Sharmadean Reid MBE

In 2005, while studying at Central St Martins University, Sharmadean launched WAH Magazine, a fanzine aimed at promoting street-smart feminism and challenging misogyny in the hip-hop scene. This platform quickly became a community-building tool that resonated with a generation seeking a fresh narrative.

After graduating, Sharmadean became a brand consultant for major companies such as Nike, ASOS, and Arena Homme +, establishing herself as an authority on street style and youth culture. In 2009, she created WAH Nails, an iconic East London nail bar that provided a physical space for her community to connect. WAH Nails redefined nail culture, offering a communal space for self-expression and empowerment. Her contributions to women and beauty were recognised with an MBE in 2015.

WAH Nails expanded its influence by hosting events, shows, and parties at London Fashion Week for brands like Nike, Marc Jacobs, and Diesel. They launched a successful product line with Boots UK, selling £1.2 million worth of products in the first year, and published the bestselling WAH Book of Nail Art in 2013. Sharmadean was subsequently named one of the “15 people who will define the future of arts in Britain” by The Independent.

In her mission to boost the global GDP of the women’s economy, Sharmadean launched Future Girl Corp, a series of workshops for aspiring young businesswomen. In 2018, she introduced Beautystack, a network platform for beauty professionals featuring a visual booking system, making her one of the first black women in the UK to raise venture capital funding from LocalGlobe and Index Ventures.

Most recently, Sharmadean launched The Stack World, a multimedia platform aimed at achieving gender equality in business. The platform serves as a meeting place for changemakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators, offering content, discussions, and resources to empower women across various industries.