Meet Brittany Graham | Owner of S’agapo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I woke up one morning in 2013 and decided that I was going to start my own business. I have always had a passion for design and clothing, and at the time I had just lost my job working for direct tv, so I felt it was the perfect time to pursue something that I have always wanted to do. I didn’t know how I was going to do it and when it would all come together. I just knew that I was going to do it. I strive to do everything out of love and the top place on my bucket list is Greece so I combined love and Greece together and that is how S’agapo came about because it means I love you in Greek. It just felt right. In my spirit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
S’agapo! My baby. My love. I started S’agapo in 2013 and I honestly thought when I started S’agapo,  it would pop in a year. I originally started out wanting to do wholesale. I soon found out that was not for me. So I decided to get into designing my own custom pieces. I didn’t know a thing about sewing or sketching my own designs. I always had a passion for it, just had no clue how to get started. In 2014 I eventually reached out to one of my old classmates who at the time was killing it in designs. Jamilla took me under her wing and taught me how to sketch. She really was the blueprint to all of this. From 2014 up until now I put my all into learning everything I could about design and fashion. I never stopped learning. I’m still learning. That’s the beauty of it all. I’ll be forever learning and growing in this profession. It hasn’t been easy, but I knew God gave me my calling and purpose so it was no turning back. When I first started this I thought it was going to be a cake walk but boy was I wrong. It took a lot of long nights, a lot of tears, to get to where I am. Even to this day I still have my obstacles, but I cry it out and pray and keep it pushing. I honestly got to where I am professionally because I never gave up. No matter how many no’s I got or how much I got looked over, I knew the vision and I wasn’t going to let up until I got it. In 2016 I kept saying how I needed a mentor. I wanted to surround myself around people who were thriving in this profession. That is a major key. Making sure you are around the people making the moves you want to see yourself make in this lifetime. I literally prayed for a good mentor that could help me take my vision to the next level. Four years later in 2020 I got that mentor and it changed my life. I had someone who taught me literally everything I needed to know to be a true designer. It has truly been the most rewarding experience thus far. I still have days where I feel as though I should be further along, but whenever I get to feeling self doubt I remind myself that just four years ago I knew nothing and this was all just a vision and I am literally standing in the middle of those prayers that I sent up all those years ago. I’m learning that just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Timing is everything. So I just keep working and praying and having faith that in 5 years I’ll be living out my prayers from today. I have faith that all things will work out for my good. I’m learning every single day. This journey is definitely teaching me to be patient in knowing that God’s timing is better than my own. I’m learning to be kind to myself because I can be my worst critic at times, but most of all I’m learning to live in the moment and to take everything no matter if it’s good or bad and find the beauty in it. If there is one thing I want the world to know about S’agapo and myself is am living proof that whatever you set out to do you can do it as long as you believe in it. I am a walking testimony. S’agapo is everything and it just gets better with time. My brand is growing. there is a foundation being set and the world will definitely remember S’agapo for all that it will contribute to the fashion world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely eat! I love to eat! And you can’t forget about all the wonderful festivals that Atlanta has to offer. I love just going with the flow and being in the city. I love the city. Sometimes I make my husband drive me through the city. It’s so refreshing and exciting to see all the beauty that Atlanta has to offer. My all time favorite place would have to be little 5 points. I basically grew up there. Every weekend my mom and sister would drive down and spend hours in that magical place. It’s such a vibe and the people and energy that it has is unmatched.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Man. It’s so many people that have played a part in where I am todayI want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband Byran and my five beautiful babies.  I wouldn’t be half the woman I am today without them. Everything I do is for them. I strive to be better because of them. When all seems lost they remind me of the power I hold within. I love y’all to the moon and back. Byran you have sacrificed so much just so that I can live out my dream. I love you so much baby and I know I’m not the easiest woman to deal with but thank you for everything you have given for me to be the woman I am today! I love you sooooo much!

Jessica!!! Thank you for taking a chance on me. Believing in me and pushing me to reach my best potential. I am forever grateful for you and the friendship we have built over the past year. Literally the best mentor I have ever had. I love you..

Rāe aka Rāe gun. This moment wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you for always inspiring me. Thank you for seeing the dedication and hard work I have put into designing. Love you girl!

Instagram: @forever_sagapo

Twitter: @foreversagapo

Facebook: Brittany Graham