We recently connected with Sharra Greene and have shared our conversation below.
Sharra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been in absolute awe of how clothing impacts a woman’s life. I remember watching my mom, aunts, grandmothers and cousins, walk with a different stride when slipping on their favorite pair of pumps, or place their shoulders back after buttoning a beautiful jacket. Even at ages 5 & 6, I didn’t have words for it but I knew that one day I wanted to somehow create that kind of confidence shift for women.
At that time, though, I wasn’t thinking about whether it would be “worthwhile”, I was just obsessed. Collecting magazines, sketching outfits, hosting home fashion shows, I loved all of that.
Fashion’s deeper purpose in my life has unfolded gradually through the years. But when I decided to pursue styling, I felt I could succeed because my family always told me that I could do and be whatever I wanted if I was willing to work hard. I know that not everyone has had that kind of support system so I’m forever grateful that I have.
Sharra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I originally thought I wanted to be a designer, but everything changed once my sewing instructor invited me to help dress models for her fashion show. That’s when styling stole my heart… and then when a guest stylist came to teach at the workroom one day, I was obsessed.
I started learning everything I could about the craft and cold-emailing photographers in my city to style test shoots (my mom often came with me since I was only 17 & 18).
Working in photography studios introduced me to the world of editorial styling (the fancy, dramatic looks you see in magazines). But women would still always ask me for style advice, or stop me to ask about something I was wearing and I took that as a sign to serve them, so I was inspired to pursue personal styling as well. I currently have been doing both for 7+ years. But even now, those editorial roots still influence the way I approach dressing all different types of women for branding and other life pursuits.
I think right now, there’s a micro-trend of stylists telling their clients to just tune out magazines, the runways, the trend cycle, etc. And while that approach is totally fine, it’s just not my approach.
I don’t think most women dislike fashion. I think they’re overwhelmed by it.
In this digital age, there’s so much content being thrown at us.. it can be hard to discern which looks will actually bring out the best parts of who YOU are. THAT’S the work I’m most excited about these days…. helping women translate the wider world of fashion into personal style that aligns with their unique beauty and their specific goals, so they can feel empowered when they walk into a room, get in front of the camera, or step into a new chapter of their lives.
I don’t teach women to ignore the zeitgeist… I teach them how to navigate it in a personalized way. So much of what we carry mentally and emotionally shows up in our relationship with style, and that’s where my purpose lies.
I love offering real strategy and support for that part of a woman’s journey… and I don’t run from the research, presence, and the patience it takes to get that result for the women I dress. I believe that level of dedication is what sets me apart. It’s not all just mood boards and cute clothes, it’s technical, personal work.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
More than anything tangible, I’ve had to learn that a solid network, consistent creative & mental health practices, and a place to share my big ideas are what really sustain me when things get chaotic.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’m always aiming to create quality, safe spaces for women to engage with fashion & style. That’s my goal whenever I’m dressing women and it’s also my goal with my digital & print magazine Era Mayé’Ven. My team and I are deliberate about creating a world there that’s fun, a bit whimsical, and informative without being condescending.
Life is hard enough, and getting dressed is something we each have to do everyday, so why not make that an empowering experience?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sharragreenestyling.com
- Instagram: @stylebysharra
- Other: https://eramayeven.com
Image Credits
Photographers: Christina Jones, Joshua McMillan, Anthony McCray, Damon Rice