Check Out Sharif Poston’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharif Poston.

Sharif, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Philadelphia, I started doing hair in my mother’s kitchen when I was in my freshman year of high school. My passion for hair started at the tender age of 11 years old. Growing up, I would see my mother come home from the beauty salon a whole new woman, and it made her happy. My mother means everything to me, and how getting her hair done made her feel was so inspiring. I would always ask if I could do her hair, and she would allow me. She was my first client/hair model. Fast forward after I graduated high school, I attend community college for a year, not believing- at the time- I could really have a career doing hair. After my first semester, I decided that wasn’t the path I wanted to take. I then enrolled in beauty school in Philadelphia to then transferred mid-semester to a beauty school in New York City where I would graduate and live for the next seven years. I was 19 years old when I embarked on my new life in New York City. I then would train with some of the most prestigious hair brands and institutes in the beauty/hair world, like Aveda, Vidal Sassoon, Redken along with other hair styling & art classes to develop my skills in hair. My career started off behind the chair and then branched off into editorial, TV, celebrity, fashion shows, and print work.

Along the way in my career, I’ve met some amazingly talented artists and entrepreneurs that I also call friends. They have helped me along the way in my career, many doors have since opened for me. In this industry along with many others, I’ve learned that relationships matter. After developing a solid foundation in my craft, I embarked on a new journey to Los Angeles to pursue hair in television/film and celebrity. Since moving to LA, I’ve worked with many celebrity clients such as Taraji P. Henson, Thuso Mbedu, Bresha Webb, and Niecy Nash-Betts, just to name a few. I’ve also Keyed Two National Tv shows (Fboy Island S2 & Back In The Groove), I’ve also keyed tones of the music videos from Ariana Grande “Positions”, Justin Bieber “Holy’ , The Weekend “Gasoline”, Due Lipa “Leviated”, & Adele “I drink wine”. Currently you can Catch my work (Hair) with Niecy Nash-Betts on her show “The Rookie Feds” streaming on Hulu.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all. It took a lot of no’s from high-end salons, brands, & clients. A lot of training and patience along the way. I’ve made many hair mistakes during my early years of my training/career. There have been times I’ve doubted my own ability to succeed in my career. As an artist I take pride in what I do, and with that comes a lot of self-doubts, wondering if I was good enough for the opportunities that have come my way. Of course, as time went on, I’ve gained experience and I’ve developed more skills and confidence. Even till this day with all the experiences and career opportunities, it is still a hard business to navigate. It’s bigger than just doing hair. I am a brand. It’s important to have a team you trust. Rather it’s an agent, manager, assistant, etc. Having a team in any career path is so important as they will and can help you navigate the many career levels and success. It is important to never stop learning and growing in this business.

When I was 18 years old, my father was tragically killed during an argument with another person in front of his home, 8months later after just moving to NY I would get the news that my oldest brother was shot 5 times. At the time I wanted to give up on everything, I went through a deep depression. After getting the news of my brother I was scheduled to start beauty school, and I remember my instructor Mrs Gay R Thomas-Venable (We called her “Miss Gay”) was one of my biggest supporters in helping me get through those tough 6 months of school. At a time when I felt I had lost my passion for everything she became an inspiration an anchor.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a celebrity hairstylist. I specialize in hair color and hair styling in all hair types and textures. I’m known for my work with many celebrities like (Thuso Mbedu, Niecy Nash-Betts, MJ Rodriguez, Taraji P. Henson, and Bresha Webb to name a few), Publications (Vogue Mag, Essence Mag, The Wrap, GQ South Africa, NY Times, La Times, etc), and TV Shows (Fboy Island S2, Back in the Groove, & The Rookie Feds, and Music Videos). I am most proud of my entire career as every opportunity has gotten to the next level in my career. My dreams are coming true and I am so grateful for my journey thus far. But to name at least one was shooting my very first magazine cover with Essence magazine, and also Keying my very first show in Cabo Mexico with HBO Max. So many more proud moments. As I continue to grow in this industry, I think what sets me apart from others is that my approach to hair is always to try something new and creatively different with my clients, adding my own twist to things. In my journey I’ve noticed that some artists may choose specifically who they want their clients to be -which is fine- but I like to work with every client no matter the level in their careers. They are all successful in my eyes, and my job is to treat them as such (with respect) and elevate their already existing beauty/Brand.

What makes you happy?
Besides my family & friends, Traveling makes me happy. Traveling gives me the ability to grow. I love experiencing different parts of the world and seeing how other people live and experience the world differently from mine. It’s so liberating to me. I also enjoy those simple beach vacations and doing nothing. As much as I enjoy my career making people look and feel good, it can be very hard on my body with the long days on set and traveling for clients. I believe in a work-life balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thevisionariesagency.com/hair-stylists/sharif-poston
• Instagram: @sharifposton

Image Credits