Today we’d like to introduce you to Saba Shaikh
Hi Saba, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Swap came to life at the end of 2023 when I was mapping out my goals for my 29th year of life. I wanted to build something that truly reflected me—what I love, what I’m known for, what brings me joy, and what I’ve grown to be passionate about in my career.
So, what are those things you must be wondering? Faith. Intentionality. Deep, real connections. My friends. Clothes from small local brands. Digging through my friends’ closets for a fire fit before a night out. Helping people find their style. Self-expression. Being eco-conscious (shoutout to growing up in Austin and being Muslim). The pure joy of live music—especially DJs. My friends, queer DJs, lady DJs, the new ones on the rise.
Being Fly has always been my love language—whether it’s through the clothes I wear, the music I move to, things I can do or the people I vibe with. I’ve been known to be out dancing late into the night with my friends, swaying to the music blaring and my homies dancing. Feeling alive in the small but great moment time—my energy always has me connecting in the wild. I have a habit of making friends everywhere I go.
And in the daytime, unlike my party-filled nights, I have spent 4 or 5 years serving as a Disaster Response professional, supporting victims of all sorts of natural and manmade disasters—ranging from hurricanes to winter storms and tornadoes to COVID-19. Living in Houston and working in the nonprofit space and disaster response really deepened my desire to connect the community to free, valuable resources in the area. Some people just don’t know what’s available or how to access them. And, lucky for them, my Pakistani girly pop smartie pants self could get them right to them. And, I was so ready to.
And that’s where The Swap started to take shape. I wanted to create a space where people could swap what matters and share what connects us. It’s more than just fashion—it’s about community. I’ve seen how powerful it is when people come together over shared experiences, and I wanted The Swap to be a reflection of that. A space where style, sustainability, and connection all meet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it wasn’t too bad! I wouldn’t say it was easy, but after spending a year mapping out the project, things started falling into place in ways I didn’t expect. I had no real budget, no idea how much people would actually engage, but I was determined to make it happen. That first year, I poured everything into developing The Swap, creating a 35-page Ultimate Guide that broke down the big events—Houston’s Flyest Clothing Swap—and the smaller events we’d sprinkle throughout the year. The basis of The Swap was already there; I just needed the right people to help spread the mission with me.
One of the biggest turning points was a random conversation with a friend’s friend, Anna. She was so inspired by The Swap that she immediately wanted to help—first with social media posts, then in bigger ways until she became a full-on team member. A little while later, Marilyn, who had been following @TheSwapHTX on Instagram, reached out, wanting to get involved. I was surprised but quickly realized she was a perfect match for The Swap’s vision. Anna and I knew we had to bring her on. And in advance of Volume 2 of Houston’s Flyest Clothing Swap, Farrah—one of our first swap volunteers—officially joined the team. She had managed the front desk at the first swap, welcoming newcomers and sharing our mission, and by the second swap, she was leading vendor management.
But, of course, there were challenges. Paying for this was not going to be easy by myself, and I worried about having enough clothes and support to even put my idea out there. That’s when the First Class Swappers stepped up—many friends, trendsetters, and community members handpicked to donate exclusive items before the event, setting the tone with their style and impact. They came through with bags and boxes of incredible pieces, making sure we had quality items for attendees to swap. And then there were the Swap Members—our day-of swappers who contributed through admission and clothing donations, bringing even more energy and variety to the event. My DJ friends generously donated their talents after learning about the mission. Then, thanks to Marilyn, The Coffee House at West End loaned us their 3rd floor space on those two amazing Saturdays. And, Anna, working at a small fashion boutique in Rice Village called Fig Tree Jewelry and Accessories, secured some amazing clothing racks and decor for the Swap. Between them and the decorations and things in my house- The Swap really started to come together almost too easily (Thank GOD!!).
There were times, I was nervous about how it would all come together, but my team and my community made sure that what could have been struggles turned into successes. The Swap was never just mine—it belonged to the people who showed up, supported, and believed in it every step of the way. And from the looks of it, continue to believe in the Swap every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a community connector. Whether it’s through fashion, music, or mutual aid, I’ve always been drawn to creating spaces where people can connect, express themselves, and support one another. My work has taken different forms over the years—from disaster response—rebuilding homes in Houston after Hurricane Harvey, helping communities recover from weather emergencies, winter storms, and even COVID-19, to supporting Transportation Advocacy Group’s efforts as an events and outreach intern, to working with refugee youth in HISD through PAIR Houston. And in 2024, I launched The Swap HTX—a third space that combines sustainable fashion with community upliftment, local collaboration, and creative self-expression.
I specialize in bringing people together in ways that feel natural, fun, accessible, and impactful. The Swap HTX is like the core of everything I do. It’s about community, creativity, and conscious consumption and contribution. Whether it’s through fashion, music, or just vibing with people, I create spaces where folks can show up, express themselves, and leave with something that feels meaningful. I learned to share about how conscious consumption is cool. It can feel effortless and accessible, proving that a circular economy can thrive right here in Houston. Most people don’t realize any little thing you do can help your neighbor. You don’t need to be deep in the sustainability movement to show up at The Swap—you just need to pull up and be open to the vibe at The Swap.
What I’m most proud of is seeing people leave our events not just with totes packed with “new” fly clothes, but with a new perspective on how fashion, recycling, and community can work together. The beauty of The Swap is in the older and younger folks bonding over The Swap HTX, fly pieces in hand with stories both shared and woven into them, has made me the proudest. Seeing those connections form and friendships spark while everyone is dancing enjoying themselves—that’s what makes me the proudest. I am so grateful for the beautiful community the Swap is becoming, and it is only just the beginning.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
CALL YOUR FRIENDS. Call your neighbor. Go places and ask. ASK, ASK, ASK. People are often afraid to ask for support—but honestly, I wasn’t. I knew that no matter how much I knew, someone around me had skills, experience, or insight that could take my vision further.
I’ve asked for advice and guidance from everyone—friends from the scene, my operations and secret Swap advisor (who works in Operations and Influencing), my wedding and event planner friend, DJs, event hosts like Casa Projects who guided me on leading a team of DJs and details about event equipment requirements, even homies out in the streets at night. People are banks of knowledge, and sometimes, all you have to do is ask to find a mentor or build a strong, engaged network.
Gatekeeping your project won’t make it easier to start—it’ll only slow you down. My year of building was for me to unpack my brain, even in those early stages- I always tried to fearlessly ask for advice. The key is to just start, lean on your community, and be open to learning from the people already around you.
Pricing:
- $5 with a bag of items to Swap
- $20 for Admission and a bag for Swappers without items to Swap
- $50 Vendor Fee (subject to change)
- $20 for Swap Sponsorships for those who want to support The Swap HTX without attending or swapping
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswaphtx
- Other: Gmail: Theswaphtx@gmail.com
Image Credits
Jonathan Tran, IG @jonjontraan
