Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Hills.
Kimberly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved art, whether I was acting in theater, making the set (I only took one set design class and fell in love), or even school projects. I put my heart and soul into everything I’ve done and made sure I went above and beyond.
I remember working at a car dealership as a receptionist and I just knew this couldn’t be my life after freshly graduating from college. Answering phones and running errands for people that didn’t like to say “thank you” or “hey, how are you?” But not too far into working for the company I learned I was pregnant, I ended up getting fired. I couldn’t eat, my body was in all sorts of pain, my husband told me I no longer needed to put myself through the stress and I don’t have to work if I don’t want to. But I’ve worked since I was 14 to 15 years old, I lied on the application, luckily they didn’t ask for ID. But it’s in me to find some type of work no matter what.
I started crocheting for my daughter, and soon found an old hobby I can turn into money. My hands were aching so badly and I fell behind on orders so I quit doing that. I only crocheted for my daughter every month as she got older. Within that time, I started experimenting with cardboard, making cheap backdrops and cardboard characters, I hated it but others adored my work. And that’s where I began calling myself Temporary Transitions, it was just a name so it would sound official when I talked with clients. I wanted to be an event planner. I bought all types of table covers, napkins, silverware. Staying in a two-bedroom apartment was hectic. After moving into our house, I had space and began experimenting with wood and it was on ever since!
I would go above and beyond for my daughter’s birthday party, making sure she had the best. I built Sesame Street for her. I would do everything; the treats, balloons, cakes, table setting, props, character cutouts, you name it.
I had one loyal client. She’d call me to make any and everything. We formed a group called Total Knock Out Events. We probably did about five events before I found event planning was not for me either. It’s entirely too tedious and time-consuming. We tried to be the one-stop shop and it was only three women taking care of everything. From food, desserts, tables, centerpieces, backdrops, rentals, props, coordinating, etc. It just wasn’t for me either. I loved being in charge of the big items, the props! I loved it, the bigger, the better. I then formed KR Factory.
Most people know it as Kay’s Rental Factory. But no one knows it meant Kim and Ryan Family. The R also stood for my daughter Rylan. Family is what drives me. And here I am today KR PROPHOUSE, I feel like it suits us so much more. When customers come to pick up or look at my page, you see all my props. I love it. This business is my baby. Without my family, it wouldn’t be as successful. My daughter is almost four, and she works just as hard as me. She paints, she pretends to cut wood and is hands-on with just about everything. When she’s older, she has an option to be a part of something great. Creativity is within me, so it’s within her.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve started this business as Temporary Transitions a little under four years ago. There were times where I definitely wanted to have a 9-5 and socialize with others. I couldn’t find work. After applying to so many jobs and being told I’m over qualified and having no callbacks, even seasonal jobs just weren’t cutting it. I pray. When I pray, I’m very specific. I prayed I never had to work that seasonal job again and scramble for money. I’m learning that nothing comes quick and God moves when He feels you are ready and not a moment sooner. I had to learn to be patient and have fun with it. I’m learning to humble myself and to delegate tasks because here I am trying to do everything. My husband works full time and not to mention it’s over an hour away. So he has to go to bed early just to get home late. I am working alone until the weekends. I’m pulling all-nighters every night. But it’s what I asked for so I won’t complain. I’m in the process of hiring so we don’t have to take on the workload alone.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about KR Prophouse – what should we know?
My business is a rental prop company. I design, cut, sand, and paint wood or foam. Everything I create has a personal touch. You won’t find it in stores!
*Custom Backdrops
*Oversized Props
*Character Cut Outs
*Centerpieces
I’ve had experience in all aspects of event planning. I started this business from the ground up, I never watched any Youtube videos, (until now :)) or had lessons on how to produce these products. The most I have seen is my father repairing houses. That was my inspiration. It’s truly God-given talent. I thank Him every chance I get because its a blessing. Not many people have the chance to find their gift in this world. And to be 27 years old, having the opportunity for clients to beg and plead for me to be a part of their event is something special. I’m just so ecstatic, I never looked at this business to grow the way it did. I am very grateful.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to give credit to the R in KR Prophouse, my husband Ryan is my number one supporter and my daughter Rylan as well. She’s always there hand and foot attempting to do everything I do. Ryan works three jobs! He stays up all night to help me complete projects and still has to get up five in the morning to make it to his job. I could never thank him enough.
My dad once again is my inspiration. I’ve watched and admired all that he did for my siblings and me. Hard work is something he never skipped out on. My creativity comes from both my parents, they both have a hustler mentality and always have some new out of the box way to make income.
I have worked alongside a few coordinators that have definitely had a helping hand to my success. Special thanks to Dazzle Me and Its Your Party, another big supporter of KR Prophouse is Upson Reflections, he’s taken all of my photos since the birth of my daughter. We work hand in hand and he’s amazingly talented at what he does.
I have to give thanks to my friends and family, those that repost my work. It means the world to me to have those that care to see what I am doing next.
Contact Info:
- Email: kimberlyhills@krprophouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krprophouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krprophouse/
Image Credit:
Upson Reflections – Daunte Frazier
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