We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Marie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kimberly below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kimberly with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
As a business owner, student, dog mom, and soon to be wife, my job seems to never be done! My work ethic comes from accepting my role as a busy woman, and setting priorities and deadlines for myself. I’ve learned to be kind to myself when things don’t go as planned, because being unorganized and sleep deprived is very stressful and overwhelming for me. A positive mindset is the key to getting through the day, and sometimes a funny movie or some feel good music helps me to get things done!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
@Kmariebraids Salon was officially opened in 2020 during the brink of the Covid pandemic. Prior to, I was employed by The Los Angeles County of Health Services as a Certified Medical Assistant. At the time, I was doing hair from home or traveling to my clients after work and on weekends. I was enrolled in school part time, taking general education classes at the local city college, with long term goals of becoming a Registered Nurse one day.
I grew restless from over working myself, not having time to study, not spending time with my family, and battling depression due to my unhealthy lifestyle. I knew that I had to make some serious sacrifices and changes to reach my goals. With much research and little funds, I took the leap of faith to quit my job so I could enroll in school full time, and take back control of my life. I found an affordable office building that I worked from, offering minimal services due to lack of resources, and having to work around the office hours of the facility. The need for a shampoo bowl and a more suitable place to service my clients led me to continue to search for a better location. After moving from 2 different office suits, and saving every coin like the Mario brothers, I finally found a salon space to call home. I now own a salon that services up to 3 stylists, with everything we need from a shampoo station, private restroom, parking structure, WIFI, cable TV, the whole nine!
My journey doing hair began many years ago, as I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2008. However, my current experience as a Salon owner and a cosmetology instructor, is so fulfilling and is opening so many doors for opportunity for me!
My latest accomplishments have been: Hair/ MUA for Independent Film “Breathe” by Jamie Burton, Hair for “The Bacon” Magazine featuring R&B Singer “Goaple” . High School Cosmetology Instructor
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Faith- From seeing the vision, devising a plan, to trusting the process, and to achieving your goals.
Integrity- Always wanting to do my best work and also taking accountability when things go wrong.
Stamina- Taking breaks are essential, making time to eat and replenish your body. Making healthy life decisions like exercise, getting rest, and eating nutritious foods allows the body to fight sickness and diseases, enhances mental and physical activity, and promotes overall health and happiness.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My fiancé always holds me accountable even when I don’t want him to, lol. He makes sure I am prioritizing the things I need to do and makes sure I have everything I need to be successful. He knows my habits sometimes more than I know myself, and he makes sure I balance my time and energy in places that are beneficial for my lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: kmariebookings.as.me
- Instagram: kmariebraids
- Yelp: K. Marie Braids Salon
