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

Hi Tameka, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to provide a fashion experience that was unique and timeless. A brand that stood out from the rest. I wanted to make fashion fun and interesting again. Many brands play it safe with following the trends , I wanted to set them . Chases Closet is for the fashionista that doesn’t want to fit in . The bold woman that dares to create her own path, The woman that doesnt ride the wave , she creates it .

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 am an artist. I think abstractly , I always have . What sets Chases Closet apart from the rest is the originality of the clothing selection. I hand pick everything we sell and I set high standards for the quality of clothing we produce. I’m a classic girl from the 80’s I remember how the leather looked and smelled back then. I remember the denim wash the stitches , the beading The labels from the 90’s the fur .. how rich the colors were . We aspire to rekindle this feeling in our customers . By profession I am a Travel nurse , I’ve done everything from pediatrics , med surge to post acute oncology and long term care . Although I have a strong love for nursing it never could add up to the feeling I get when I think about fashion. I worked day and night to make enough money to open up my store front . What seemed like forever actually happened and we are now about to celebrate 3 years in our brick and mortar. When people ask me how I did it I simply say I didn’t look down. I was walking a tight rope in the sky And faith allowed me to keep walking straight I set a plan I executed it and I never looked down . It wasn’t easy at all don’t get me wrong . It was some days / weeks I was in the red. With over head , the pandemic people weren’t shopping ? I worked full time hrs still had to maintain my home for my husband and children along with shooting and marketing. I wanted to quit so many days but I had come too far . I position myself around people and places that inspired and motivated me . I also stopped watching the clock . I am at the point where I am moving with purpose and intent . Quality over quantity I am planting seeds and those seeds take time to grow . You cant rush it or you will ruin it . 10 yrs I have been doing this and I have learned so much . I thank God for my highs and lows . I thank god that I am
Growing in my craft daily . What I’d like the world to know about Chases Closet is that we are a brand that actually practice our core values daily . It’s not just about the bag we believe that when you look good you feel good and when you feel good you treat others better. We are a brand deeply rooted in love and legacy and if we never make another dollar we have already made our mark & that is priceless .

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.
Hmmm I am originally from New York City it will always be home ! SoHo is such a vibe
Also the winery by the west side high way
The elevated park !
I love Brooklyn Chophouse it’s one of my favorite places to eat .
Tao and buddakan . Unorthodox is a great activity to do its blindfolded scut making while enjoying your favorite glass of wine . Truly a vibe !

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?
Well first and Foremost I’d like to shout out my loving husband . He is indeed my rock and my biggest supporter. Every Demo I’ve created he has worn proudly across his chest . I’ll never forget that. Secondly my children , and my family who has come out and helped endlessly with events etc especially my sister Shamona . my loyal customers that rock with our brand no matter what Lastly but not least my dearest friend Temieka Aron . She has always uplifted me there were times she saw me when I didn’t even see myself . I could never repay her.

Website: Www.Chases-Closet.com

Instagram: ChasesClosetthebrand

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.