans. Due to health reasons, my husband had to step back from his business. This marked a turning point for us: we decided to open the first premium men’s clothing store in Yaroslavl featuring German brands. And so began our journey into the world of fashion.
In 1997, we met a young and ambitious man with many ideas and proposals. A year later, we opened the men’s clothing boutique, TOP-DRAWER. Today, this store is 26 years old and continues to thrive. Our collaboration with German partners and regular trips to trade shows in Düsseldorf played a significant role in our development. But my heart was always drawn to Italy.
A fateful meeting with an Italian buyer in Germany opened the door to Italian brands such as Versace, Richmond, and Cavalli. A few years later, we realized that our path lay in Milan – the fashion capital of the world. Working directly with Italian designers and securing exclusive contracts became a natural step for us.
This period was a true whirlwind. We frequently traveled to Milan, visiting the stunning showrooms of brands like Dsquared, Etro, and Philipp Plein. We met many interesting people and immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city. It was then that I realized this was the job of my dreams. I had finally found what I had been searching for all my life. This business inspires me and fills me with energy.
In addition, I trained under an Italian stylist, which significantly broadened my knowledge and understanding of fashion. Today, the concept of our store, my philosophy, and aesthetics remain unchanged. We continue to work with Italian brands, but we are also considering collaborations with Russian designers. Fashion in Russia is rapidly evolving, with many talented creative minds emerging, and I feel that it’s time for us to explore something new.
For me, fashion is a way to convey emotions and evoke admiration in people. It unites through the language of beauty and style. Clothing plays a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. It reflects our individuality, interests, and values. Moreover, it directly influences self-esteem and confidence.
Some people think that owning a fashion store is just about shopping. But in reality, it’s much deeper than that. You need to be a professional buyer, have a well-developed sense of style, forecast customer preferences, manage demand, and understand the specifics of your niche. Respectful treatment of customers is one of the key traits of a successful store owner.
Today, I am absolutely happy. I’ve found harmony with myself and the world, and I have many plans and ambitions ahead. My story is proof that by following your passion, you can build a successful business and enjoy what you do every day.
