We were lucky to catch up with Kym Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kym , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I knew working odd end jobs was not for me when I kept job hopping. My mom would lash out at me because I wouldn’t stay at one job long enough for people to even remember my name. I did NOT care. Once someone had me messed up, I was outta there… with no regrets! Once I noticed this pattern I knew I had to pursue something else.

During those times I always did hair as a side hustle. I always took it serious, but never thought to have it as a career. I thought to myself this must be my passion because I’ve been doing this since I was a teen. So I enrolled myself into cosmetology school again. I was tired of being unhappy working doing things that I didn’t care for.

While in beauty school I birthed Hair Kymistry. I knew if anything I could and would count on myself. I was responsible for me at this point. I couldn’t turn back now.

I love everything about the anatomy of hair. The in’s and out’s, its functions, and how to maintain it. My favorite subject in school was always science. Hence the Kymistry (Chemistry) in my name. I changed the Chem to Kym because I wanted to add a personal touch. Put together it means the Chemistry of hair.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I have been in the beauty industry since middle school. From using my younger sister as a model, to family and friends, then taking my own clients back home in Alabama. Professionally, I have been in the industry here in Georgia since 2017. I had an opportunity to work in a salon while I was in beauty school. Although, I didn’t start doing exactly what I wanted, I had to get my foot in the door.

Currently, I am working for myself in a salon suite providing healthy haircare services to women such as treatments, silk presses, natural updos, and luxury extensions. I aspire to continue shedding light to those who really have a desire to learn. I really am proud that I am able to educate my clients and provide services as well as products for them to reach their goals.

My motto is “Healthy hair first and the style is the bonus. Be your own hair goals!”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Becoming a healthy hair specialist was not exactly how I started in the beauty industry. Honestly, when I first began, I was geared towards braids. It made me money, it was a safe zone, & everyone wanted them. Fast forward a few years into my career. I was not happy by any means doing braids anymore. No one who received braids cared about their hair. It was draining, to say the least, trying to get my clients to get trims, treatments, etc. It was like pulling teeth. I absolutely hated it.

I educated myself by taking classes, “Youtube University”, and through trial & error learning about my own hair. I wanted my clients to have that same passion about their natural hair as they did about braid extensions. My will to learn and educate fit my business’ name perfectly, Hair Kymistry.

Now that I have converted my clientele to Hair Kymists (my tribe), I have become so much happier. I have been able to educate and adhere my knowledge to those who truly care. I believe that I have provided a safe space and no judgment zone for those who have little to no knowledge about haircare. I try my best to provide the tools and services to healthy haircare in salon and at home for those in need.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I honestly think that my ability to adhere and adapt to what my audience asks of hairstylist helped build my reputation. Over the past few years, stylist have been given a bad rep for many things in the industry. From being late, charging late fees, not including basic services such as shampoo and blow dries.

I listened to what people were saying and made a change. I used to be late or drastically behind on my services at times. I had to take a step back to look at my practices. If I knew 8am appointments were hard for me to be on time, I had to change them to 9am. It was more realistic for my lifestyle. I had to time myself doing a service because if I go over into someone else’s appointment time, it did not reflect well on me for poor planning.

I pride myself in servicing one client at a time, giving them my undivided attention. Those were small, yet impactful, practices that I placed to give the ultimate experience to my clients. I respect their time.

Also, I include a shampoo and blow-dry with every service. I know if my canvas (my client’s hair) isn’t clean, the outcome will not yield the results that they want. Instead of giving the option, it is automatically included!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hairkymistry.co
• Instagram: @hairkymistry_
• Facebook: Hair Kymistry Co.

Image Credits
Photo of wedding party: @thebbmedia on Instagram via @imchelseasmith