Sharon Radisch

“I strongly believe that everything in our life happens for a reason and leads us down the path in which we are ultimately supposed to follow.”

Please briefly introduce yourself.

Hi! I am a fashion and still life photographer living in Brooklyn with my sweet little rescue dog named Ray.

What is a typical day for you like?

The beautiful thing about freelancing is that the days are not too typical, which I love. All days start with me taking my dog for a walk, followed by coffee and catching up on the news. Then the days tend to veer from there to either administrative work, creative planning, personal work, client work and/or photoshoots. If I am not working during the evenings, I love listening to music, reading, sketching, or streaming episodes of design-oriented shows, early 2000s sitcoms, or documentaries.

“As I grew older and thought about what makes someone beautiful to me, I realized that it was exuding confidence, comfort with oneself, having a specific drive to accomplish something (no matter what it may be), and of course a genuine sense of kindness and generosity.”

How has your background and experience shaped the person you are today? 

This is a question on which I very often reflect. I strongly believe that everything in our life happens for a reason and leads us down the path in which we are ultimately supposed to follow. Looking back on all of my experiences, I see that each one has played a role in guiding me to where I am today, even if it was a very circuitous route.

Does balance play a role in your life?

Balance is something that I strive to attain but is challenging when working for yourself. It is typical to have a wave of projects come in at one time and then a wave of downtime once they wrap. I suppose that creates balance over the long term, but during the day to day, it can be hard to maintain balance. I'm working on it!

What are some tips on maintaining balance and taking care of your well-being?

I have been trying to schedule specific times for responding to emails and limiting my email usage on the weekends (unless an emergency arises or a project really needs my attention of course!). I've also been using the Do Not Disturb feature on my phone from 9:30 pm–8 am so I don't receive notifications during that time (unless I actively check my message inbox). Doing that has actually helped me use my phone much less at night and allow me more time for self-care and focusing on things that I find fulfilling.

As for taking care of my well being, I have some 'spa time', as I like to call it every night, in which I indulge in my skincare routine before going to bed. It not only helps my skin, but it allows my mind and body to relax. For general well-being, I love vegetables and try to eat as many as possible during the day.

What does beauty mean to you?

Confidence, drive, curiosity, kindness

How has your perception of beauty evolved over the years?

My perception of beauty has evolved into a much healthier place as I got older. When I was younger, I associated beauty with unattainable standards that we used to see in the media and in magazines. As I grew older and thought about what makes someone beautiful to me, I realized that it was exuding confidence, comfort with oneself, having a specific drive to accomplish something (no matter what it may be), and of course a genuine sense of kindness and generosity.

Are there any beauty tips from your culture that you can share?

I'm mostly from fair-skinned European descendants so I've had to take extra precautions to protect my skin from sun damage. While I used to wear sunscreen every time I left home, I noticed that once I started wearing it inside throughout the day, I saw a significant improvement in my fine lines and overall skin quality. Now I put it on every morning no matter what.

Growing up in an Italian-American family, I also believe that olive oil can pretty much do anything. I'd be lying if I said that I never used it on my face, lips, or other dry skin. It can also be used as a makeup remover (even that stubborn waterproof mascara)!

What are your beauty and wellness rituals?

For beauty, I love taking time to do my skin routine in the morning and evening. Doing this routine in the morning mentally prepares me for the day and gives me a boost of confidence. In the evenings, it helps me wind down and brings me joy prepping my body for restorative sleep. I've also been trying to microneedle once per week. I kind of dread it, but I bring a candle and nice music into the bathroom and it makes it more tolerable! I also love using a cold rose quartz roller on my face once and a while. It is so soothing.

For overall wellness, I had a bit of a shift in that routine recently. I was running almost every day, which I loved; however, due to a knee injury, I've had to take a break from that. I've been trying to take care of myself in more relaxing ways like getting more sleep and taking longer walks.

What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Sleep, hydrate, eat veggies, wear sunscreen, be confident!

 What are you reading or listening to that has made a lasting impression on you lately?

I recently read Sontag, an extensive biography about Susan Sontag, and American Dirt, both of which I loved. I've recently started The Nightingale, which has so many rave reviews. As for listening, I just became familiar with Bob Mintzer Big Band and have been loving their albums. I love jazz and funk and their music is a great combination of both. The new Bootsy Collins album is also great!

What are some conscious decisions we can make to help the environment and our planet?

Use less of everything (plastic, electricity, polyester, etc!)!

What is your personal or professional mission?

My personal and professional missions are intertwined into one: To be as creative, diligent, curious, generous, kind, and to help others as much as humanly possible.

What does being a Good Egg mean to you?

Being a Good Egg means having a good heart, a genuine interest in helping others, being a good listener, a good friend, a well-rounded individual who is curious and driven, someone who smiles a lot, someone who lights up a room with their personality.

Make a wish for your future self.

Happiness, success, and long life!

 Follow Sharon’s journey at @sharonradisch.