tWe’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Sok. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.
Kim, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
The rise of skinfluencers. Skinfluencers are increasingly popular on TikTok. #skincare has a whopping 66.9 billion views, #skincareroutine has 13.8 billion. The pandemic also skyrocketed Gen Z‘s increased focus on skincare. After all, when you can’t go out, you might as well focus on improving your bare skin. The issue is that it’s can be dangerous. I always tell clients this stuff looks easy on TikTok because it’s trendy, it looks cool, there’s music in the background,”“But [a lot of this] is all medical-grade stuff. I mean, this is very serious stuff that requires sterile techniques [and] knowledge of anatomy.” I mean anyone can buy products and do their own facials, waxing at home or tattoo their own eyebrows with products they buy from Amazon , because they saw on a TikTok video. But the end results might not be what you’re hoping for. I just want people to continue to take social-media-gathered information with a grain of salt.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am passionate about all things “skin” but my true love is in Lash Lift, Facials, and Permanent Makeup. I have been fortunate enough to explore the beauty industry in a variety of ways, making me the versatile artist that I am today. My career began at a lash studio. From there I worked at a couple of different med spa to sharpen my laser skills. Currently, I am trying to nurtured my passion more carefully and keep my entrepreneurial flame burning by; 1. Stay motivated and engaged, 2. Fall in love with the problems( even though I want to pull my hair out and cry), 3. Don’t let the business of running a business get in the way.
I’m always looking to take on new opportunities that challenge my creativity and allow me to grow as an artist. And that’s why Kosmik is born.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
I have been in the service industry for over 10+ years and bartended all in my 20s. A great bartender not only possesses the skill of bartending, but also the social intelligence which allows them to cater to both the tangible (making drinks) and intangible (conversation). Basic skills don’t automatically make someone great at what they do, it’s skill + the X factor. Selling Comes First. My sale skill set definitely comes from my bartending experiences.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My money mindset completely changed since becoming a mom. My daughter comes first. As an entrepreneur, business is always on the brain—it’s how we’re programmed. That’s at least what I tell myself. You have responsibility twofold now—running a business and adjusting to your new role as mommy. It’s like taking care of two babies who are both crying at the same time. No big deal! There are times where I wouldn’t have had time to write emails back because back then I was running on 2-hour sleep shifts, breastfeeding, pumping, changing diapers, and let’s not leave out RUNNING A BUSINESS two weeks postpartum. Then I remember as your own boss, having a more flexible lifestyle is what was so appealing to me in the beginning. I should appreciate the fact that I am my own boss and enjoy my time now with my daughter. This time is not meant to be spent worrying about unanswered emails, meeting requests and the what-ifs. As hard as it may seem, everything will work itself out.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kosmikstudiodallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076295324018&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Dat Nguyen