Michael Rhodes started Mikey’s Closet in 2014 in the midst of a battle with alcohol addiction. Rhodes wanted to take control of his life, and being his own boss was one way for him to do that.

“At that point it was just sort of a hobby,” Rhodes said. “I wanted to start something new.”

Rhodes said that his addiction was spurred by the loss of his grandma in 2005, when he was a student. It became his coping mechanism for the grief and followed him wherever he went.

“Any time anything bad happened, I was drinking,” Rhodes said.

Now, he’s three years sober and excited about the direction his life is heading. He got a DUI on October 7th, 2019, which was a wake up call for Rhodes.

“Without that DUI, I wouldn’t be here today,” Rhodes said. “I needed to live for my nieces and be a positive role model,” Rhodes said. “I don’t want them to lose me to an addiction that could’ve been avoided or stopped. They’re who Mikey’s Closet is for.”

Mikey’s Closet, which had been more of a hobby for Rhodes prior to the arrest, became the outlet for his energy and passion. He devoted himself to the business, growing it into a success. What started as a resale company has become a business with an entire selection of custom bags, clothing and more.

“I’m just blessed that I had the opportunity to start a business,” Rhodes said. “Mikey’s closet is my baby.”

Rhodes says his decade of experience in retail gave him the knowledge he needed to start the business and figure out what would work. He also has focused on catchy, relevant slogans.

“I get inspiration from a lot of people, including my best friend T-Dub,” Rhodes said.

You can watch the full interview above and learn more at https://mikeysclosetshop.com/