Sharon Hussey: Swagger, Sympathy and Sensibility
Sharon Hussey is a senior hairstylist who works in the Durham region. Sharon Hussey works for L’Oréal Professionnel Canada as one of their Artistic Portfolio Artists. She travels to teach master classes and present stage work for the current looks and trends for L’Oréal. She has been working as a stylist for a decade and comes from a wonderful family of 8 (4 brothers and 1 sister). Sharon along with her three younger brothers were adopted. This has changed her life and so much of who she is.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8th every year. It is an important day for women’s rights. On February 28, 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day in New York City. In 1910 at the International Socialist Woman’s Conference, German delegates Paula Thiede, Kate Duncker, and Clara Zetkin suggested a ‘special Women’s Day’ be organized. In 1917, women gained suffrage in Russia and March 8 became a national holiday. Women’s Day was celebrated only in communist and socialist countries. In 1967, the feminist movement adopted it. In 1977, the United Nations began celebrating it.
Four Columns is all about inspiring and empowering women to live a balanced life. To celebrate Women’s Day, I am interviewing various women, from different backgrounds.
I love your exotic and beautiful hairstyle posts on Facebook. Sorry, I cannot be your client, but talk to me about different hairstyles, faces, looks, and what is in style right now?
The great thing about fashion and trends currently is that anything goes, there’s a lot of modern inspirations from previous decades which I can appreciate. I could spend the whole blog on this one question but I won’t and keep it short and straight to the point.
What makes you so special about being a stylist and why should my audience come to see you?
I have always cared about helping others. I want them to feel their best. As a hairstylist, I have the opportunity to spend time with my friends, family, and clients, getting to know them, who they are, who they want to be, and be a small part in making them feel they have their best foot forward. My job is so much more than hair. I build relationships, go through many life experiences, both exciting and amazing, and also horrible and tragic. I have lost clients to health problems, old age as well as see them get married, have babies, graduate from elementary school to finishing their masters. I think my heart for community and my passion for the beauty industry has put me in a unique position to have real conversations with no topics off-limits as well as an unbiased ear to listen when a client needs it as well celebrate when the celebration is a must.
I have seen you perform on stage and I like your funky styles. Help me understand some of the challenges you have faced in life and how did you overcome it?
Fashion and style have always been a fun way to express me. I like to keep my style interesting and current with what’s going on in the industry. My obsession as some may say has been a part of me as early as my memories go. Its hard to explain, but as a creative person both in art and music, I find that fashion is just the extent of that in my life.
My faith has always been a central part of who I am. I think that understanding where I came from and what God has for me has been the foundation of overcoming challenges and obstacles that come my way. I have amazing parents who have always tried their best to guide me and teach me what really matters and that I am stronger and capable of great things even when I don’t feel it. I think it’s crucial to have mentors and wise people that are further along in this journey of life and so I have surrounded myself with those types of people in all areas of my life. We cannot do life alone, nor should we, so it’s important to know that and seek others that can help you navigate through all that life throws at you.
Time and time again I hear single women tell me the dating scene is horrible in the GTA. What can men and women do better?
I wish I had an answer to this. I don’t think there is a perfect answer that I know of, or at least short enough for this blog. I just keep doing me and don’t stress or worry about being single. I love where I’m at and what I have accomplished. I refuse to miss out on life, longing for something or someone that isn’t. So that would be my advice, be content and ok in singleness, and don’t put life on hold until a relationship happens. It will happen when it happens.
Rapid Fire Questions
Favorite restaurant in Toronto: El Catrin (Mexican style) -Distillery District
Favorite Café: Jet Fuel – Cabbage Town which is in my neighborhood or Boxcar Social on the Toronto Harbour Front
Favorite Shopping Mall: Toronto Eaton Center is my go-to because its the closest to me but I also love a good outlet with lots of good sales.
What are you reading presently: I am not a huge reader, but started reading Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming”. She’s such a leader and her story is so incredible from where she started in Chicago to then becoming the first lady. She had so many obstacles but never let that stop her from pursuing her dreams and I find that so inspirational.
What are you listening to these days: I listen to a lot of podcasts. Most are about true crime, comedy, and personal growth, it all depends on what I’m feeling as I’m commuting to work. I have to say it has made commuting so much better and less frustrating.
Favorite Quote: I don’t have a favorite quote but my favorite poem is: Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frighten us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
You’re playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Choose someone famous you would like to have a meal with: It’s actually a famous couple, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell. I find them funny, smart, and fascinating.
You are on your feet a lot and are constantly working. How do you balance faith, finance, time with friends, and food?
Oh man, this is the golden question. To be honest, it’s a constant struggle and I’m still trying to figure it out. Some days I am great at it and some days I am horrible at it. I think the key is to recognize the importance and put a plan together to make sure that there is some balance. I have gone down to 4 days at the salon, so when I work my contract work with L’Oréal, I am working a 5-day week and not a 6-day week. I’m learning to say no and not yes to every commitment asked. I’m really paying attention to my limits. I try to see friends at least once a week and sometimes more and talk to family a few times a week, especially if I can’t see them. It’s really all a juggling act and I’m constantly trying to figure it out and keep it balanced.
