Black Beauty / fashion / cultures / innovation
“Sharon is a forward thinking, marketing polymath with the ability to inspire and motivate creatives to be successful, business savvy entrepreneurs and industry professionals. ”
““I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” — Estée Lauder”
With a dynamic presence in the global educational landscape, Sharon N Hughes is not only a seasoned educator but also a strategic leader known for challenging conventions and transforming innovative ideas into impactful realities. Her dedication to fashion studies, coupled with a commitment to equality and inclusive cultural expressions, has positioned her as a thought leader in the realms of fashion business, black female beauty, and technology. She is skilled in digital strategy, integrated marketing communications, events coordination, creative management, consumer behaviour, and project management.
Boasting over a decade of teaching experience, Sharon's extensive academic contributions extend globally, from the UK to Asia, the US to UAE, as well as consulting in Africa and Portugal. She has delivered lectures and convened symposiums on diverse topics, such as the evolving landscape of African fashion, social media marketing, and digital trends in the fashion industry. Her academic and journalistic contributions extend to publications in journals, conference papers, and articles exploring themes such as Black Beauty, fashion ethics, and museum exhibition reviews on Black British fashion.
Her teaching and research interests reflect her passion for inclusivity and cultural diversity in the arts. Her focus spans various topics, including Black Women's Identities through Digital Lenses, Decolonization in the Arts, and Historical and Contemporary Expressions of Black & Brown Identities in Fashion. Sharon's doctoral leadership study also centers around "Redefining Discourse: The Multifaced Nature of Decolonization in the Arts and Shifting Conversations."
With over 20 years of industry experience in marketing management with lifestyle brands and creative arts education firms, Sharon began her career in fashion retail management in the US before transitioning to corporate marketing through event planning, advertising, and creative management with creative firms and non-profits globally. Her expertise in navigating the dynamic landscape of digital marketing in the fashion industry is commendable. Notably, her consulting engagement with brands like Chanel underscores her ability to drive brand developmental marketing strategies.
Originally from Louisville, KY, Sharon has lived in various cities across the US and four countries. Currently based in London, England, she balances her role as a Course Leader in Fashion Marketing and Communication while pursuing her interests in yoga, life coaching, and styling. With a knack for adventure, she continues to explore new horizons and stands as a beacon in the academic and professional landscape, inspiring students and colleagues alike.
