Meet Sagirah Wheeler | L1 Apparel CEO

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

Hi Sagirah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I am an amateur competitive bowler. I bowled as a youth, in college, and now as an adult. When attending bowling tournaments, you may be required to wear apparel that has your name on it. And, of course, as a millennial, we like our clothes to represent our personality or skill. I found myself purchasing jerseys from apparel companies but needing more. I felt good, and the companies fulfilled my designs, but each company used different materials and had varying sizing guides. I always thought I was missing the mark and had a profound feeling of wanting to wear a brand that represented me. With the help of a friend, Norris Jamison, L1 Apparel was born. L1 stands for “little one,” the Arabic meaning of my first name, “Sagirah.” Labeling the apparel brand as “L1”, to me, opened the market to all.
I created L1 Apparel to have clothing I could wear while competing that represents me and my personality. L1 became more than just supporting and encouraging myself when others within the community wanted to support my business. I saw my family, friends, and customers enjoying the apparel they created with L1 Apparel, representing their personality and style. And for me, there is joy in that! I can assist in that creation for others. The L1 Apparel Team strives to ensure that our customers are happy with their designs through quality, creativity, and care.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I hold a Doctorate in Education in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Global and International Education, with a concentration in Higher Education, from Drexel University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with a minor in Anthropology, from Morgan State University. Currently, I am an Education Specialist III with NASA NSTEM. As part of the Educator Professional Development (EPD) Team on the NSTEM project, our goal is to provide education and professional development for primarily K-12 educators (formal and informal) on Next Gen STEM (NGS) content, NASA’s endeavors in exploration and discovery, and NASA resources that spark and sustain interest in STEM in students and their educators. Please visit our website (https://www.nasa.gov/stem/nextgenstem/index.html) to learn more about the resources and engagement activities open to students and educators.

Before this role, I worked as a Client Services Manager at the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME). NACME is the largest provider of college scholarships for underrepresented minorities pursuing degrees at schools of engineering and computer science. NACME’s vision is to create an engineering and computer science workforce that looks like America, and strives to achieve this by partnering with like-minded entities to provide scholarship, resources, and opportunities for high-achieving, underrepresented minority college students in these fields. You can learn more about NACME on their website (https://www.nacme.org/about-us).

Outside of my paid professional experiences, I have also joined the Board of Directors for Stars United Global Outreach (SUGO) in Dallas, Texas, area. Stars United Global Outreach, founded in 2015, was established to provide youth in the Dallas area with a nurturing environment in which they can embrace their identity and reach their fullest potential. As the leading Youth Social Services Organization, SUGO strives to inspire action and support the community of young people with purposeful programming and devoted mentors. We do this by empowering, equipping, and mobilizing our young people, families, and communities across the city through academic readiness, character development, financial literacy, and social enrichment activities. Please check our website (https://www.starsunitedglobaloutreach.org/) for the latest camps and information for your 10–18-year-olds in the Dallas, Texas, area.

My biggest lesson learned is the ability to give back and pay it forward. You indeed have to work hard, be determined, and never give up on your goals and dreams when tribulations arise. However, as I mentioned earlier, nothing is ever achieved alone. For that reason alone, I ensure I do the same as I move forward. Whether it is mentorship, advice, or access to resources, I am finding ways to give back to others. Hopefully, it inspires others to do the same and provides hope that someone will be there for you to the next level. After all, success is a journey and not a destination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I went to Ellen’s for brunch, and I 100% recommend it. I had one of the Mexican breakfasts, which was authentic and rich in flavor. The carafes of mimosas were great too. This would be my recommendation for breakfast or brunch.

I was born on the east coast, so we do not have a Raising Cane’s anywhere. Raising Cane’s is my favorite ‘fast food’ chicken spot. And the Southern hospitality is not matched! This is my suggestion for lunch.

Since I am a bowler, I couldn’t not add a bowling alley to this list. My favorite in the Dallas Area would be USA Bowl. Besides being open 24 hours a day, they have the BEST blackened catfish dinner meal I have ever had! The cherry on top is that their drinks are also good. This would be my late-night option!

Another place that you should try is Saint Rocco’s New York Italian Rooftop restaurant. It is an affordable dining option while taking in the Dallas city views. I love good pasta, so this location hit all those spots.

For activities, the Immersive Game Box is an excellent time for any date night or girls/guys’ night. It allows you to compete in various virtual and immersive games—a great way to enjoy the night before dinner.

I am always looking for and exploring new food, drinks, and activities options. I will continue to add to this list!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anyone that has entered my life (family, friends, mentors, colleagues, classmates) has had an impact on my life, my journey, and my success. Of course, my family has always had my back and encouraged me that I can achieve anything. For that, I always thank them (the late Rashee Wheeler, Rebecca Webb, Sabreenia Hill, Femi Wheeler, Dooney Wheeler, Ade Wheeler, Teka Wheeler, Thaya Wheeler, and Jessica Wheeler). The old tale and fable that you can be successful by pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is misleading. No one has ever become successful without having an individual or small community to help guide them. It may be the person who chose to share your business brought in business. Maybe the individual that gave up countless hours getting your business off the ground. Or perhaps the person that ensured you had meals while you put in late and extra hours. No matter who that person or persons were, they were a part of your success journey.

Academic Journey: Dr. Taylor Bunn, Dr. Amy Britton, Dr. Ashley Gibson, Dr. Suraju Joloaso, Dr. Cris Slotroff, Dr. Marsha Kourek, Dr. Cecile Carson, Dr. Adele Williams, Dr. Stella Hargett, Dr. Angela Howell, Dr. Leanne Howell, Dr. Lakia Scott
Life Journey: Isis Tutman, Jere Hutson, Jazmine Booker, Jazzminn Richey-Obey, Buster Vroom, Holly Burke, Arlene Poole, Adonas Taylor, Paige Martin, Shirlynn Kinney, Kristina Milam, Yvette Ford-Atkinson
Professional Journey: Star Williams, Cristal McDonald, Tolu Ogundulu, Kevin Smith, Maria Valente, Nicole Sheindlin, Fire Power
Business Journey: Devin Dandridge, Tia Dandridge, Jai Jones, Katana Robinson, Rob Alston, Rodney Higgs

These are just a few individuals I can mention on each of my journeys. This list only encompasses some.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l1.apparel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagirahwheeler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L1.Apparel.Brand

Other: Email: L1.apparel.brand@gmail.com

Image Credits
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