Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Matthews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The inception of my business idea can be traced back to a phone call I received from my business associate, Ms. Levi. It was a cold winter evening when we crossed paths at our local coffee house. Ms. Levi handed me a notebook filled with meticulously prepared lesson plans. She entrusted me with the task of continuing the program she had initiated at the community college, emphasizing that my passion was unparalleled in carrying forward her vision. I was both excited and apprehensive, as this marked the genesis of my training center business.

In April 2016, I conducted my first class at the college, an experience that fueled my determination to establish a continued education training center. In 2017, I took the leap and commenced offering lash classes and test preparation whenever time permitted. Simultaneously, I remained employed at the college. However, the unforeseen arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly brought the college program to a halt in November 2019.

Fortunately, this setback proved to be a turning point for my training center. By offering one-on-one training in a secure, hygienic, and exclusive setting, I witnessed a surge in the center’s activities. It became evident that opening the training center was a venture worth pursuing, as more beauty professionals sought to broaden their skill set by learning new services, like braiding, for their clients. Furthermore, an increasing number of individuals expressed interest in the Cosmetology State Board Refresher, seeking to adequately prepare for the state examination. I was particularly enthusiastic about assisting unlicensed cosmetologists in achieving their dream of becoming licensed beauty industry professionals.

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 back background and context?

From the moment I graduated from High School in the city of Greenbelt, Maryland, my passion for the beauty industry led me to attend a local Beauty School just a short walk away from our apartment. It was in 1986 that I embarked on my journey into beauty culture, immersing myself in the art and science of cosmetology. Within a year, I proudly obtained my license as a cosmetologist. At the tender age of 19, armed with the ability to transform hair, my primary focus was to maximize my earnings as quickly as possible. However, during those initial years, I lacked a clear vision for my future.

Shortly thereafter, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to work at the very Beauty School where I had received my training. Initially starting as a substitute cosmetology teacher, it didn’t take long for my true calling to reveal itself. Teaching ignited a fire within me, and with each lesson, I discovered new facets of both the industry and myself. I became fascinated by the vast amount of knowledge surrounding hair loss and its causes. Furthermore, I realized that regardless of a student’s level of understanding, language barriers, or attention span, it was my responsibility to ensure their comprehension and success.

Throughout my personal and professional journey, I also ventured into other avenues within the beauty industry. I served as a contracted makeup artist for Hech Co., worked as a mobile hair stylist and booth renter, and even started my own Lash Business, which initially operated out of my sister’s and brother-in-law’s basement. Their support was invaluable, and I will forever be grateful to them.

While pursuing my passion for beauty, I concurrently pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. It was during this time that I opened my first business, Born Beautiful Salon, later rebranded as Ms. Kim’s Beauty Exchange. Today, I find myself in the proud position of not only running my own business but also working as a co-teacher within the esteemed Montgomery County Public School System. At our training center, we offer comprehensive continued education classes covering various aspects of beauty culture, including skincare, waxing, makeup, lashes, hair cutting, color, braiding, nails, and even business-related subjects. Additionally, we operate a full-service hair salon Ms. Kim’s Beauty LLC

The underlying principle of Ms. Kim’s Beauty Exchange is to establish a network of beauty and business professionals who can provide individuals with the necessary training to foster their own business growth. It goes beyond mere networking; it’s about creating connections and extending support to as many people as possible. For instance, we often receive inquiries from the Hispanic community, and rather than solely offering the classes myself, I strive to connect them with Spanish-speaking providers. In doing so, everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

Recently I completed the second phase of my trichology training and am now a certified Associate Trichologist specializing in hair loss. Currently, I am working tirelessly to expand our business profile by introducing Nail Training through the establishment of a private career school. However, as the approval process with the state of Maryland is still pending, I am unable to share much more about this exciting venture at this time.

