Influential Woman · Hair and cosmetology with nonprofit support for stylists
Shari D. Anderson, MM
Founder and President, The Stylist Startup Fund Inc
Hampton, GA 30228
Her Story
About Shari
Shari D. Anderson, MM is a Hall of Fame collegiate athlete (NCAA Women's Basketball), CEO, founder, and business leader with a professional background spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit development. She spent approximately nine years in the corporate sector before transitioning into the beauty industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with her a strong foundation in business management, operations, and strategic planning. She holds a Master of Management degree and applies her formal education and corporate experience to building structured, scalable, and impact-driven organizations.
In 2020, Shari became the owner and Chief Executive Officer of The Healthy Hair Experience®, a salon and beauty business focused on service excellence, healthy hair education, and professional development. Through her leadership, she oversees operations, business strategy, branding, and team development, integrating business principles to strengthen long-term sustainability and growth in the beauty industry. She is also a licensed master cosmetologist committed to elevating industry standards and expanding professional opportunities for beauty entrepreneurs.
She is the Founder and President of The Stylist Startup Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting beauty professionals through funding, mentorship, and education. The organization is designed to help stylists overcome barriers such as client development, challenges,, and financial instability while equipping them with the tools needed to become business-ready and “fundable.” Grounded in discipline, leadership, and resilience developed through her collegiate athletic career, Shari is committed to creating meaningful pathways for economic empowerment and sustainable success within the beauty industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shari
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is rooted in the discipline and time management I developed as a collegiate athlete, which continues to guide my approach to leadership and decision-making. I have intentionally leveraged my corporate experience to build a strong foundation in business strategy, operations, and organizational development as I transitioned into entrepreneurship. Today, I combine those experiences with a commitment to service and giving back, using my work in both business and nonprofit spaces to create opportunities and empower others to achieve sustainable success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women and men entering this industry is to embrace uncertainty and not let fear hold you back. It is natural to feel unsure at the beginning, but growth often comes from stepping forward anyway. Take the opportunity even when you don’t feel fully ready, trust your abilities, and stay committed to learning along the way. This industry is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The effort you put in will open doors you may not yet see.
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