Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanaa Sharrieff.
Hi Sanaa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I opened The Style Lab in downtown Greensboro, it was born from a desire to create a space for fashion, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I reestablished Savvy Chic Clothing in 2019 and quickly learned to pivot when the COVID pandemic changed the way the world would do business. When I scaled out and opened Tee-Yourself Tees, it became apparent that both brands could come together under one roof.
As the business grew, I realized there was an opportunity to offer more than custom tees. I envisioned a destination where customers could shop unique fashion, accessories, and custom pieces, while also supporting a business owned by a Black and Indigenous woman. That vision became a reality when The Style Lab opened its doors in downtown Greensboro in December 2025. Since opening, I have collaborated with other small business on products and events.
Around the same time I was scaling up and scaling out two brands, I was establishing my name as a visual artist. I joined the ABC Cohort, sponsored by High Point Arts Council, and learned the business side of art. Through this cohort, I scaled my art business, Couture on Canvas. Although the brand is growing, my fashion art displays have been shown at Visit High Point, the atrium at High Point Arts Council, and Greensboro Cultural Center. My prints are currently available at Studio 136 in High Point, NC, and online. It would be the coolest thing is someone spotted my one of one fashion art pieces and featured them in a movie or at a major event. That’s definitely a dream of mine, but for now I’m enjoying the journey.
Today, The Style Lab is home to both Tee-Yourself Tees and Savvy Chic Clothing, offering custom apparel, accessories, and ready-to-wear fashion for customers looking for that one of a kind flair. Occasionally I will feature an exclusive art print from the Couture on Canvas collection. While I am still in the early stages of the boutique journey, I am honored to be a part of the Downtown Greensboro community. I am also excited to continue growing as a creative hub for fashion, self-expression, and entrepreneurship. Currently, I am curating Greensboro Fashion Weekend, a high level fashion art event ilocated in the heart of Downtown Greensboro.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In my journey the biggest challenge has been striving as a single parent of two children with disabilitilies. With concrete supports and a full toolbox we have gotten stronger together. That said, they have a specific set of needs that take precedence over my entrepreneurship dreams.
And I learned to pivot again, this time in parenthood. I like to use this journey as an opportunity to teach my young people about money, saving, earning, and spending. They learned about managing a bank account and they learned why we probably shouldn’t buy ice cream as soon as we sell a product. It’s not all lessons and lectures, they also get to learn about starting their own kidpreneur journeys and decide what they want that to look like.
Overall, I am thankful for the opportunity to turn the challenges into positive outcomes for all of us.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a designer that happens to sew, but that is not the entirety of my work because I am an artist. I am a fashion artist, a visual artist, a music artist, and an entertainer.
I am known for painting images of fashion pieces that I previously created. I am also known for creating art pieces that feature clothing sewn on to the canvas. During the most recent art exhibit I decided to try something different as I solidify my niche. I displayed a work in progress. What that means is that the piece, ‘Verdant Plumage’, was created and sewn onto canvas before the dress was contructed.
Currenlty, there are no other artists in this region that sew clothing onto canvas with a corresponding clothing collection. It feels surreal to be a trailblazer in art and fashion.
I am proud of my accomplishments, although I realize that these are milestones and not final destinations. My journey has led me to curate Greensboro Fashion Weekend, an event that creates space for artists, designers, fashionistas, and aficionados to gather and network. The event ends with a runway extravaganza that demonstrates the versatility of fashion and it’s intersection with art.
What sets me apart and makes my approach unique is the way I combine art and wellness. As a parent navigating my children’s disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand how creative outlets can help us release stress, recenter, and reconnect with one another. Those experiences inspired me to share that same sense of balance, confidence, and joy with other children. Through teaching fashion and art, I encourage young people to explore their creativity, discover their individual talents, and develop healthy, expressive outlets that support both their imagination and their overall well-being. My goal is to create opportunities for children to see themselves as artists, innovators, and creators while building skills that can positively impact them for years to come.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I really enjoy collaborating with other small businesses. There’s something powerful about building together while we’re all still finding our footing. I’m open to product collaborations, event partnerships, and featuring local brands in my shop. For me, it’s about community over competition and creating opportunities where everyone can grow.
I also welcome students who are interested in service learning hours through volunteering. It’s a great way for them to gain real-world experience, creativity, and exposure to entrepreneurship.
For those who simply want to support what I’m building, I’m always grateful for direct outreach or contributions through my donation platform. Every bit of support truly helps move the vision forward.
Pricing:
- TYT Tees $25 and up
- The Style Lab Style Services $50 and up
- Fashion Coaching Package $100 and up
- Booking $300 and up
- Couture on Canvas 1-of-1 pieces $500 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linktr.ee/SanaaSharrieff
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qsqueensanaa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QSQueenSanaa/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queensanaa-savvychicclothing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/qsqueensanaa
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/itssavvychicclothing
