Meet Queen Sanaa – Vocal Artist and Fashion Designer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Queen Sanaa.

Hi Queen Sanaa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Sanaa Sharrieff. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My interest in music and fashion started really early with really stylish parents who sang in a popular NY band. I was about 13 years old, sitting on our stoop in Brownsville, when I penned my first song. Through adolescence, I mostly wrote the spoken word. During undergrad at NCCU, I visited WXDU (Duke University’s underground radio station) and spat a freestyle. Over time I began to carve out a comfortable singing space. Although I enjoyed rap, I preferred singing. I used to sing the outgoing messages on my dorm room answering machine. My friends joked about it back then, but singing came naturally to me. I have enjoyed opening shows for many of my favorites over the years. I reignited my passion for rapping and hip hop shortly before the coronavirus pandemic began. I used that time to work on several projects and shoot a few videos in what would normally be crowded areas. Although I have been musically inclined my entire life, I have also had a passion for designing and making clothes. I may have written my first song at 13, but I started my first fashion collection at 14. Over the years, I have had to navigate between fashion and music. These days both fashion and music are intertwined for me. I will present a collection with my music as the soundtrack or shoot a video in pieces from my collection. I love having a space to express my art in every way freely.

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?
Some challenges include finding a balance between motherhood and my craft. I remember taking time away from the studio to focus on motherhood on many occasions. I also remember having my children in the front row of my shows singing all the words. In the past, tragic experiences have challenged my desire to create. These days I just rap or sing about it. I create a spoken word that will help me cry through it. As a mom of two neuro-divergent children with special needs, there is always the part where their needs will trump every other thing in my life. There is also the part where I am working on a song and my children are singing and dancing with me. They have even participated in my fashion shows; There were and are adversities. That is a natural part of life. My trajectory has always been steady and forward, regardless of my life path and its challenges.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a vocal artist and a fashion designer. I believe that what sets me apart as an artist is not only the fact that I sing, rap, and perform spoken word but that I also write. I know some artists do not have a strong pen, and I am grateful for the gift of words. I like to use my platform to promote the well-being of families and children. I have cohosted several podcasts including The New Neighborhood Season 2 about creating safe spaces for children nationwide. You can find my music on all streaming platforms and social media.

From the fashion design perspective, I would say that my ability to sew sets me apart from many designers. I have met lots of designers who can not sew. I began sewing at a young age and can make pretty much anything. Over time I have evolved through a few fashion phases. Starting, I was designing and sewing only women’s clothing. I underwent an alterations-only phase that strengthened my comfort level around certain fabrics. As a custom creator, I have also specialized in creating customs and remakes for men, women, and children. I have received accolades as Fashion Designer of the Year previously. Savvy Chic Clothing Co. now offers women’s high fashion and streetwear for men and women. I still occasionally create custom pieces. I have more to accomplish, so I won’t name what I am proud of in my music or fashion career.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I like to listen to meditation music and sound waves when I am creating or resting. Fabulous has been a good app for creating good habits. Outside of that, I enjoy reading books. My book choices range from ‘As A Man Thinketh’ and ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ to the Harry Potter series. ‘Of Water and Spirit’ is another favorite book as it provides an interesting insight into tradition and spirituality. I spend a lot of time journaling and writing my goals which helps me stay aligned with my purpose.

Pricing:

• Booking – varies
• Queen Sanaa Merch – $25-$150
• Savvy Chic Customs – varies

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/savvychicclothingco
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/qsqueensanaa
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/qsqueensanaa
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/qsqueensanaa
• Youtube: www.YouTube.com/c/qsqueensanaa
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/qsqueensanaa
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13Omv16JzqntF0AfEnH9k0?si=l5aJA-C8TQKCECILRaJJNw,https://Linktr.ee/QueenSanaa

Image Credits
Jermaine Monroe Inkhead Art Sanaa Sharrieff El Dattio