Shay Wood, the matriarch of Harlem’s renowned fashion dynasty, is more than just a designer; she’s a visionary entrepreneur building a multi-faceted business empire centered around family legacy. Overseeing ventures that span from spirits and beverages to a boutique, podcast, and legendary clothing atelier under the Harlem Haberdashery umbrella, Wood’s constant focus is on creating something enduring for her family.
From Hip-Hop’s Golden Age to a Fashion Empire
Wood’s entrepreneurial journey began with 5001 Flavors, a business that has become a Harlem fashion institution. Founded in 1992 by Shay and her husband, Guy Wood, the company initially catered to the burgeoning hip-hop scene. Guy brought the creative vision, while Shay provided the strategic business acumen. “The 90s was perfect for the creation of our business,” Wood reflected. “At an event, someone needed a look for their artist. They stepped to (Guy), ‘Are you a stylist?’ And he was like, ‘I am now.’”
In an era before social media, word-of-mouth and referral-based marketing were key. “It was a good time. Social media did not exist, but referral-based marketing was really what made 5001 work,” Wood explained. As hip-hop grew into a global force, 5001 Flavors grew with it, outfitting music legends like Biggie, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, and LeBron James. The business evolved alongside its clients’ careers, expanding into movies and national tours as artists diversified their revenue streams.
Diversifying the Brand: Harlem Haberdashery and Beyond
Celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year, the legacy of 5001 Flavors remains deeply connected to Harlem’s creative heritage. Recognizing the importance of multiple revenue streams, Wood and her family expanded the business thirteen years ago by opening the Harlem Haberdashery clothing boutique. Today, the family-run enterprise includes not only Shay and Guy but also Wood’s brother and son, emphasizing a commitment to extending entrepreneurship across generations.
Wood expressed her love for working with family, noting the seamless integration of personal and business life. “The good thing about working with my family and having my husband as my business partner, there is a lot of interconnection between my personal time and my business time, and I love it,” she said. Harlem Haberdashery has broadened its offerings to include accessories and eyewear, even collaborating with Vontelle Eyewear, founded by fellow mompreneurs Nancey Harris and Tracy Green. The Woods also ventured into lifestyle categories with HH Bespoke Spirits, launching gin, rum, and vodka, later adding bottled alkaline water, aligning these products with their design-forward aesthetic.
Breaking Generational Curses Through Entrepreneurship
For Shay Wood, entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for rewriting family history and breaking generational curses. “Generational curses ran in my family until they ran into me,” she stated. She is passionate about building wealth that her children and bonus children can inherit, ensuring the next generation doesn’t have to start from scratch. “It’s hard for that first-generation entrepreneur to come in without a business plan, the knowledge, or the blueprint,” Wood acknowledged. “The challenge is being a history maker in your family and breaking these generational curses.”
Wood’s story, featured in the latest episode of Mompreneurs, highlights her dedication to blending love and business, breaking down barriers, and giving back to her community. Her journey exemplifies the strength and style of Black women building businesses while raising families.
What are your thoughts on Shay Wood’s approach to building a family legacy through entrepreneurship? Share your insights in the comments below!
