Best of Both Worlds: Natural Remedies and Conventional Cures at TLC Integrative Pharmacy

Herbal products, snacks and treats—in addition to regular western medicines and supplements—can be found at TLC Integrative Pharmacy, located next to QFC in Crossroads. Dmitry and Rita Lefelman, owners, prize their pharmacy's large product selection as much as providing warm, personal service to their customers.  Hailing from the former Soviet Union, they grew up in homeopathy-friendly households.  They have translated their respect for indigenous cultures of the world into a business they both enjoy.  Graduates of the UW pharmacy school, Dmitry and Rita left the Soviet Union in the 80s and met each other collecting tickets after both failed traffic school in LA! 

"Apart from that faux pas, we've both done very well in America.  TLC is less than two years old, yet we're thriving. Russia has a wonderful, widespread culture of homeopathy. I have a high regard for it because homeopathic medicines have no side effects or drug interactions," Dmitry says, adding that TLC carries Indian ayurvedic and home grown naturopathic goods. The Lefelmans aim to empower their clients by giving them time, free advice on medicines and supplements, and by treating them "like people, not robots".

Thanks to the high quality of products and great customer service, most of TLC's clients have become repeat customers. They appreciate the selection of products from around the world:  TLC's Omega 3 products from Norway and England from fish found in the coldest water possible; Ayush ayurvedics from India; Chinese herbs; supplements from Russia; French cosmetics and a US-based organic line of skin care.  TLC even carries Xocai chocolates, reputed to have the highest antioxidant level in the country!

The Lefelmans say they chose to bring their business to Crossroads because “it's our neighborhood.”  They say they wanted to build a pharmacy that could give back to the community. They do just that.  In July, they will host an adult family home diabetic education program for 300 people. “We always welcome walk-ins and do our best to give advice they can't get at big chain pharmacies." The Lefelmans say they aren’t interested in becoming “a huge business.”  They want to provide a personal, community atmosphere where clients can rely on a high quality of expertise.