Dressing in classic Gloria Vanderbilt and dreaming of colorful and intense runways as a child, undoubtedly, solidified wardrobe stylist and fashion enthusiast Sakeya Donaldson’s career path.
Upon completing her matriculation at Atlanta’s historic Clark Atlanta University, Donaldson’s well-heeled feet hit the pavement running, garnering her premiere job as a styling assistant for the phenomenal Jeffrey’s “Fashion Care’s” Fashion Show in Atlanta. While in Atlanta, Donaldson’s career was fostered by an influx of music videos and serving as visual merchandiser for Atlanta area Arden B. stores.
Knowing that there was more to be acquired, in the spring of 2004, Sakeya decided to take her career to the next level and enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Along with her new educational focus came a coveted internship at Jeffrey in NYC, becoming the first African-American intern in the company’s history.
With great experiences and newly gained knowledge in fashion, Sakeya returned to Atlanta and accepted the position of styling assistant with celebrity stylist, Tameka Raymond. During her tenure with Raymond, Sakeya was able to work with some of the biggest names in the industry including Outkast, Patti Labelle, Ciara, TI and Young Jeezy. Sakeya was also a quick change stylist on R&B Superstar Usher’s high successful ‘Confessions’ tour.
In 2005, at the height of her styling career, Sakeya decided to take her fashion, forward and become a boutique owner, and opened “Splurge”, a men’s shoes and apparel store in the heart of Tampa, FL. ‘Splurge’ instantly became the go-to shopping destination in Tampa and attracted the likes of Tampa Bay Bucs players and personalities including Championship Boxer and Actor, Antonio Tarver, Cadillac Williams, Anthony Davis, Kenyatta Walker and Alex Smith.
In 2007 Sakeya sold ‘Splurge’ and returned to her first love of styling and moved backed to Atlanta. Picking up where she left off, Sakeya began working with Lisa Wu Hartwell and NeNe Leakes, castmates on the breakout Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. Sakeya’s credits have since grown to include rap stars Diamond and Nicki Minaj, over 20 music videos, countless articles, photo shoots and a world tour.
With author and designer still on her checklist, Donaldson still has yet to even scratch the surface. As fashion continues to evolve, so will Sakeya Donaldson’s brand.
Our prediction is that this rising star will be making a significant mark on the fashion scene that will define the next trend in hip hop.
