Shara Strand is a twice Billboard-charting singer-songwriter known for her dynamic voice, emotional storytelling, and genre-blending artistry. A graduate of NYU Tisch, she began her career in New York’s theater and television world before shifting her focus fully to music — earning acclaim with singles like “I Will Carry You” and “RSVP.” Beyond the stage, Shara is also an accomplished entrepreneur and founder of Shara Makeup Studio, a luxury cosmetics and skincare destination on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. She has just launched her first album, “Love Forever,” released this summer to much acclaim. I’ll be hearing her personally at The Green Room on November 9 but decided to get to know her in advance and share what I learned about this rising star.
David: Can you name a few of the first songs that you enjoyed listening to as a child? What titles and artists?
Shara: I grew up in a big musical-theater house, so we were always listening to original Broadway cast albums like “Les Misérables” — especially “On My Own” and “Phantom of the Opera.” I was also touched by “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from “Evita.” At the same time, I was captivated by powerhouse singers I heard at the movies and on the radio. Barbra Streisand, for example. Her songs like “Evergreen” and “The Way We Were” would move me deeply. With Celine Dion, it was “The Power of Love” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
There’s more. Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All” were everything to me. I also loved Neil Diamond classics like “Sweet Caroline” and “Coming to America.” Later on, Tori Amos with “Silent All These Years.” I used to light candles in my room, lie on my bed, and just let myself feel every emotion through their voices. That was really the start of my connection to music as something bigger than me.
David: What’s your first memory of standing up in front of others and performing a song as they listened?
Shara: When I was eight, I had my very first voice recital at Center Stage Studio in Marlboro, New Jersey. Up until then, not even my parents had really heard me — I would practice privately in my room. Singing on that stage felt like the truest moment thus far in my life. It was the first time I realized how much pride and freedom comes from expressing myself artistically.
David: Do you remember any example when you, as a young girl, actually got and enjoyed praise from people who heard you sing?
Shara: I started singing at 8, and right away people responded with so much kindness and encouragement. As a child, it meant the world to me — that people could light up inside because of my voice. It gave me such joy and also built my confidence to keep going.
David: At what age did you feel proud of your ability as a singer?
Shara: At 14, I was performing in New York professional theater and received my Equity card at the Vineyard Theatre. That was the moment I thought, ‘I really belong in this world.’ It was a milestone that made me incredibly proud.
David: What was the first song you ever recorded and how did that happen?
Shara: Right after college, I recorded my first demo — which I later realized was actually a scam, costing my dad $5,000. It was a tough lesson, but also a turning point. It taught me to be aware, resilient, and not to let setbacks stop me. Soon afterward, I had the privilege of working with the late Andrea Martin, one of the best vocal coaches and mentors I’ve ever had. That’s when I recorded my first real demo — and it changed everything.
David: In addition to your singing, you founded and still run a company — Shara Makeup Studio — based on the Upper East Side of New York City’s Manhattan. You also offer skin-loving cosmetics for sale in person and online. How do you manage to juggle two very different careers?
Shara: My life is very full — I’m a mom, I run Shara Makeup Studio, and I’m an artist. I stay grounded by being present in the moment and grateful for the incredible teams I have in both music and beauty. Once the right systems are in place, it becomes manageable. I also lean on my spiritual practices — intuition, consciousness training — which allow me to show up as my best self and balance all the hats I wear.
David: Back in 2016, you recorded “I Will Carry You” with lyrics by Mike Greenly. It became a Top 25 hit on Billboard magazine’s Dance/Club chart and raised funds to help cure canine bone cancer. What did it mean to you, knowing your song would be used to help rescue dogs from cancer and help save their lives?
Shara: “I Will Carry You” was such a pivotal moment in my journey. Mike Greenly’s lyrics are breathtaking. And performing that song — especially knowing it raised awareness and funds with the American Humane Society — was profoundly meaningful. To know my voice could literally help save the lives of animals gave me the sense that music can heal in so many ways. I’m excited to perform it again at Green Room 42.
David: With two Billboard Dance/Club chart hits, do you personally enjoy dancing?
Shara: Absolutely. I love dancing — it’s just another way to express myself and feel the music fully.
David: You have just launched your first complete album, “Love Forever,” which reviewers have called “triumphant” and “uplifting.” What does it mean to you — after so many years performing — to now be able to offer a complete album of your music, not just singles?
Shara: Creating my debut album, “Love Forever,” was a full-circle moment. To write an entire body of work, record it in the studio, release it, and now perform it live with incredible musicians feels like the truest reflection of who I am. I can finally share not just singles but a complete story — and the fact that it inspires people is everything to me.
David: As you look ahead to the rest of your life, what hopes and aspirations do you have for your music career?
Shara: Looking ahead, I want to keep creating music that uplifts people and reminds them of their strengths. My dream is to perform on big stages around the world, bring my songs to film and television, and continue blending my passions for beauty, music, and healing. Most of all, I want my career to have impact — to use my art to make people feel seen, empowered, and full of light.
