Heartfelt tributes poured in on social media this week from thousands stunned by the sudden passing of celebrity stylist, salon educator, and model Graham Nation, 39.
Known for his edgy, rock’n’roll take on classic styles, Nation counted Venus Williams, Victoria and David Beckham, Demi Moore, Simone Ashley, Mary J. Blige, George Clooney, and other A-list celebrities among his clientele.
“We as hairdressers get to empower people, give them confidence, and help them see themselves for the beautiful people they are,” he told his alma mater Aveda Institutes. “And that’s amazing!”
Nation reportedly suffered a collapse in an L.A. gym and passed on Feb. 14.
His vast network of friends and colleagues in the beauty industry remembered him for his talent, kindness, sincerity, passionate animal advocacy, and willingness to support others living free of drugs and alcohol. Just days before his passing, Nation had celebrated a career first: styling for a Super Bowl commercial for the actress Catherine O’Hara.
Nation was one of the prominent “Fekkai Five” beauty influencers for the luxury haircare brand, and also served as a brand ambassador for Hattori Hanzo Shears, Hairtalk Extensions, and SexyHair. He was an active real estate investor as well.
Nation was born in Baton Rouge, LA and attended the Aveda Institute in Denver at age 25, graduating in 2011. In Denver he worked as a hairstylist, model, and drummer for bands including Cobraconda and Grace Gale, before moving to Los Angeles.
Once in L.A., Nation became a protégé of celebrity stylist Ken Pavés, and quickly began landing high-profile beauty work. He also connected with celebrity stylist Ted Gibson and earned a spot on his haircutting stage team for New York Fashion Week.
Nation’s work has appeared in the fashion magazines Elle, British Vogue, Marie Claire, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle, and in campaigns for Saint Laurent, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, American Eagle, Levi's, and SKIMS, among others.
He was an avid salon instructor who loved teaching, and an advocate of continuing beauty education throughout one's career. “Hard work pays off, especially in this industry,” Nation told the Aveda Institutes.
“Never stop learning, growing, creating, traveling, pushing yourself to be at the level you want to be," he said. "Only one person stands in your way — YOU.”
Nation is survived by his partner, celebrity makeup artist Tonya Brewer; their infant son Romeo West; his parents, Rodney and Donna Cheek; brother Zachary Cheek, sisters Amanda Cheek and Hannah Cheek, and nieces and nephews.