Meet Sheryl Roberts | Vintage curator and retail store owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheryl Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sheryl, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start my business because I love unique clothing. I love the idea of looking stylish on a budget. And I love sustainable fashion because it dosen’t impact the environment in a negative way. As a former model, I wanted to remain in fashion and people always asked me what I was wearing so I decided vintage fashion would be a good career. Then I decided to stock my store with black owned brands to support the mission of helping other small black brands grow or gain some visibility.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets the Collective at IndigoStyle apart is our authenticity and personal care. Our goal is to offer an amazing variety of black owned brands at an attainable price point. We want our customers to trust us so I strive to give honest feedback without high pressure sales tactics. And we offer quality in everything we sell.
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.
I would tell my friend to definitely stay at Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn. I would say start start day in Manhattan and visit Harlem and see all it has to offer including the Apollo. Eat at Red Rooster or Melba’s. I would tell them to explore the city including all the museums, Chelsea market, Hudson yards, the Highline, the parks and Eataly. I would tell them to eat at Indochine for a true New York nightlife experience and try Clinton Street Bakery for breakfast. Check out Dover Street Market and Grand Bazaar Flea Market. Also see a play. Try some street trucks.
Then I would tell them to explore Brooklyn. Check out Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bed Stuy, Williamsburg and Bushwick. Eat at Negril, Kokomo, Imani, Deniz, Crabby Shack, Meza Azteca, Wadadli Jerk and Greedi Kitchen. Visit Weeksville Heritage Center and go to Mocada museum.
I would tell them to shop Bed Stuy black owned businesses including Black Market Vintage, The Collective at IndigoStyle and many others. Definitely explore the free fun all around. Target First Saturday, Tama Sundays Market, Sola Saturday market, Prospect Park Summer concerts and more.
There is so much to see and do. A week is not enough in NYC.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have helped me along my journey. Without my friends and customers, I wouldn’t have been able to open my store store. They came and assisted me in the days before I opened by literally helping me build out the infrastructure and completely stock the store with products. Bridge Street Development and Start Small Think Big have both been excellent resources. It takes a village so I shoutout the village.
I would say there are so many Black owned businesses to support and patronize. Mess in a Bottle, Aroma Culinary, Jam & Rico, Stuyvesant Champagne, Gizmo Vintage, Urban Asanas, Happy Cork, florist Marie Jean-Baptiste, SK Wilbur hand crafted bags & totes are just a few of the many Black owned businesses that I love.
Website: www.thecollectiveatindigostyle.com
Instagram: @indigostylevintage
Other: www.shopthrilling.com/IndigoStyle
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
