Sherita Cherry
Owner, Genesis Hair Art Salon
Founder, Sherita Cherry University
When did you realize you were creative and had a gift?
I have always known that I was special. I knew I had the it factor. However, I did not know how to put my plan together. I made a decision to perfect my craft and knew my gift, biblically speaking, would make room for me. That is what happened. In 2013, I received the RISING ICON Award at the Annual ICON Awards sponsored by FORD at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show. That was the aha moment for me about my gift.
How long have you been in the beauty industry?
Twenty-three years
When did you open your first salon?
In 1994, it was on Ponce de Leon in Atlanta near the historic Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
Who trained you?
Beauty legend Carol Morrow, owner of Escape Salon
What beauty/hair brands have you worked with?
Clairol Professional, Joico, Paul Mitchell — I have been an educator for Paul Mitchell for years and I give them credit for perfecting my discipline and consistency in my work.
What is ‘Stylists Who Brunch’?
It’s an exclusive monthly networking event that serves as a platform for mentorship for beauty professionals to meet, connect and network over a delicious brunch on Sundays at a private location. This event has been life changing for many beauty professionals. I believe that it gives them hope that they can be a successful. It has allowed me to inspire stylists to raise the bar in their career. The testimonies leave me speechless. I just want the stylists to get it. This consistently sold out-event has drawn the attention of major companies such as Royal Caribbean, Bronner Bros., and John Paul Mitchell systems just to name a few. I have created an atmosphere for stylists to connect and allowed this platform to be resourceful for beauty professionals.
Who attends?
Hair stylists, MUAs [make up artists], barbers, estheticians, beauty school students and just anyone interested in the beauty industry.
Why did you started hosting this event?
I have a 19-year-old daughter and I was thinking of opening a beauty school. I thought, my generation is not going to beauty school. I wanted an avenue to connect with the millennials and be a mentor. My daughter is social media savvy and values the idea of spending time with a leader in the beauty industry. She actually deserves the credit for creating “Stylists Who Brunch.” After much debate, we came up with the format, identified our target audience and it has been amazing ever since.
If there was one thing you knew about this industry when you started that you know now, what would you have done differently?
I would not have changed a thing. I had the opportunity to travel the world catering to a celebrity clientele. It is so rare now to connect with legends in the industry. Because I was mentored by one of the industry icons, I was able to meet pioneers such as the late Olive Benson, John Paul DeJoria, Robert Cromeans, Ann and the late Gary Bray, Charles Gregory, Dwight Eubanks and too many others to name. I mean these guys are legends in the beauty industry and to have the opportunity to have a relationship with those who have done it before me is an honor. Today-We just don’t have that. People take mentorship for granted. They only want you to be their mentor when you agree with them. My mentors expect the best from me, they share with me with I am right and even more so when I am not always right.
I remember when I was traveling with Clairol Professional as a brand ambassador, Dwight Eubanks mentioned that I needed to create a classic style image. I received his advice, spoke with him about it, and asked what do I needed to do the be better. It’s when I became a student. He saw something in me that I did not see. I am grateful to have relationships like that. I remember when he recommended me to judge a competition in Nashville, [Tennessee]. He could have recommended anyone, but he recommended me. So I am grateful for that because I believe that he believed I would deliver.
I am very active in the community. I am a member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women-MECCA Chapter. I believe in having a voice in my community; salons and barber shops are equivalent to country clubs. I have a high regard for beauty professionals. It’s why I emphasize business ethics in the beauty industry. I have received numerous awards, such as the Phoenix Award from Mayor Kasim Reed because of my involvement in the community and I was recognized in Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. This has been an amazing journey.
