Rising Stars: Meet Sharon Harper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Harper.

Hi Sharon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a lovely, small, southern town with two older sisters. One of our favorite pastimes was looking at all the top fashion magazines of the day.

When I was 15, I discovered a contest for an all-expense paid trip to New York City in conjunction with Cover Girl cosmetics. I was one of 10 girls selected in the country. What a high! It was my first time to fly and my first time to go to the Big Apple.

That trip kickstarted my love for fashion and modeling. I worked professionally as a model in college, where I majored in fashion, merchandising, and commercial art. After graduation, I accepted a position with Washington Manufacturing Company as a buyer for retail stores throughout the South. It was at that time a wonderful opportunity fell into my lap. I was recruited to work for a new modeling agency in Nashville where I quickly became Director of Talent.

It was at that time I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the camera. I had an uncanny knack for scouting and developing young girls into high fashion models for print and commercials. I started hitting the pavement looking for hot new thespians and the agency quickly grew into a full-service talent agency for commercials, voiceovers, and film. During this time, I decided to compete AGAIN in the Miss Tennessee USA pageant and that year I left wearing the CROWN! That was my fifth try (I believe that is a record) but who’s counting? I placed in the top 10 in the Miss USA and had the time of my life. At this point, I decided to make two very important decisions.

The Harper Agency quickly became one of the most prestigious and sought-after agencies in the South, representing top models throughout the country and talented actors. The agency worked with clients on a national level and placed models throughout the world. Several years later, I received the greatest news of my life…I was having a baby! Nine months later, I was holding a 10-pound baby girl, Alexandra Harper, in my arms. That 10-pound baby girl also claimed the title of Miss Tennessee USA in 2018. As of this date, we are the only mother/daughter duo to hold that prestigious title.

Sharon Harper Designs jewelry is made from vintage pieces from all over the world with an emphasis on broaches, dresses, clips, and pendants. Vintage pieces are deconstructed, and mixed with other vintage components and materials to create timeless, innovative, and one-of-a-kind necklaces. Every necklace is unique and when possible a history of origin and hallmark of design is provided with each piece of jewelry.

My design studio is in my home where I simply get lost for hours. I love turning long-forgotten vintage brooches into current and modern necklaces. I sell online at sharonharperdesigns.com.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I honestly cannot say I had a difficult road. My main struggle was balancing my career and family.

Juggling motherhood and a demanding successful business was extremely difficult for me. I hired the most incredible nanny and she quickly became part of my family and still is to this day. My daughter was in good hands. However, when home I felt guilty not being at the agency and at the agency I feel guilty for not being at home with my daughter. Such a catch 22! Finding that balance never came easy to me. Several years later I made the hard decision to sell the agency and become a full-time mother. A decision I never regretted. I quickly became the quintessential room mother, soccer mom, and school volunteer.

This period in my life also gave me time to be a more active member in many of my most beloved organizations, The Junior League, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Women’s Club of Nashville, and my church. Years later, I decided to start another business that combined my love of fashion and my creative talents. I enrolled in jewelry classes to learn the fundamentals of jewelry making and soon opened Sharon Harper Designs.

What does success mean to you?
To me, success is always doing your best, reaching your goals, and being satisfied with the balance in your life. The key to success is never, ever, never give up!

The most successful people I know are that way because failure was never an option! Successful people aren’t necessarily the most educated, the most beautiful, or the most talented they simply refuse to give up on their goals and aspirations.

Pricing:

• The price range of my vintage necklaces is between $150.00-$250.00

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharon.s.harper.5