Today we’d like to introduce you to Pepper Sharpe.
Hi Pepper, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I guess it starts growing up as the nerdy weird girl who loved writing science fiction stories and crafting. I was never really “one with the times” with my style, I grew up perpetually stuck in the 50s to the 80s and surrounded by people like my grandmother whose entire home was a perfect midcentury time capsule that I would sit in awe of during every visit. I definitely didn’t really come into being confident with my appearance and style until I was in my late 20s and leaned into vintage, but always felt like I would never be “good enough” to go beyond. In 2019, I was asked by a very big vintage reproduction clothing brand to model for them. During that session, the stylist told me I should model more. A few months later, I picked out a pinup name and did my first published photoshoot. A little after that, I did my first pinup contest. A little more after that, I got seriously ill, the end result of that being diagnosed with two rare disorders that almost killed me in 2024. So now I use pinup and vintage to be visible and vocal for my fellow disabled pinups, and I do everything I can to raise money for as many important causes as possible, from cancer research to support for the rare disorder community, to resources for children who have suffered abuse. I can’t be in a community without giving back to the community. In the midst of all of this, I’m a family law paralegal who focuses on keeping children safe during the turmoil of a changing family unit, a rescue pet mom, and a space nerd. I guess you could say I got to where I am by trying do do everything everywhere all at once while trying to save the world while trying not to trip in high heels!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The most amazing roads are always full of twists and turns and detours and rest stops and sketchy hotels. It hasn’t been easy. Between learning several new normals after health hiccups, juggling my legal career, running my small hair flower business, Sharpe Florals, producing charity events, and traveling for different vintage events and charity events…it’s a fantastic and challenging journey. My main struggle has always been wanting to push myself harder than my body can handle, because there is SO MUCH I want to do and so many people I want to help and show up for. But I’m nowhere near pulling the car over to the shoulder in my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sharpe Florals is a handmade hair flower business, doing everything from hair clips to flower crowns to corsages. I’m a one-woman show who doesn’t believe there is such a thing as “too many rhinestones.” Originally, it was a business founded on raising money for charity. I release flower lines to generate donations to groups I believe in deeply, and that will never stop being the focus. I love doing anything sparkly, kitschy, any occasion. You can find me on Instagram at @sharpeflorals!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My life is about taking risks and chances. If anything, since my biggest health scare in 2024, I’ve gotten more gutsy. I believe that the second I say “maybe I can’t,” then I have to do it. Take the chances. Life’s too short. Things can change in a heartbeat. Do the events. Try on the dress. Ask the questions. Realize that a “no” can always become a “not now,” and “not nows” can be worked on until they become “it’s your turn.” Everything I have is because I took a chance and put myself out there despite fear and doubt. Just DO THE THING.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @peppersharpe and @sharpeflorals
