Vogue Cleaners started as one shop in Sacramento. Today, we serve customers across multiple locations with a team trained in modern cleaning methods and garment care.

We’re still family-run, and still focused on doing things right—just with more hands, better tools, and a lot more experience. But we didn’t always have this much. When we started, it was just a small space, a few machines, and a big learning curve. E

very step forward came from showing up, figuring things out, and doing good work day after day.

How did Vogue Cleaners begin?

In 1986, Mr. Yoo found a dry cleaning business for sale in Sacramento. He had been working as a technician at Texas Instruments, helping build early computers on the manufacturing line. When the company offered to relocate him to Texas, he decided to stay in California, close to his community in San Jose.

At the time, many Korean immigrants were entering the dry cleaning business. It was a hands-on trade with relatively low startup costs, and many of the older shop owners were ready to sell. Mr. Yoo’s twin brother was already running a cleaner, which gave him more reason to try it out.

He borrowed money from friends, moved his family to Sacramento, and bought the store—with a baby on the way and two young kids at home.

The early days were hard. Within six months, he lost about half the store’s business. He didn’t know the ins and outs of dry cleaning yet—things like running the equipment, managing customers, or keeping up with the daily flow. But he kept showing up.

First one in, last one out. He worked long days while raising a young family and slowly earned customers’ trust with consistency and care.

Eventually, he had to move. His landlord didn’t renew the lease, and the neighboring business wanted to expand. Luckily, Mr. Yoo was able to find a spot just around the corner in the next plaza. A family friend stepped in to help with the cost of relocating. Because it was so close, many of his customers followed.

How did customer relationships help the business grow?

Years later, the new landlord of that second location passed away, and again, Mr. Yoo had to move. This time it was farther—about 15 minutes away, to the Arden and Watt area.

That location had already seen a dry cleaner fail. And moving that far usually means losing a big chunk of customers. But Mr. Yoo had something stronger than signage or location: he had relationships.

People remembered how he greeted them, how he made them feel seen. He learned their names, asked about their families, and remembered what was going on in their lives.

Some still come in today, sharing stories about how he used to say, “Today is the best day of my life” or joke with customers using phrases like “Hakuna Matata.”

Over time, those small moments added up. Customers brought their friends, their families. Mr. Yoo became known not just for clean clothes—but for care, consistency, and a sense of humor that made people feel welcome.

Why the name “Vogue”?

When the shop first opened, Mr. Yoo wanted a name that felt clean and classic. “Vogue” sounded elegant. It gave the feeling that clothes mattered here. That even everyday shirts deserved good care.

The name stuck, and over the years, so has our business. These days, the name feels familiar to many families in Sacramento who have been coming to us for years, and in some cases, across generations

What has guided Vogue all these years?

We keep things simple. Work hard. Stay honest. Treat every customer like they matter—because they do. That’s what Mr. Yoo believed. And that’s what Enoch—Mr. Yoo’s son—and Jeremiah carry forward today.

We don’t rush. We ask questions. We learn the best way to clean each item, because no two pieces are the same. We take it one customer interaction at a time, making sure each person feels heard and cared for. Some clothes carry memories. Some are just part of a busy week. But all of them matter.

From One Generation to the Next

Enoch didn’t grow up thinking he’d join the family business. But over time, he saw what his dad built—how it helped people, how it brought stability—and he felt drawn to it.

Now, Enoch helps carry the business forward with his own mix of care and curiosity. Jeremiah, a longtime friend, joined the team too.

Together, they’re building on the foundation Mr. Yoo laid, bringing fresh ideas while staying rooted in the same values.

How has the work changed?

In the beginning, the tools were simple and the process was manual. Mr. Yoo learned through trial and error. Today, the Vogue Cleaners team uses advanced machines, eco-friendly solvents, and fabric-specific techniques.

But even with all the upgrades, the mindset hasn’t changed: every item should be handled with care and intention.

What are we most proud of?

Over the years, Vogue has grown. More locations. Better equipment. A team that cares as much as the founders did. But it’s not the size of the business that makes us proud. It’s the small moments.

It’s helping someone fix a shirt they thought was ruined. It’s pressing a suit the night before a big interview. It’s making someone feel ready for their first day back in the world after a hard season.

Clothes can change how you feel. We see it every day.

The story continues

Vogue Cleaners started with one man, a small shop, and a big heart. That heart is still at the center of everything we do.

We’ve talked about big dreams—like creating a mentorship program, offering job training, and continuing to give back through clothing donations. But for now, the focus is steady: serve the community well, take pride in the work, and keep learning as we go.

If you’re in Sacramento and want expert care from a team who takes their work personally, Vogue Cleaners is here for you. Come visit one of our shops or explore our services online—we’re always happy to help.

You can also schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet.