Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Mosley.
Kimberly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a Wife, Mother of four, business owner and a survivor. I am originally from Memphis, TN, but have been a native of Georgia for over 20 years. My mom moved to GA when I was ten years old so I grew up in Atlanta and call it my home. I graduated from Riverdale High School in 2003, was a fashion model, hair braider and stylist, an extra in movies and TV shows as well as a professional choreographed dancer for Outre Hair.
I’ve always been an entertainer, so that’s what I am known for. I started modeling at the age of 15 and began my first real job as a personal stylist at a fashion boutique at age 17, working there for ten years. I later worked at Macys as a fragrance vendor for high-end fragrances, which was my last job in 2012.
On December 1, 2012, I was in a traffic vehicle accident with an 18 wheeler truck. I was in the hospital for 26 days and was in a sedated coma for three weeks. The accident cause trauma to my face and left arm. The trauma was so horrific that modeling and work was not an option. My face suffered bone and muscle damage, facial nerve paralysis and saliva gland exposure. My left arm is now in an L shape and can no longer extend, but I can move my fingers and have feelings. I have had over 30 surgeries from 2012-2017, but this did not stop me from following my dreams. Although I went through this traumatic change physically, my significant other stayed by my side and on May 28, 2016, he asked me to be his wife.
My mom Phyllis was an angel in disguise that took care of my daughter while I was in the hospital and having surgeries. My daughter Kimiyah was only five years old at that time, my mother told her that I’d be back after I finished shooting a movie out of state. She believed her, at the age of five, I guess children really are not as curious as we think.
I’ve been blessed to become a wife and to have a successful online business as a stylist from home, doing what I love. My close friends Trisha, Natasha, Shauntae, and Naudia who I call my sisters have loved me through this journey. We would have Girls Night In events at my home a few days before my surgeries to keep me uplifted and to know that they are with me in spirit. I stayed home for weeks to recover, so all laughs and love would be my last memories with my sisters. I lost many friends in this matter, but gained more sisters in the process.
It’s my goal to help others embrace their beauty and to love themselves for who they are in a fashionable way. In 2018, I shared my story with The BreakUp LLC and was awarded to be the InpireHER of the Year by Guide My Heart Organization in 2019. It’s a blessing to know that people are watching you from afar to congratulate you for being great. I’ve truly come a long way and give all the glory to God.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, this was not a smooth road for me after staying inside for over 2 years having consistent surgeries and recovery. I had a metal fixator on my left arm to keep it in place for months which caused me to not be able to sleep comfortably, hard to shower and to walk slowly through doors. It was Winter so I couldn’t wear a coat. I wore a snuggie over my shoulders and went places looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. It wasn’t cute and people would stare. I was being taken to the doctors by my friend Rah Holder, who always supported me when I needed a ride and never judged.
Being that my car was totaled out, I had no transportation of my own. I needed things like food and toiletries so my mother would go and shop for our home while I stayed inside. My daughter started Kindergarten that year, so I had to walk her to the bus stop daily. I was all wrapped up in bandages and hoped that it wouldn’t embarrass her. She was so strong! Children would ask her “what happened to your mom’s face” and she’d come home to tell me. I told her to tell them “my mom is being blessed with a new face and she is beautiful.” Later, the kids would stop bothering her and they then became her friends.
I was married on April 7, 2017, we had a phenomenal wedding and I wore beautiful dress. My husband always told me that I was beautiful and that the physical change never changed the woman that he fell in love with. He states that I am beautiful inside and out and that he was not going anywhere.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the PrettiLady Boutique LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
PrettiLady Boutique LLC is an online women’s clothing website that sells varieties of styles in sizes of up to plus size. Our top selling item is a waist trainer that is made of comfortable, adjustable & stretchy fabric. Is flexible and durable, 100% Latex-Free Neoprene with an industrial velcro attachment. It’s breathable and helps with your posture and back support. This item is what started my business and is still a top seller.
I started my business in December 2018 while working out in the gym with my fitness coach Elle Starr, weekly. Women would ask me about the waist trainer that I was wearing and for me to order one for them. After the 3rd person asked, I then decided to purchase them in bulk. I went forward with following my dreams of having a women’s boutique, so I applied for a business license and the whole nine yards. I sold five on my first day launching the waist trainers and wow, I did not expect that. I had PrettiLady Waist Trainers stamped on the back of them. It felt wonderful to see my business name every time I saw a woman wearing a waist trainer at the gym.
After training with Elle Starr for four years, I became a fitness coach as well. I’m known for having a nice body, a coke bottle shape they call it, lol. I train my close friends, virtually, due to the Covid19 pandemic where being around others is limited. I’m a stay at home mom that loves to cook, clean, and run my business in my free time. I am proud to be a successful business owner, wife and mother that has the power to do it all at the same time.
What sets me apart from others is the fact that fashion is what I love, not money! I was born to be styled in fashion as a runway model and to be a stylist. I am a personal stylist for Sasha Johnson who is a film producer, author, radio show host and coach. Were on this journey together as friends and black female business owners who support one another. Fashion is what I love and sewing seeds helps to build the brand of PrettiLady Boutique along the way.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t say that luck could take the credits of my blessings and success. I have been blessed tremendously after being in a tragic car accident that could have taken my life. Seven years ago, when the accident happened, I would have never thought that I would be where I am today. My business has skyrocketed! I started out with a waist trainer, then started to sell women’s clothing, to have now elevated to selling consignments. We have upscale designer men and women’s clothing and shoes that are in great condition. Some items still have tags from their original purchase. I’m also the model for my collection and have been an inspiration to many women. I always say, “I will take scars over death, any day” and that has been my motto!
Pricing:
- Use Promo Code- VOYAGE for 15% off any purchase
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettiladyboutique.com
- Phone: 6786085552
- Email: info@prettiladyboutique.com
- Instagram: @prettiladyboutique
- Facebook: prettiladyboutique
- Twitter: prettiladyk
Image Credit:
Photographer credits to RahCorp Visual Group www.rahcorp.com @RahCorp 404-322-5191 Video Creator, Photography, Videography, and Graphic Designer
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