We recently connected with Kim Wickerham and have shared our conversation below.

Kim, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My idea for a subscription beauty box service is actually twofold.
First, I’ve been working in the beauty industry for a really long time and have firsthand experience with some of the best hair care products in the world. My clients trust my product recommendations and know they will deliver great results. How many times have you walked the beauty isle searching hopelessly for that perfect shampoo only to be disappointed? Kimini Collective takes the guesswork out of shopping by delivering beauty products curated especially for your hair. The average woman spends $3,756 a year on beauty products and services. Let’s spend that money on products that actually work.
Second, who doesn’t love receiving a surprise in the mail?
When I was a little girl, I had a pen pal named Rhonda. We spent our summers writing letters to one another and eventually started dropping little surprises in our envelopes. We sent everything from candy and hair ribbons to lip balm. If the postmaster would mail it with a 15-cent stamp, we would send it. I remember running to the mailbox with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see what Rhonda had sent me.
As adults, we have lost that element of surprise in our everyday lives. This is something I hope to re-create with Kimini Collective. When a customer opens the door and picks up my shipment, I want them to see a bold, custom one-of-a-kind design. I’m creating more than a purchase; I’m creating a moment. A connection has been made and an emotion has been stirred.

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’m your girl next door, beauty aficionado and conspirator. I love all things bright and beautiful. As a child, I developed a fascination for the art of hair at a very young age. Through my school years, I did my fair share of hair for ballgames, proms, and slumber parties. I don’t want to brag, but when it came to braids and creating Princess Leia buns, I was a big deal.
My earliest memories of hairstyling were in elementary school. My parents surprised me one Christmas with a doll’s head. I was thrilled when I unboxed “Candy” and saw that she came complete with hair rollers, Dippity-doo and three bottles of washable color.
You guessed it.
In a matter of days, I was a red head and was grounded from hairdressing for quiet some time. What my parents didn’t count on was that my little color experiment would ignite a fire within me like no other. That became the spark plug that led me down the road to hairdressing. I’d like to say it was years of college and a bunch of capital letters after my name, but it wasn’t. My career began as a creative little girl with a dolls head in the 70’s.
Fast forward a few years, and I am the owner of Salt Beauty Lounge in Matthews, NC. In addition to beauty, I bring a unique approach to hairdressing by holding a degree in nursing. I’ve always been curious and love blending science and beauty. With a passion for color, I specialize in specialty treatments such as silver transitions, blonding and color corrections. My deep understanding of hair chemistry allows me to achieve stunning, customized results every time.
One of my most memorable moments in hairdressing was working at the Redken Exchange in NYC. I had gotten to the Exchange early one morning so I could secure a spot in the corner window. I remember that feeling of accomplishment as I worked in front of the two-story glass overlooking Fifth Avenue.
It was then that I knew I would be working in beauty forever.

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

I was fortunate enough to attend a high school that offered vocational classes and cosmetology was one of them. Since we were students, we charged a dollar for a haircut and ten dollars for a chemical service. Once I graduated, I went to state boards in Knoxville and was the first student in my class to obtain a license. I began working behind a chair at the age of 18.
Looking back, I realize I was way too young to be working on my own. This was years ago and there was no such thing as an apprentice program for new stylists. I felt as if I had been thrown to the wolves and quickly realized that I lacked the business understanding that was needed to be my own boss. Out of frustration and lack of funds, I decided to go back to school for nursing. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but my passion was still hairdressing. So, on my off days, I began to set up shop in my clients homes. This made me realize how much I missed the beauty industry and gave me the confidence to transition back into the career that I most loved.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’ve been in the beauty industry for a really long time. Long enough to believe that a subscription beauty box business should be a rite of passage for a seasoned pro like me. Boy was I wrong!
At first thought, curating a subscription beauty box seemed pretty straightforward. I know my products and what my clients love. What more would I need? As it turns out, curating products was only one small part of my business. There was working with vendors, sourcing the right products, managing inventory, handling shipping logistics, packaging and pricing. I could go on and on. I had not considered any of these things and discovered them on my own through trial and error. It was a wake-up call. Running a subscription beauty box service isn’t just about great products, it’s about strategy, consistency, and delivering an experience customers can’t wait to receive.
Now, I approach my beauty box business with the same passion and precision that I bring to the salon. Every product is carefully selected, every detail is intentional, and every box is designed to bring salon-quality products straight to your door. Because beauty shouldn’t stop when you leave the salon—it should be part of your everyday routine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kiminicollective.com
• Instagram: @thebalayagebelle (this is my haircolor page)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwickerham/

Image Credits

Avonne’ Photo Studios
Havery Studios
Jamie Irvin Photography