LI Businesswoman's Dreams Realized In Pandemic: 'Stars Aligned'

RIVERHEAD, NY — For almost 30 years, longtime clients have headed to Cohen's Fashion Optical in Riverhead, where owner Charlotte Smilovich has always welcomed them as warmly as family.

And now, the business, formerly located in the old Walmart shopping plaza, has moved to a new, expanded location, at 720 Old Country Road, Suite 8, in Riverhead. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening was held Monday at the new space.

Smilovich, who lives in Mattituck and is well-known in the community for giving back to those in need, couldn't be more thrilled. "When the opportunity presented itself to move to a new location, we jumped at the opportunity," she said. "Our journey started a year and a half ago and we were set to relocate six months after we started the process, but COVID stopped us in our tracks."

The pandemic has blindsided many businesses and taken a huge economic toll, but for Smilovich, business dreams have been realized during the darkest of days.

"This was definitely a scary time for us with looming doubts, but somehow the stars aligned," she said. "Thankfully when the ball started rolling again my family was the biggest support and helped me with the move every step of the way."

The new space, she said, is perfect, built to cater to all needs. "Personalized for us and our patients, we have so much space, natural light, and exposure to the public," she said.

And, Smilovich said, not only is she now able to offer a more "personalized and exciting experience" for patients, but telemedicine is now available, too, "an incredible type of eye exam that offers extended and thorough testing, all while keeping the customer safe amidst COVID times."

Also in the new location, audiology services will be offered via Thunder Hearing, with New York State licensed audiologist Lisa Roselli, she said.

The new location will also offer extended hours.

And that's not all: Smilovich and her son Anthony Remigio have launched a new eyewear line, one that they designed themselves.

"This is where I get super excited," Smilovich said. "I have been in the optical field for over 32 years. It has been my passion to style my patients and have them leaving the store feeling great and looking good. While being in the business I’ve learned so much. I know what looks good; I know how to dress a patient with eyewear, along with all of the technical aspects that go along with eyewear design."

Smilovich knew she wanted to take her vision to the next level and create her new line — and from that dream, "Charlotte Rose and Anthony Remigio Eyewear" was born.

"I designed my line to be diversified and to appeal to all women and the Anthony Remigio line was designed by my son Anthony and offers men’s and unisex eyewear," she said.

The line is made in Italy because Smilovich said she wanted "quality construction from the best manufacturer."

The rewards have been life-changing, she said.

"What inspired me most when designing my own line was the power of the patient. To see a patient smile and feel empowered and confident in a new set of eyewear is such a fulfilling feeling. I wanted to design a line of frames that reaches everyone and get them feeling good about eyewear," she said.

(Courtesy Charlotte Smilovich)

A female entrepreneur for more than 30 years, Smilovich said she takes great pride in the barriers she's broken down with determination, grit — and a business run with genuine affection for the customers who've become close as family.

"It is extremely empowering to be in a predominately male-run business world and to know that women can do it, too — if not better!" she said.

Smilovich is also a strong role model, her daughter Samantha said.

"I am so beyond proud of my mom for overcoming all of the obstacles life has thrown at her. She is so strong and passionate and though she doesn’t want to say it, she is so incredible and she should be so proud of the business she is growing. She also loves and cares for people so deeply which makes her the best boss ever," Samantha said.

Reflecting on the past months, on working to shepherd a dream to reality during the most trying and uncertain of times, Smilovich said faith and family have carried her through.

"It was nerve-racking but so exciting to have something to look forward to during such a crazy time in this world," she said. "Having my family and close friends involved and helping us make this store perfect has been so fulfilling and such a blessing."

She also thanked her longtime staff for their dedication.

Despite the current economic challenges, Smilovich is optimistic.

"The future is still a scary thing to think about, but we have so much hope and faith in God that we will be able to expand and prosper," she said. "The continued support from my family, especially my husband Ray and all of our kids, has been immense. We are so grateful for family in these trying times. Not to mention the continued support from our incredible patients who have stuck with us and continue to do so throughout these crazy times. From my family to yours, thank you."