We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sanaa Sharrieff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sanaa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Everyone knows at least one artist who’s music and style compliment each other well. When I founded SSBCMG, LLC (Sanaa Sharrieff Business Clothing Music Group), it was an intentional choice to keep my music publishing, consultation skills, and fashion endeavors all under the same roof.

I have experienced moments in the past where I didn’t receive credit for my musical works. I have experienced moments in the past where the clothing styles that were chosen for me did not compliment me as an artist or an individual. As a result of these experiences, I decided to do it all myself. This is how SSBCMG, LLC was born. SSBCMG is currently home to Savvy Chic Clothing, and Queen Sanaa Music.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been writing songs and designing clothing since adolescence. I was no stranger to challenges finding the perfect clothes to represent my artistry. As a young girl, it always seemed that clothes didn’t love me the way I loved them. There always seemed to be a problem with the fit. For example, the top would be perfect but the bottom would be too small. Or, the bottom would be perfect, but the top would be too big. You see, I have always been two sizes larger on the bottom. Because of this, I typically had to bypass my favorite looks to shop for the best fit. This was the foundation of Savvy Chic Clothing. Once I learned that ready to wear clothing is mass produced, I realized that custom clothing was the best option for me. And who better to customize my looks than me?

I currently utilize my consultation skills to help others find the best fit for their personal style and body type. Even if I do not create the finished look, I help others find style direction. I approach each style consultation with integrity, and empathy. I understand that people want to look and feel their best. I also understand that people want to feel confident in their style choices. Contributing to that confidence and sense of well being in someone else is the most important part of my work as a fashion designer. Each custom piece that I create comes with a message of self care, self worth, and plenty of love.

As an independent artist, it is very important that my style and musical works are a representation of me. I write most of my work, I select the songs, I choose when to release music, and I run the back office. I even own my publishing. It is important to me that I have creative control from the foundation of the work. That way, I don’t feel bad about my choices as an artist. The best part about the music is learning to create compositions and collaborating with other composers to make music that expresses my best self.

As a writer I understand that it’s important to glean from my own personal experiences, as well as the experiences of others around me, to tell a story. Similar to fashion style consultations, I consult with artists when I write music for them. Who they are, what they’ve been through, and what the story is that they hope to convey. So far, I’ve written music for every genre. Regardless of the audience, the most important aspect is being honest and telling a relatable story. I have enjoyed writing for Rock and R&B Soul artists the most.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have really had to learn that it’s never too late to start. A lot of people will convince you that success is a one shot chance and that’s it. The truth is, the most successful people have been working at their craft and perfecting their craft for a very long time. Consistency is key, and self promotion helps.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For me engagement has been a useful tool. From mentioning my business every chance I get, to joining the local Business Chamber of Commerce, to collaborating with other small business owners, engagement has been critical in growing clientele. Out of each of these, the collaborations have brought me the most clients. I have also utilized my podcast platform to promote my fashion and my music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.savvychicclothing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itssavvychicclothing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyChicClothing/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queensanaa-savvychic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/qsqueensanaa
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/qsqueensanaa
• Other: You can find most of my links at https://linktr.ee/queensanaa

Image Credits
El Dattio Creatively Captured Imagery Model Cha’Nell Williams