Theophilus: Style, a Roxbury dream, years in the making

Banner Business Sponsored by The Boston Foundation

Theophilus Apparel & Home Furnishings, an African American-owned Roxbury-based retail shop dedicated to affordable, upcycled goods and timeless style, will host its Grand Reveal Weekend from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, marking the culmination of a lifelong dream more than eight years in the making.

Located at 235 Dudley St., Theophilus is a haven for vintage lovers, bargain hunters, and neighborhood residents seeking quality secondhand furniture, fashion, records, and more. The brand’s name, Theophilus — meaning “love of God and friend of Christians” — reflects both the founder’s values and welcoming spirit.

Charles Samuel is the owner of Theophilus. PHOTO: CHARLES SAMUEL

“It just sounds friendly,” said owner Charles Samuel, who has spent his life cultivating a sense of style and good taste rooted in love, faith and pride in community.

“This is about more than retail,” said Samuel. “It’s about reclaiming our neighborhoods with clean, safe, beautiful spaces that reflect who we are. This store is my love letter to Roxbury.”

For years, the storefront at 235 Dudley St. sat quietly, its windows dark, its purpose unclear. Locals would pass by and ask, “What is that place?” Some assumed it was closed. Others figured it was waiting on permits or funding. But for Samuel, known in the neighborhood simply as Theophilus, the answer was more personal, and deeply intentional.

“I always knew it would open,” he said. “I just needed the right time.” And that time is now.

A name with meaning

As previously stated, the name Theophilus means “love of God and friend of Christians,” but when you step inside the store, it feels more like a personal conversation. Samuel, the man behind the brand, often says it’s not just about what you buy — it’s about the story behind it.

“Tell me what you’re looking for,” Samuel might say to a customer, scanning the racks with them. “Is it for your home, your vibe, or just a reminder that you deserve to feel good today?”

Each item is curated with purpose, and each interaction is a chance to connect.

That’s what Theophilus stands for — a mindset that says, “You belong here,” not just as a shopper but as part of something real.

Style and good taste: A family legacy

Raised in a household where appearance and excellence were expected, Samuel credits his parents with instilling his lifelong love of style and good taste.

“Every day was like Sunday. You wore your best. We visited ritzy neighborhoods just to experience the lifestyle — to see what was possible. My parents were always upgrading us, staying ahead of trends. Our house looked like a magazine inside and out,” he said.

That sense of aspiration stayed with him. Over the decades, Samuel collected, studied and styled, teaching himself how to create looks that turn heads and spaces that inspire. Whether it was a sharp suit, a rockstar leather jacket, or a professor’s cardigan, he wore it like a message: Success lives here.

From blueprint to breakthrough

After retiring from the Massachusetts Port Authority, Samuel poured everything into the business. He spent years collecting inventory, developing his eye and building a vision of a store that offers more than resale — a place that feels elevated, inspirational and accessible. He partnered with MacBean Communications and Calloway 360 to bring it to life.

To understand Theophilus is to understand movement, not just physically but spiritually and stylistically. “I’m always coming from somewhere or going somewhere,” he said. “Mind, body and soul. There’s a rhythm to it — a purpose.”

For Samuel, standing still has never been an option. He does not believe in wandering without direction. Style, for him, is motion with meaning. Whether he’s curating the store’s next window display or mentoring a young neighbor outside on the stoop, Samuel is driven by a relentless sense of destination. Every outfit, every interaction, every decision is part of a larger journey toward excellence, community and a better version of home.

“People would ask me where I was going, just based on how I was dressed,” he said. “But I wasn’t coming from somewhere or going somewhere specific. That’s just how I show up. It’s a way of life.”

A space for the community

Theophilus is more than just racks and shelves. It’s a statement. It’s a neighborhood destination where the atmosphere is clean, beautiful and welcoming. The shop carries vintage and modern items in fashion, furniture, books and accessories. Each piece is hand-selected by Samuel himself. For those without cars, Theophilus offers free pick up and drop off.

But Samuel’s commitment to the community doesn’t end at the store’s front door. A longtime volunteer at his church and a sponsor of local events, he also mentors young people in Roxbury, teaching them about self-presentation, respect and the power of showing up well. Whether he’s helping neighbors hold a vigil outside the storefront or offering career advice to teens, he sees his role as much larger than that of a business owner.

“I believe in building up the community where you live,” he said. “Our appearance sends a message. And I want that message to be ‘You belong.’”

As Samuel puts it, this isn’t just a business. It’s a calling.