Conversations with the Inspiring Kimberly Newsom

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Newsom.

Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I come from a long line of women of style; seamstresses if you will. From my great grandmother, grandmother, great aunts, aunts, and my mother. I never learned to sew. I just wanted to wear the clothes. I’m no stranger to fabrics and designing. As a young girl, I’d enjoy trips to Hancock Fabrics, where I’d run my hands and face through the fabrics; smelling them, laying bolts of fabric against myself imagining what it could possibly become. I watched the women of my family create, cut patterns, and sew beautiful quality pieces from scratch. From home interior pieces to custom clothing. It was so fascinating to watch. A lover a style and fashion is what I am.

In 2013, I began an online boutique offering quality costume jewelry. Fashionably Lethal was the name of my boutique and my brand at the time. As a new business owner, I knew nothing about running a business let alone an online boutique, but it definitely worked for the better. As time went on, my clientele grew tremendously and I noticed an influx of my clients, peers and complete strangers reaching out to me for fashion and style tips. I thought nothing of it at the time; I just gave my advice and went on, but one day while out shopping in 2015, a woman approached me and complimented my wardrobe. She asked if I would assist her with finding something to wear for an event she had later that evening. Me: “Of course!” I pulled some great pieces that she loved, we exchanged contact information and she became my first wardrobe styling client. Four years later, she’s still on my growing roster of loyal clients. As far as the styling side, that wasn’t an issue. It was the business side that was challenging. I was charging $75 to style someone back then. Not even thinking about the time, gas, and resources that were utilized. I wasn’t making a profit. So, I invested in my business and registered for classes and style boot camps from reputable Stylists in the industry and applied what they taught to my business. The best investment for my business… ever!

Once I implemented those strategies I learned at the boot camps, my stress level went from 100 to 0. People see the fun side of wardrobe styling but there’s a side of this business that can really stress you out if you’re not equipped. After I applied those strategies, the opportunities began to come from out of nowhere. Opportunities to style celebrities such as: Grammy Nominee Ledisi, R & B Singer, Terisa Griffin, Stellars Award winner, Lisa Knowles, and a collaboration with New Jersey/Atlanta Stylist Mo Mckenzie, where we styled and accessorized R&B Singer Lil Mo. In 2016, I became a part of the Memphis Fashion Design Network (MFDN), a non-profit organization that puts on Memphis Fashion Week, and supports local creatives in the fashion industry. When I joined MFDN, I volunteered my styling services during the runway shows for Memphis Fashion Week and was invited back as the Featured Stylist for their Fashion Night events since 2016. I am now on the Board of Memphis Fashion Week and we’re now gearing up for this year’s events in April. Also, as a collaborative, I’ve teamed up with Lauren Draffin, Memphis Wardrobe Stylist and became a part of the Creatives Co-Op, where Memphis creatives bring the city of Memphis together in style by closing the racial and competitive gap within the fashion industry.

Early 2018, I decided to rebrand into a more crisp and streamlined brand and that is where K. Newsom, Style evolved. during this rebrand, I increased my networking/collaborations, studied fashion more, providing mentorship and assisting aspiring Stylists to jump into the business unafraid. Since the rebrand, I still offer my styling service but to a larger demographic such as: styling sessions for corporate professionals on how to dress for the workplace as well as assisting the very busy professionals like our Doctors, Nurses, etc., who don’t have the time to shop for themselves. I simply take the stress out of getting dressed. Recently, I’ve been booked for speaking engagements regarding style and fashion as well as speaking on industry panels, partnering with programs who assist women in our community by providing new and gently used wardrobe for their introduction back into society. Also, the role of Mentor/Coach for other Stylists has truly tugged on my heart as I pour into them on how to run their style business and not make the same mistakes I made. I want everyone to be great! Whatever the gift is… be great at it! As far as how I got to where I am today? My faith in God, lots of praying, the support from my wonderful husband Nigel and our daughters, my Bishop, Sidney P. Malone and church family of New Growth in Christ, and my best friend forever, Tameka. They have kept me covered me in this journey and I can’t thank them enough. What’s next for K. Newsom the brand? A new E-Commerce website, red carpet correspondence, mentoring teen girls and young women on how they can dress beautifully without revealing too much, and so much more so stay tuned.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! The struggles of being in the fashion industry are real. From the opportunists, fake support, lack of funds/resources, it can definitely become a challenge. I had to think of ways to obtain those resources, build those genuine relationships and discern who is actually for me. As a Wife, Mother, busy professional and supportive friend, it can be overwhelming at times, but hey, this is what I asked for. This journey is definitely keeping me on my toes when it comes to being organized. I rely on my trusty calendar and my 17 yr old daughter to keep me on track. Without them, I’m lost.

Another challenge is having a demanding and difficult client. Some clients can be so difficult to the point to where a FULL REFUND was given. Thick skin is definitely required in this business.

My advice for women who want to get into this business? Be open to opportunities, be resilient, build a solid team and BE YOURSELF! Don’t ride the wave of others because they’re popping at the moment. Find your niche, study your craft, focus, exude confidence in everything you do and most importantly, remain teachable. Don’t ever get to the point to where you think you know everything in your line of business…you don’t! Keep learning and growing.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m a Master Wardrobe Stylist and Lifestyle Influencer in Memphis, Tn. The services I provide include: Wardrobe styling, red carpet/backstage event correspondence, creative direction, brand ambassador, speaking engagements surrounding fashion and style, closet & wardrobe audits, styling for special occasions such as weddings, proms, etc., personal shopping, video/photo shoot styling, commercials, and promo shoots.

What am I focused on? Becoming a better person every single day. A better Worshipper of Christ, Wife, Mother, Business Owner, and Friend.

What I’m most proud of? That I’ve been in business for this long and still sane lol! No, seriously, I’m most proud of how many personal life and business obstacles I’ve overcome. Obstacles that would literally make a person quit life and I can’t thank God enough for getting me through.

What sets me apart from others? My style that is very versatile yet edgy and my support for others. I have absolutely NO FILTER! I will literally tell you not to wear a certain thing ever again and the person would receive it in love, as well as having the creative drive to be different. Everything is so trendy these days and in a world of trends, I prefer to be different.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Competition, comparison, and insecurities. That’s it. Most women especially business women are in so much competition with each other and it’s so disheartening. If we can come together and pour what we know into each other, everyone can be successful, grow, and gain a great coin! One person can’t style the whole world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.knewsom.style – not public yet
• Phone: 901-930-7831
• Email: K.NewsomStyle@gmail.com
• Instagram: @K.newsomstyle
• Facebook: Kimberly Newsom
• Other: Pinterest – K. Newsom Style

Image Credit:
Arekah “The Goddess” Dunlap, R. Hammeth Photography, Lindsey Lissau

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.