Upscale Magazine contributor Tara Merchant sat down to talk with Guy Wood, Sr. and Sharene Wood (formerly Barnett), the husband-and-wife team behind 5001 Flavors. The Woods, born and raised in Harlem, New York, established 5001 Flavors in 1992, a company dedicated to providing custom clothing and accessories, fashion styling and manufacturing for 31 years.
5001 Flavors has gained “behind the scenes” notoriety as the “best kept secret” of award-winning fashion stylists, film, music video and television wardrobe stylists, and celebrities around the world. The list of celebrities styled by 5001 Flavors is massive but includes the late Notorious BIG, Grammy award winners Alicia Keys and Missy Elliot, NBA star Carmelo Anthony, Super Bowl NFL star Victor Cruz, NBL star CC Sabathia, hip hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, Beyonce, and daughter Blue Ivy, and many more.
The trendsetting company has moved with the ups and downs of the entertainment and sports industries and pop culture, and has expanded to include an award-winning retail space (Harlem Haberdashery), and two philanthropic organizations (#TakeCareofHarlem and The League: DGM). They have also expanded into lifestyle items including accessories, automobile interiors, home furnishings, and spirits (HH Bespoke Spirits).
Guy Wood, Sr., Creative Director/Head Designer of the company, grew up amidst the explosion of Hip Hop culture and is a wunderkind of fashion design and tailoring. He also oversees all creative aspects of the brand and retail location. His wife Sharene Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer of 5001 Flavors and Harlem Haberdashery. Sharene is responsible for all administrative and organizational duties of the company. Her keen business sense and love of fashion make her a perfect manager and an integral part of the company. She also contributes greatly to the company’s client relationship building efforts.
This multifaceted company has been highlighted at cultural institutions including the Museum of the City of New York and the Schomburg Center for Black Research. This summary of this impressive couple barely scratches the surface of the truth behind their companies and philanthropic leadership. Watch here for a conversation with Guy and Sharene Wood of 5001 Flavors.