Above all else, I take immense pride in the relationships I have cultivated throughout the years and the trust that people place in me. When asked about my brand, I cannot help but think of “Ms. Kim.” My name is where it all begins because everything else is intertwined with it. To ensure the relevance and trustworthiness of my brand, Ms. Kim must embody integrity and trust. It is through these qualities that I strive to uplift and empower others, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty industry and those who are part of it.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Attracting new clients is an ongoing challenge that many businesses face. In my experience, one of the most effective methods for acquiring new clients is through word of mouth. This approach relies on referrals, where satisfied clients recommend my services to others. This is particularly beneficial because it provides potential clients with firsthand feedback from someone they trust.

In addition to word of mouth, I have found great success by utilizing various Google services such as Google Analytics and Google Ads. These tools have proven to be invaluable in reaching a wider audience and increasing my online visibility. To maximize the benefits of these platforms, I took advantage of a free training class offered by Google specifically designed for advertising businesses. This training session not only addressed many of my questions but also provided cost-saving tips for my ad campaigns.

To gauge the effectiveness of my marketing efforts, I incorporate a registration form for new students, and a client consultation form for the salon when they visit for the first time. One of the questions on this form specifically asks how they learned about my business. I provide approximately six options for them to choose from. Interestingly, the majority of respondents indicate that they discovered my business through a Google search.

In summary, while attracting new clients can be challenging, leveraging word-of-mouth recommendations and utilizing Google services such as Google Analytics and Google Ads have been highly beneficial for my business. The inclusion of a question about the referral source on my registration form has consistently revealed that a significant number of new clients find me through Google searches.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

This is a brief narrative about the moment when everything fell apart. We often hear the phrase “When it rains, it pours,” and this was the storm that engulfed my life. I tend to compare life to the movement and flow of ocean waves – sometimes calm and reassuring, other times merciless and life-threatening. In order to survive, we must learn to ride the waves. During this particular phase of my life, I found myself as a single parent to two young boys, striving to get my life back on track.

I rented a three-bedroom house, worked as the director of education in a new school, and embarked on opening my very own hair salon. Things were going great. My children were settling into their routines, attending school, and taking on responsibilities. I was adjusting to my new position at the Beauty School, having recently hired two talented stylists. We even had a grand opening celebration for the salon, complete with a DJ, delicious food, and entertainment – the whole shebang! Life was truly good… until it suddenly wasn’t.

The storm hit with an unexpected vengeance, and I found myself ill-prepared to face its wrath. Within a span of just eight weeks, I lost everything. The school I had poured my passion into was forced to shut down. To make matters worse, the staff I had hired to serve and care for our valued clients were betraying my trust. They conducted unauthorized services off the books while pilfering products and supplies for personal use. In my struggle to survive, I depleted all my savings. Consequently, I lost everything – my job, my business, my car, and my home. I ended up seeking refuge in a shelter with my children, confined to a shared, one-bedroom space.

Depression consumed me, and I teetered on the brink of giving up. However, I was fortunate to come from a family rooted in love, with my sister serving as a constant pillar of support. Additionally, I was surrounded by a circle of friends who provided unwavering love and encouragement. It took time, but I managed to find the strength to regain my focus and transform this series of unfortunate events into a catalyst for personal reinvention. I learned from my mistakes and grew through the process.

This experience taught me the importance of looking ahead and adopting a forward-thinking mindset. While it may be impossible to be fully prepared for every eventuality, it is possible to establish safeguards in case a storm strikes without warning. I believe that every experience, whether positive or negative, holds a valuable lesson. I have learned to compartmentalize my emotions and detach my personal feelings from certain situations. This clarity of mind is crucial for moving forward.

I will never forget that challenging period in my life. Though it is difficult for me to talk about, it continues to serve as a powerful motivator. It has taught me resilience and has instilled in me the belief that I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mkbellc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mk_beauty_exchange/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mskimsbeauty
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ms-kim-matthews-303b51235/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mskimsbeautyexchange6136
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ms-kims-beauty-exchange-oxon-hill-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@beautyexchange.mskim?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Jhoanna Herrera Sharon Benitez Teshanna Williams Angela Taylor Malika Phillips Kiera Awe Marquita Booth Raesheena Johnson