Meet Tyra Sledge | Sustainable Stylist and Designer

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

Hi Tyra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business actually started as a hobby. I had moved back to Cleveland in 2009, after living in Florida for less than a year, and couldn’t afford to bring all my clothing back home. So I began thrifting as a means to initially have clothing for work. It was there that I began finding items that helped to define my personal style. Within 2 years of discovering my hobby of thrifting, I had amassed a collection of about 2000 items for my personal wardrobe!

After becoming pregnant with my son, I was forced to move my items into storage temporarily to make room for him. Tired of paying for storage, I used my front room as my “closet”! My friends would come by and get styled for different occasions out of my closet. It was then that decided I would start selling my thrifted items!

With no business knowledge at all, I basically just decided to begin taking/ uploading pics of the items to Instagram. I named the business 6th Street Vintage, which I named after the street I grew up on, 146th & Kinsman. Even after receiving a Master of Health Science degree in 2012 frpm Cleveland State University, I deciced to continue to pursue my entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Sometimes, when I look back at pics of when I first started 6th Street and observe at how the business had grown and evolved, I’m always filled with gratitude! Turning my hobby into my passion has been a journey! One thatI have enjoyed, I think I am most proud of the resilience I’ve displayed this decade while venturing from part time thrifter to full time stylist, designer and reseller! Through that time I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with many local and national entrepreneurs on a variety of ventures. This journey has allowed to to connect with many amazing organizations in the city of Cleveland that have given 6th Street a platform ! But more importantly, I have been able to share my journey, experience, and knowledge with the youth in our community. This is what I am most excited about!! Teaching the youth about one of the trades that is no longer being taught in classes like home economics, but with a “spin” lol. I’ve been excited to share my experiences with fashion and style through the lens of sustainability!!

My journey to where I am now has not been met without obstacles. I started out as a reseller at the beginning of my entrepreneurial endeavors. I was only selling the items I had thrifted for the first 3-4 years in business. As my personal style began to evolve, I found items in the thrift store that I wanted to have more modern styles or silhouettes. This would require some sewing. . With a background in health science, I had no knowledge of how to sew or use a sewing machine. However I still invested in a sewing machine, which sat for 2 years. Around 2017, I decided to finally unbox that machine and learn how to use it. With the help of YouTube, my mom, a few sewing classes, and trial & error, I was able to learn how sew. As of today, I’ve created many custom pieces which have been displayed on the runways locally to LA as well as on local and national celebrities!

Being an entrepreneur has instilled within me a few gems that have assisted me along my journey! I think I often remind myself is that that “no one owes me anything “! I’ve worked very hard and consistently on building 6th Street as a brand! Even in the hardest and most uncertain moments I’ve experienced as a business owner, I’ve never given up!

Another lesson I’ve learned to to practice gratitude at EVERY level of your journey. In the age of social media, creatives often fall into the trap of comparing their journeys to that of others , which can be distracting. I’ve learned over the years that every journey is unique therefore can’t be compared! Remaining grateful through each season of my journey has been life changing!

I’m very excited to see that the future holds for 6th Street Vintage! Moving into my 11th year in business, I have began to shift my focus to the community and the youth.! I’m also excited to share my gifts my teaching sewing basics and upcycling to anyone open to learning!

One thing I want the world to know about my story, is that it this is just the beginning! Although it’s already been over 10 years, I really feel like I’ve discovered 6th Street’s true purpose!!! I’ve learned a lot the years, and have gained a few amazing friends/ partners along the way! These people have helped my view 6TH Street through a new Lense! We have some amazing projects in the works! Stay tuned!

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 love my city!!! I really feel like over the years, Cleveland has evolved in a city where you can find amazing things to do and eat no matter the vibe youre seekimg!

Being vegan/pescatarian for the past 5 years, I have enjoyed discovering new health conscious places to satisfy my appetite. A few of my favorite vegan restautants in the city are Vitiman Kandie cafe in located in Midtown, Cleveland Vegan in Lakewood, Heart of Gold, and The Root Cafe. I also enjoy Pier W and Blue Point Grille for great seafood! For desserts, Masons Creamery and Brewnuts!

Cleveland has some dope museums! I would most definitely take my guest to the Cleveland Musuem of Art (especilly if its a first Friday) and also to MOCA. The Rock and Roll Hall of fame is a must! Im a vintage lover, so we would definitely have to do some shopping, 6th Street style, of couse! We would hit up my friends over at Misfit Exchange to browse some dope items and then prpbabl hit a few thrift stores lol!

Although I dont get out into the nightlife much anymore, there are a few spots that also provides a dope vibe when I do. Rebar in downtpwn Cleveland has great drinks and food, as well as great music and atmosphere! Porco’s Lounge and Tiki Bar is another one of my favorites!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my mom and my son!!! At a young age, growing up on 146th & Kinsman, my mother exposed me to thrifting and sewing. And I HATED BOTH!! I remember thinking sewing was boring, and that thrifting was embarrassing lol! It wasn’t until my late 20s that I realized these gems would become a part of who I am, what I’m passionate about, and what brings me peace! I thank my mom for that!

I also want to shoutout my son DJ! Not only was he my driving force around starting 6th Street Vintage, he’s the reason I continue. From sleeping in my shopping carts full of clothes, hiding in between clothes on the racks, he still rides along with me and knows more about the. Business than most people know! He motivates me daily to create and leave a legacy he would be proud of!

Website: www.6thstreetvintage.co

Instagram: 6thstreetvintage

Facebook: 6th Street Vintage

Image Credits
@rachjmartin Rachel J Martin (photographer for all photos provided)