“I Want Everyone to Walk in and Say, ‘Wow!’ "

Sophia Liristis, PharmD, is the owner of Mama Village Rx & Wellness in Mamaroneck, New York, where she considers her patients family.

Mama Village Rx & Wellness: © pharmacytimes.com

A 2011 graduate of the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York, she opened the pharmacy in 2022. In 2020, after almost a decade working at Rite Aid, followed by 4 years at an independent pharmacy, Liristis suffered a devastating loss.

“My baby sister [aged 30 years] suddenly passed away from a pulmonary embolism. This event changed my very being, as I lost a huge part of my life when I lost my sister,” Liristis said.

“Shortly after, I almost ended up losing my 4-year-old child,” she said.

Thankfully, her son is healthy now, and with a new perspective on life, Liristis decided that “life is too short just to sit around and go with the flow. Love, loss, and my life experiences made me change and take the risk and open up my own pharmacy.”

After debating several names for her pharmacy, Liristis chose the name Mama Village Rx & Wellness. She chose “Mama” for 3 reasons: it is a nickname for Mamaroneck; it is the name of a saint from the island of Naxos, Greece (Agios Mamas), which “holds a special place in my heart”; and of course, because she is a mother herself.

In addition to prescriptions, the pharmacy offers cannabidiol products, gifts, homeopathic remedies, medical-grade supplements, self-care products, and vaccines.

“We also try to carry organic and cruelty-free products,” Liristis said, adding that the pharmacy has a modern, boutique feel and not a traditional pharmacy appearance.

“It looks nice, clean, and happy, not a place where you just pick up medication when you’re sick,” she said. “I want everyone to walk in and say, ‘Wow!’ ”

Liristis and her staff strive to make patients feel welcome, starting from their first visit.

Giving back to the community is important to her. The pharmacy’s employees are involved with the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the pharmacy donates to local schools, participates in local parades, and sponsors events at the local library.

Recently, the pharmacy hosted a wellness event, with guest speakers discussing both cancer and nutrition and offered healthy snacks to attendees, Liristis said.

“The event was free, open to all, and it was a nice way to let people know that we are there and offer free events and resources that they would not get elsewhere,” she said.

Liristis described the benefits of choosing her pharmacy.

“You can get the same medication filled at any pharmacy, but why choose us? Because we give our clients the best possible care and quality of service,” she said.

Apart from her work at the pharmacy, she enjoys biking, dancing, going to the beach and to concerts, playing basketball, reading, singing, and spending time with her family and friends.

As a Greek American and self-proclaimed foodie, Liristis also enjoys exploring different cultures and restaurants, especially Greek establishments