Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Fowlkes.
Kimberly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since childhood, I have always loved art and entertainment. My family refers to me as “The Diva”, due to my love for beauty, fashion, music, and performing. I aspire to one day become a recognized performer. I am the daughter of a preacher and have always been involved in the church and charity work.
Since high school, I have been waking up at 4:00 AM every morning to sing, exercise, do my makeup, and style my hair. I have always been dedicated to investing in myself and taking risks; I even started a business as a nail technician when I was seven years old. In 2012, I began to sing with the Shiloh Concert Choir and Educate Atlanta where I learned how to perfect my performance skills. I also began to perform makeup and hair services on clients.
I attended Savannah College of Art and Design for 1 year. Although my stay was short, I was able to make a lot of valuable connections which helped me to branch out into modeling. I began a YouTube channel and am now sponsored by various companies ranging from beauty to fashion products and accessories.
I have been focusing my time into giving back to the community. My team and I recently provided makeup and hair services to students at Marrietta High School for their 2019 prom and graduation.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been a lot of hardships along my journey, but I believe that struggles prepare success.
In 2016, I experienced my first social media cyberbullying. When I first started my YouTube channel “Kim Kim’s World”, I posted a hair review which received a lot of positive feedback. Since the review was about a well-known company, it gained a lot of views. In the review, I talked about the pros and cons of the company and their products, as any review would require. I pride myself on being completely honest while being respectful, however, this particular company did not like the fact that I did not think their hair was perfect. The owner who has a large following made a video on Youtube about me, posted my shipping address online, as well as, threatened to sue me for not liking their products. I received many threatening emails from the company and the owner’s followers. After months of torment, one of the CEOs reached out to take my videos down in exchange for free products or money. To this day, I still stand my ground for myself, my supporters, and others who have been bullied and harassed by the owners of this company
In 2017, I decided to leave Savannah College of Art and Design – Atlanta. In the 2017 Spring quarter, I took a course at the establishment and maintained an A throughout the quarter. During my last week, I noticed that all of my grades had been changed from As to Ds. I emailed my professor, who I thought I had grown close to due to spending a lot of time with them helping me and review my projects before turning them in, hoping it was a mistake, but later found out that it was purposefully done. After stating to my professor that I would reach out to an administrator believe that I was being discriminated against, she decided to accuse me of plagiarism. I appealed to the administration, wrote letters, and was directed to many people in many different departments. After constant complaints, I was finally allowed a meeting with the head dean. The meeting was supposed to consist of myself, the professor, and the dean, however, the professor left the country, but the school held the meeting anyway. During the meeting, my case was already determined before I was able to speak and I was even told that as an African American person, I had “no right to feel discriminated against.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kim Kim’s World – what should we know?
My business “Kim Kim’s World” started off as a YouTube channel, but has evolved into so much more. I use my platform not only to project myself as an artist but to provide beauty services and business counseling to those who cannot afford it. I want to use my God-given talents and gifts to help others feel confident, successful, and beautiful.
I am proud of the connections I have made at only 21. I have met and worked with many political figures, well-known artists, and people whose stories motivate me to be greater and help my community more.
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to take risks and try anything. I believe in reaching my goals and standing up for what is right, even if there are pain and suffering throughout the process.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people who paved the way for my success. My family has always and will forever be my biggest supporters. Many of the resources I used to start my journey were provided by them. They were also the first faces and spectators that have seen my work and performances.
I have many friends who have influenced my growth and inspired me to follow the right path, as well as picked me up when I stumbled across the unknown.
Growing up in the church has given me many mentors to follow. I have learned that time and organization are the biggest keys to success.
Pricing:
- Makeup Services Start at $60 for a full face including lashes
- Wig services start at $70
- Sponsorships begin at $100
Contact Info:
- Website: instagram.com/kimberlyirenefowlkes
- Email: kimkimsworld@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kimkimsworld
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.i.fowlkes
- Twitter: twitter.com/kimkimsworld
- Other: youtube.com/kimkimsworld
Image Credit:
Kimberly Irene Fowlkes
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