E99a6e8c4d0cb7de08a4 sherri naha

The North American Hairstyling Awards, NAHA, is produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) will celebrate 25 years in 2014 as the beauty industry’s leading honor. We are so pleased to see one of our favorite Bangstyle artists and 2013 NAHA winner, Sherri Jessee, was nominated for the second consecutive year in the "Editorial" category. Check out our exclusive interview with Sherri to learn a bit more about her collection and what fuels her passion for hair.   

Tell us a bit about your nominated collection. What was the creative process like? Inspiration?
My daughter has the most beautiful hair. When I told her one day that she had the hair of an angel that became the inspiration of my collection… What type of hair do angels have in heaven? What if they had wings made of hair? I had been working on creating a collection of interesting hair shapes and decided to make them angelic. All of the hair was colored in soft beige platinum and I crafted wings covered in various textures of matching hair.

Where there collections in other categories that you found inspiring?
I am forever inspired by the amazing works of the talented stylists. I never tire of looking at gorgeous images…one reason I love BANGSTYLE so much! What a great source of inspiration!

Hair & Makeup: Sherri Jessee, Wardrobe Styling: Jennifer Lynn, Photographer: Jean Sweet


Who influenced you the most in your career?
I have to give big thanks to Irvine and Louise Rusk for expanding my career opportunities years ago when I worked with them. They recognized and nurtured my talents. It was an wonderful opportunity for me to be from a small town and be able to travel the world as an educator. The Modern Salon Artist Session led by Maggie Mulhern influenced my career as an editorial hair and makeup artist.

Do you have a ritual or lucky item you'll be bringing to the awards?
I will be bringing my thankful spirit, as just to have a nomination is an amazing honor. I am thrilled to have my collection recognized and to be among such extreme talent.

What non-hair related areas do you constantly find yourself being inspired by? 
The fashion exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY are amazing. The Alexander McQueen exhibit was breathtaking and literally brought me to tears.

Hair & Makeup: Sherri Jessee, Wardrobe Styling: Jennifer Lynn​, Photographer: Jean Sweet


What was one defining moment in your career?
I am thankful to be enjoying a long career that has been full of many “defining moments.” Each goal set and reached enables me to have enjoyed so many interesting experiences in the beauty industry. Winning NAHA Editorial Hairstylist of the Year 2013 was certainly a pinnacle as it is such an honor to be named among North America’s top talent.

What is your recipe for a successful shoot?
Planning is crucial. I traveled to Chicago from Virginia for this shoot so I had to show up prepared with every single item that would be used for the hair, makeup, and wings for the 5 different models in this collection.

What is your favorite hair texture to style and why?
I am in love with textured hair. This collection is comprised of 5 many different textures. I incorporated various crimps, finger waves, pin, and perm rods sets. The Sam Villa Textur Iron is a wonderful tool that gives a soft mirco-crimp that creates the most terrific texture.


Hair & Makeup: Sherri Jessee, Wardrobe Styling: Jennifer Lynn​, Photographer: Jean Sweet


What draws you to competition work?
I love working behind the chair with all of my heart, however, creating photo collections allows me the opportunity to create the types of hair that are not worn every day. I am thrilled to have my work recognized by my peers as award worthy. This is an accolade that fuels my fire to continue to create interesting and beautiful images.

What area of hair would you like to explore more?
One of the fantastic things about the beauty industry is that no matter how long we are in the business, each day is different and there are always opportunities to learn new skills, grow, and improve. With each day that passes I re-commit myself to providing excellence in service and push beyond my creative boundaries.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Great food and wine.

 

Be sure to "Stalk" Sherri Jessee on Bangstyle to see her latest stunning uploads as well as wish her luck in the upcoming NAHAs.