F Stop is a social network platform that allows creatives to connect and collaborate via an efficient web app. Back in July, I was contacted by L.A. Photographer Mick Ben about collaborating with the F Stop team. Upon joining the platform, I've been able to brand, showcase, and network with other artists through a very simple structure. I encourage all artists looking to broaden their network to join F Stop. See my feature on their amazing blog and below.
Where are you from? Where have you been?
Baltimore, MD. Born and raised, minus two years in Kingstree, SC.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
I don’t think I’ve traveled nearly as much as I would like to in order to accurately answer this question. Ask again in about three to five years. I plan on doing a lot of traveling between now and then.
What’s on your “bucket list” of ideas to create?
Wow…so many ideas. But overall, I really want my work to display people, women in particular, as works of art – pushing the envelope artistically, defying stereotypes, and redefining beauty and style standards through dress. I also want to incorporate several of my other passions (dance, design, poetry, etc.) into one major project.
What is your signature styling trademark?
Styles that I’m into tend to change often, so I wouldn’t say that I have one, but many may notice this recurring theme of a vintage-glam influence in my work. However, I do try to stay true to my motto of “the definition of walking art.”
How would you sum up your visual style?
My motto: “The definition of walking art.” I view everyone that I style as works of art and I create looks that help bring out the true artist in them, as it relates to the given concept.
Tell us about your career. How did you prepare for it?
My parents had me in so many different activities as a child – acting, dancing, pageantry, and so many more, but fashion was the one thing that stuck. It never went away. Those experiences also helped me become a well-rounded person who could relate to a wide range of people, artists in particular. From picking pageant looks to dance costumes, fashion was always in the mix somehow, and I think that’s how it kept my attention. High school was when I began to take it more seriously. I found a Couture Arts School and took classes there after school, volunteered for local fashion shows, and networked with some successful people in the industry from my area. That was when it became more real for me, and my world began to revolve around it. From there, I’ve made important connections in the industry and have been functioning in the roles as creative director and stylist for fashion-photography projects.
How do you stay current on trends?
I try to follow as many social media pages as possible that I find interesting, inspirational, and relevant to my craft. That way, I’m not just reading/looking at random thoughts and selfies all day long as I scroll throughout the day. I also use mood boards and my Polyvore page (greeshar) to stay up on the latest trends, and I incorporate my own styling take on them. I shop a lot also, lol.
Do you have any projects you’d like to show off?
I love these images from my latest freelance project, "Discrete Luxury", inspired by a play off of the title of Rico Love’s EP.
What challenges do you face in your career?
I always tell people that my biggest challenge as a Stylist/Curator is trying to create a timeless body of work in such a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. The masses focus on “trends” so even as trends inevitably make their way into my work, I try to always make it “me.” I create art that I know I would be proud of, even when what’s “in” has changed. I also look at my craft as an art form and not just “clothes,” – I aim for my work to embody the same emotional impact inherent in art. Conveying that through fashion photography is always a challenge that keeps me interested.
It’s also a challenge working in my field, in my city. In my experience, you have to go out and create your work when you’re in my field and from where I’m from. Not only is Baltimore not a fashion capital, but there’s a relatively small group of people in the field in comparison to places like NYC, ATL, LA, etc. I enjoy that challenge as well, though. It makes the work that much more exciting.
What celebrities would you like to style?
Solange, Claire Sulmers, Cindy Bruna, and Tammy Rivera are some of my favorites right now…they all have such versatile aesthetics. I’d love to style them all.
What’s the most memorable project you’ve participated in?
This series entitled “Vintage Materialism” that I worked on with photographer, Kelvin Bulluck, is probably my most memorable because it was the first project where I was playing the role of Co Creative Director as well as Stylist. That’s when I realized I wanted to take on directing editorials as well.
Who do you want to give a shoutout to?
My mom, my rock, ”momager,” best friend, all in one. She’s my everything and she will do anything good to see me win. My favorite guy, my dad, who’s been my loving supporter and is always eager to help me plan and execute my goals. My siblings for being there to see every success and lesson learned and still cheering me on and keeping me so grounded. My grandparents for their immense patience, wisdom and support throughout my entire life. My uncle, Daniel, who is teaching me all about how to be the best Creative Entrepreneur I can be…and every single relative, friend, and person I love who has ever picked me up and dropped me off to school, work, a photoshoot, show, etc., complimented any of my work, sent me a nice text, given me a hug, lol…anything remotely positive.
All of these people keep me going in the direction of my dreams, so I had to name them all.
What fashion trend do you wish would come back?
I honestly don’t need any of them to. Good “trends” never really go out of style. So I’ll continue to wear them and reference them in my work, regardless.
What is the most life-changing event that you’ve experienced?
The passing of my best friend, Alisha, was definitely the most life changing event for me. She was into fashion, as well. She wanted to study it and have a career in the field, and we related to each other in that way. Losing her and seeing how hard she worked to finish school during our senior year in high school as she battled with her sickness just made me want to work ten times harder in all of my endeavors, especially when it came to my career in fashion. She’ll always be a reason for me to keep going.
What’s your greatest failure, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest failure is honestly self-doubt. There was a point where I started believing the people who told me that my passion wasn’t “practical” or that it was just a phase and that I should put my focus elsewhere. I overcame it through personal development and choosing to spend my time with more supportive, positive people, even if that meant a lot less people…. This is still something I’m working on to this day.
What’s your greatest achievement, and how has it shaped you?
I think my biggest achievement is not waiting for anyone’s stamp of approval or the possession of all the right resources to pursue my passion. Many may disagree, but I believe that if you wait for all the right connections, approval, and resources to start, you will NEVER start because there will always be some obstacle in your way. Realizing that and moving forward is my proudest moment.
For anyone who wants to get in touch with Sharra, here’s some contact information:
FStop: Profile
Website: sharragreenestyling.com
MM: Profile
Sharra, thanks so much for interviewing with us! We look forward to the constant evolution to “The Definition of Walking Art.”
Special thank you to Mick Ben, Pamela, and everyone from the FStop team for putting this together. Comment your thoughts on the interview below. ✨💕 See more inspiring F Stop interviews here.
Sharra,
"The definition of walking art."
