THE SISTERHOOD: A group of 11 friends, some of whom have known each other since their high school years, opened Phenomenal Threadz in Inglewood. Pictured from top left are Catina Smith, Alanecia Polk, Marena Downs, Salathia Smith and Melanice Ray. At the center is Yaisa Smith, and to the left are Tamanika Morten and Roshanda Wilkins.
RETAIL
“More Urban…Fashion Forward” Phenomenal Threadz Opens in Inglewood
When Marena Downs bought a building in the 2600 block of West Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, Calif., being a property owner had not been the first item on her list of things to do.
She wanted to build a fashion boutique, work with her friends and serve her community. On June 7, Downs realized those ambitions with the opening of the Phenomenal Threadz boutique at 2619 W. Manchester Blvd. The opening party featured fashion shows of the Los Angeles–headquartered brands sold at the boutique, including Celebrity Pink, Symphony and Mustard Seed.
Downs wanted to give women in her city a fashion alternative with the boutique. “We can go to Macy’s, but we want something more urban and fashion-forward,” she said. She also wanted to provide styles that she believed to be affordable. Retail price points range from $17.99 to $110 at Phenomenal Threadz.
The boutique works a bit like a co-op. Downs assembled a team of more than 11 friends to build the boutique, buy wholesale fashions for the shop and work behind the store counter. Some in the group have been friends since their high school years. They are businesswomen and social workers. One is a plumber, another is a probation officer and a third is an analyst at Warner Brothers TV. Downs eventually hopes to open more Phenomenal Threadz shops. She’s also proud of an accomplishment for anyone who works on a team effort. “We can do this and still remain friends,” she said.
Frances Harder, president and founder of Fashion Business Inc., a Los Angeles–headquartered nonprofit educational development center for the fashion industry, provided some consulting for the Phenomenal Threadz team. “They identified a niche market where they felt there is a need,” she said. “Any time you have 11 people willing to work together to benefit the community, it is pretty amazing.”
Downs also helms the It Takes a Village Community Foundation, a nonprofit that furnishes prom dresses to girls who cannot afford to buy the dresses for their high school proms.
