Today we’d like to introduce you to Sa’Dreaka Ogletree.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sa’Dreaka. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story begins as a little girl sitting on my mother’s bed watching her put together these crazy outfits getting ready to hit the club scene. This was the 80’s era and she wore some of the most coolest hairstyles, colors, prints, and of course shoes! From those moments, I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry but didn’t know what I was going to do in it. My aunt Sharon, whom I lived with for a couple of years use to make her own curtains, pillow cases, bed shams, bed skirts, pretty much anything with a needle and thread!
She taught me the basics on how to sew on a button and zipper. I use to watch her as well as she would take a pair old jeans or shorts and ripped them and make them her own style. I remember clearly getting into trouble for cutting up my ruffle socks (you know the ones you had to wear for Easter…lol) and making them into gowns for my Barbie dolls.
Fast forward to high school, I was always known as the girl that could dress, I have always been over the top and extra (Still is). My peers would come to me for style tips or help them with their wardrobe even back then. I was always ahead of my time. I wore color mascara, platforms shoes and bell bottoms, even in the 90’s and made it look good!
After high school and a few career changes, I still was not fulfilled. I knew I had to be into the fashion industry some type of way but didn’t know if I wanted to be a stylist or designer, so I became both. I really got serious and started attending styling seminars in LA, getting education on how to break into the business and booking clients. I enrolled in Houston Community College fashion program to brush up on my sewing skills and learn about patterns, textiles, clothing construction, and pattern making. Then in 2011 Closet Envy was born, I wanted to open an affordable boutique given women the opportunity to dress like a celebrity but without the cost. I started selling women accessories on Facebook and held inventory in a one-bedroom apartment closet.
Seven years later, I have now added women clothing (sizes 0-3x), men clothing, shoes, handbags, and custom-made clothes for any occasion. Last year I sewed 46 prom dresses and this year, I’m expected to double that. I truly enjoy creating one of kind pieces to fit that person mood and personality. Closet Envy was designed for fashion forward shoppers looking for quality and unique styles without the pricey sticker. I have been able to show my garments in various fashion shows around Houston and during 2016 New York Fashion Week. Last year I launched The Cavone Collection, which is my custom-made collection, that I was blessed to debut during 2017 Paris Fashion Week. There is no limit for Closet Envy. I have a couple more surprises coming up this year that my clients are going to love. My ultimate goal is for a reporter ask a celebrity on the red carpet “Who are you wearing?” and she or he replies ” The Cavone Collection.
Has it been a smooth road?
This has not been a smooth ride but it is so much worth it. The biggest struggle I’ve had is not having people who you thought that was going to be in your corner to support my dream. I’ve learned that sometimes outsiders are more supportive than your family and friends. At the end of the day, it’s all about your destiny and if they walk away, they were not a part of your destiny anyway.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Closet Envy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company is called Closet Envy. Closet Envy is a fashion boutique designed for fashion forward shoppers looking for quality and unique styles without the pricey sticker for men and women. What sets my company apart is that I’m not just a clothing boutique. I offer custom made garments and styling services as well. I’m proud of my company because of where I came from and where I’m taking Closet Envy.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Where do I start? I love the hospitality of Houston and definitely the food. What I like least about the city, I believe we should have more fashion events and opportunities. There are so many talented designers here and most time we have to travel outside the city to get the exposure.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.closetenvyshop.com
- Phone: 8662387389
- Email: closetenvyshop@yahoo.com
- Instagram: msclosetenvy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/envy42
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
