156: Sharene Wood, CEO of 5001 Flavors and Harlem Haberdashery, on Building Family Businesses, Wealth and Legacy

Sharene Wood is an unapologetic Harlem girl through and through. Since she was a kid, she says she was a "loud little leader," who always knew she was meant to be in charge and that she would someday open her own business , although she wasn't certain of her passion or what kind of business she would be led to at the time. When her boyfriend, Guy, asked her to help him out in 1982 with his biz idea that she had, the pre-law major said "yes," and 5001 Flavors was born from Sharene's Columbia University dorm room as she banged out correspondence on a typewriter.

Today, Sharene and her husband/business partner Guy -- that boyfriend from her college days -- are celebrating their 25th year of 5001 Flavors, a custom clothing company that has worked with an endless list of celebrities celebrities, from Beyonce and Blue Ivy's Salt N Pepa Halloween costumes to looks for David Beckham, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott and more. The couple is also celebrating the fifth anniversary of their latest family venture, Harlem Haberdashery, which is a chic boutique in Sharene's old stomping grounds that is with a beautiful brownstone that a unique historical significance: It is the former home of civil rights leader Malcolm X.

On this episode of the Support is Sexy podcast, Sharene talks about the importance of charting your own history and making an impact in your community while building a family business, creating  transferable wealth , and establishing a legacy that will live on for generations.

On this episode, you'll learn:

How to be mindful of the way we cultivating leadership in our girls.Getting real about the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship.Selling fashion as a service.The importance of giving back to the community you're within.Her advice for working with family.Why you can't bring mental baggage into what it means to work with family.How to build your business and your brands through referrals.The key skill she believes lead to success in entrepreneurship.Why you have to remain focused on the next client while serving the current one.What she's learned about owning a brick and mortar boutique.The importance of creating transferable wealth and building a legacy. 

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Show notes, links, contacts and resources for this episode may be found at supportissexypodcast.com.

[Music: "Easy" by SPCZ]

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