Commitment to stellar styling and beautiful, healthy hair has positioned Sherdon Lavan as a sought-after stylist in Los Angeles and New York. After a long and lucrative corporate career, he answered his creative calling to pursue his passion for hair. Since stepping onto the scene, Sherdon has had work published in several magazines which include Prestige, Zink, VampD, Beauty Bender and California Bride and served as the lead hair stylist for several fashion shows and events at Bloomingdale’s, Full Figured Fashion Week New York/Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fashion Week and the BET Awards. When Sherdon is not on a project, he maintains a full salon schedule as a featured stylist at the Guy Michael Salon in Los Angeles where he specializes in cut, color and styling for both female and male clients.
Read what he has to say.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
Truthfully, I don’t view what I do as “work” because it is passion and purpose driven. Whether I’m in the salon or working on set, I feel a sense of joy because I’m doing what I love. When you love what you do, you’ll never truly have another “work” day in your life.
How did you determine your career path?
I’ve always had a love for the beauty industry; specifically for hair. However, I was a corporate professional for quite a few years before the passion finally caught up and I switched my career. I was ready to step out and pursue what I knew to be my true calling. It was such a natural transition so I knew that everything I’d learned prior to, would also benefit the current shift. My professional and business acumen didn’t hurt either. I’ve never been happier and have never looked back.
What other industries connect to your career choice?
Any customer service driven industry connects with my career as a hair dresser. Your skills are nothing if you aren’t providing stellar customer service to your clientele. I was once told by my hair idol and industry maverick, Ted Gibson, “Always be of service. And remember to always be of service.” I’ve followed that advice to the letter because that coupled with your skills, will ensure client retention.
Describe the skill sets that are essential to future business leaders and innovators.
I think it’s important to build a foundation of industry knowledge. Learn everything there is to know. Research the great innovators and business leaders in your selected field. Reach out to them, if at all possible. In this day and age, there are so many resources out there.
Describe goal setting methods you use and how you evaluate your success.
It’s so important to set goals that will elevate your craft which ultimately elevates your success. I’ve charted my growth by how far I’ve stretched beyond what I currently know and putting that into practice. It could be anything from trying a new cutting/styling/color technique, to embarking on a new and exciting project. My success has always been revealed by my growth in those areas.
Who do you consider your peers in your field and a few that are great examples you can get support and best practices?
Damien Carney and Ted Gibson. Both of these men have been long-time industry icons of mine even before I became a hairdresser myself. I’ve had the honor of working with Damien Carney several times and I am just in awe of his ability to transform ordinary hair into art. I love how he pushes the limits of conventional styling to produce extraordinary hair. I’ve learned so much from him, so much. Ted Gibson has the Midas touch and has such finesse about magnifying the individual beauty of every woman he styles. His work is magical and albeit he is a stylist to the stars, his styling is obtainable for the everyday woman.
What information and increased skill methods you use?
Training is essential to keep your skills current. I’ve attended and own trainings by Wella, Paul Mitchell and Vidal Sassoon to name a few. Your business will only progress when you do.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama … need I say more?
Explain why life-long learning is important to you.
For me, life-long learning keeps you open to wanting more and stretching beyond your space of comfort. In learning more, you become more. Ultimately, you’re able to give more.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
The voice in my head that I hear daily is that of my late mother and angel, Lenette Camper. She was and still is my biggest fan. I can still hear her saying, “I love you baby and I’m proud of you.” I owe her everything.
Community success based on what you do in the community means what to you?
Your gifts are nothing unless they’re shared with others. It’s imperative to give back in some way. I happily donate my time and skills to several organizations. But the Kierrah Foundation run by my friend Brandy Sanders, which benefits girls transitioning from the foster care system has been so gratifying. It’s so worthwhile and you feel so good knowing that you’re uplifting another life through your craft. The feeling is indescribable.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Oh, it plays a huge role. It allows me, at the click of a button, to see the latest trends in hair and fashion, which is so important in my industry. You’re also able to see what other great hair stylists are doing. Believe it or not, your clients look to you for that knowledge so it’s important to be ‘in the know.’
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I would require 24-hour jail time for women with horrible wigs or weaves. Just kidding. If I could change just one thing about the world, I’d make it an all loving, all accepting place. There’s so much hatred in this world and it’s gotten worse.
If you could change one thing about your self what would it be?
Just one thing? I’d like more hair and less gray hair. Otherwise, I like the skin I’m in. AMEN.
