What's your story?
Just a little background...I am the youngest of six. I grew up in the Hough Heights area of Cleveland and have many found memories. I always knew I wanted to be a performer even as a shy kid. My siblings were "forced" by my parents to endure my many performances as a kid. My most popular and first acting performance was me pretending to be deaf. (I've since apologized to my mother for the stress it put her through)
What makes you nervous about having your portrait taken?
I am my biggest critic. I'm still embracing all my " perfect imperfections!" Also despite my career in music and theatre, I tend to be a fiercely private person. I cant really hide behind a costume. It's just Sharron!
Can I share some of your images?
Yes, you can share any or all!
What do you love doing that makes you feel kick ass?
When I'm onstage with all the phenomenal band mates in either Afterthought, or Foxx & Co. but particularly with "Wish You Were Here" and I've got my heels on, I'm singing to several hundred or thousands people, and I'm looking fierce, I get lost in the music. I reflect on that little girl from Hough Heights, who's living her Rock and Roll dream! I also feel kick ass, when I finally realized that I will always be my biggest cheerleader and that I'm in control and responsible for my own happiness.
What inspired your portraits?
The need to live my truth. The past two years have been particularly difficult emotionally for me. With the help of a good therapist, several situations also caused me to grow and vow never to love anyone or anything more than I love myself. Again part of that was "exposing" myself by taking photo's with my glasses off. My mom fusses at me all the time..."stop hiding behind those glasses!"
What bad ass women inspire you?
Firstly my Mom, when my Dad died she brought up all six of us, became an RN, got her Bachelors degree and then her Masters degree. She was also the first chick I ever saw with a Blond Afro! Locally there are several women inspire me. One in particular, who recently passed away, Doris "Dot" Pierson, my collaborator and Sisterfriend in our group, Maiden Voyage Theatre Ensemble. She's a firebrand! To name a few others; Congress woman Maxine Waters, Barbra Streisand,Tina Turner, Queen of Rock! Ida B. Wells for exposing the practice of lynching and one of the founders of the NAACP, Akron native, musician Chrissy Hinde, Aretha Franklin, and Fannie Lou Hamer Civil Rights Leader.
Any Other Comments?
Women regardless of race, or economic background, are bound by estrogen which makes some, not all, of our struggles similar. I enjoy being a woman, an African American women and all of the challenges that it brings. I surround myself by strong confident women, that also are not afraid to show their own vulnerabilities. I'm living proof that it's never too late to begin to love yourself for who you are, and who you are evolving into. That evolution is for your own growth and of your own doing and not to please anyone else.