Today we’d like to introduce you to Shai.
Shai, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Everyone knows me as SHAI or SHAI ANGELITÁ pronounced (shy not shay) born and raised in Bridgeport, CT. I relocated to SoFlo in 2011 to further my education/career in child care. In 2016, I graduated from college with all certifications and degrees in hand.
But, I didn’t feel complete growing up I always wanted to open my own boys & girls club, model and, have my own clothing line. What better way to get into fashion then start modeling right? So I started to get my feet wet in the modeling game, doing shoots, videos, hosting events. Growing up fashion was a huge passion of mine although it sounds clichè that’s as real as it gets. Where I’m from, where I grew up? Fashion played a HUGE part in our culture. Every huge basketball game, football game, any event you had to have the FLYEST outfit. Shit the first day of school? If you didn’t have a fresh pair of ALL WHITE AF1 you was a bum lol.
Not to mention, I’m a 90’s baby my mother always dressed me like a boy. Baggy blue jeans, Reebok, rings on every finger etc. That was the style back then and she set the tone! My sense of fashion in high school wasn’t always “girly”, it was urban, sometimes street and just fly. I always had the newest sneakers from Jordan’s to Nike’s you name it, Shai had it. In high school, everyone called me “Fly Girl Shaizy” lol and I won best dressed in the yearbook. Fashion to me isn’t about who has the newest designer or, who has the most expensive looks. I simply base it off of how you put it together, your aura, the confidence you have when you walk in a room. A woman can have a $700 dress on but, if her confidence don’t shine through that dress them pieces won’t HIT!
Now that I’ve grown into a woman I know how be versatile, how to switch it up and do BOTH! When I dress up too, the girl steps out ok. Over the years in SoFlo (South, FL) being out in the party scene, networking and, going to events everyone would always compliment my outfits, “You always dress so nice Shai,” “Where did you get your fit?” “You need to style me for my birthday!” So on NYE 2018 all my friends and I made a toast “name one goal you have for yourself for the new year.” Mine was “I want my OWN clothing line!” I started working for Bloomingdales as a stylist to get more insight of expensive brands and their DNA. I would always pitch ideas to other brands, being ambassadors, giving great creative direction for shoots and more.
However, one bad apple (business relationship) decided to take advantage, use me for my visions, help, connections and, creativity for their brand. After realizing how much I did for that brand within the small amount of time working with them I said fuck it, imma do my own thing. So at first, I had the idea of selling outfits from my closet “SÀS closet”. Pieces such as dresses, sets, things I’ve worn for special occasions that I would never wear again and only wore once. That did so well, it gave me the motivation to push for my very own clothing line. But, I was stuck stuck stuck for months on what to name it! I originally was going to name it “SHAI” but, there was a brand with that name already.
One day I was on my IG looking at old birthday pics and saw that I hashtagged #SÀSSZN. Basically for it being my birthday season/month then, I was like yoooooo that’s it! It has a ring to it, then BOOM! That’s how I came up with the name SÀS SZN. Just like me, my brand’s DNA represents someone who can do both. Someone with versatility, dressing it up with heels or keeping it casually chic with some fly sneakers. My brand officially launched in November 2018, I just celebrated the 1YR anniversary! For my brand to only turn 1, it has been doing SO WELL. I have gotten so much love and support from people all over the states but my biggest supporters come from my home CT and SoFlo. I’m so grateful for all of it! If it’s been UP within only a year imagine where it’ll be the next. “No matter where I’m heading, I promise to stay then same”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, having a business isn’t ALWAYS a smooth road, especially being in the fashion/retail industry. There will be some days you won’t make any sales it could be a month. However, that’s based on your drive and consistency. That’s really the key to it all. If you have no drive, no consistency to push your brand it won’t be successful. You have to push until you can’t no more, and EVEN THEN keep pushing until you break doors down.
SÀS SZN – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
One thing that I’m most proud of is seeing my mentor Draya Michele in my brand! I’ve known Draya since I was about 18yrs old. I was always a huge fan of hers, we always spoke via social media (Twitter, IG) she always retweeted me showed me, love. So in 2012 back home one of the promoters (shoutout to Digga) threw a party and booked her to host the event. That night Digga made sure I met her and was in her section. Draya came with a care package for me full of FINE ASS GIRLS gear. Ever since that day, she’s kept me under her wing, giving me advice, keeping me on my toes. She’s truly become like a big sister to me.
Throughout the years she always sent me her newest gear from her brands MINT SWIM and FINE ASS GIRLS. Once I started my brand, I wanted to return the love I sent her a care package of a piece I knew she would love. The “SÀSSY ME” skirt, the perfect piece to hug her curves. She wore the skirt to an MCM event in LA, paired with gold padlock Tom Ford sandals, and a T. The perfect representation of what my brand stands for SÀSSY & FLY. Of course, when she wore it she tagged my brand Instagram page @sas.szn. This also helped me gain sales and a new clientele from people all over the states especially in Cali. I’m so thankful for her love and support, shoutout to you Draya❤️
One thing that sets me apart from other brands is, I don’t fake the funk. What I mean by that is, I’m not afraid to say what other brands have inspired me. I don’t brag about setting trends. I give credit when and where it’s due. I truly believe that is why the brand gets so much support.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is your outcome being your income. Success is investing in yourself and, making 10x from it! Success is being truly and, genuinely happy with your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sasszn.com
- Email: shopsasszn@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shaiangelita
, www.instagram.com/sas.szn - Facebook: www.facebook.com/sàs.szn
Image Credit:
Photographers: @PhotosByRelz @Keysus
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