We recently connected with Kimberly Rosenberg and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kimberly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

“I’ve always dreamed of being a Makeup Artist, Aesthetician, and Business Owner.” Said me, never.

At the age of 18 I fell into my profession. I dropped out of college and started working at Macy’s in Northridge, CA. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but with minimum wage at $4.25 and the cosmetics department earning $9.00 an hour plus commission, I was in. With no professional knowledge of skincare and cosmetics, but ample amount of intuition, ambition and belief in myself, a position as a Beauty Advisor for Prescriptives Cosmetics was the gateway for all things beauty, to come. Little did I know it was going to lead to a purpose driven career as the founder of a beauty brand and advocate for transformation, self-acceptance and inner beauty. I spent many years uncomfortable in my skin, hating how I looked and wanting a different face and body. Eating disorders, drugs and diet culture held me hostage. With big emotions and impulsivity running through my brain, it made for an adventurous yet self destructive time in my life.

In 2012 I was finally ready to accept myself and learn a new way of living. Through yoga I learned about Vedanta Philosophy which gave me the principles of my daily life. Through surfing I developed a relationship with nature and the ocean. Both were platforms that provided me with the tools to develop a healthy relationship with my body and how I relate to the definition of beauty. Ultimately, they united me with the essence of who I am.

As I navigated my way through the beauty industry, I took big risks including walking away from my career to teach yoga, internationally. I was not prepared for the challenges I encountered, fell on my face, got back up, rinsed and repeated until my efforts brought me to where I am today.

Along the way, I drew inspiration from my Grandma. As a child, I found myself intrigued by her lipsticks and the shape they would take after she applied them. They were the image of a skateboard ramp. The shimmer in her eyeshadow and the line of her eyeliner enhanced her eyes in a way that was elegant yet natural. Her look was classic, energy vibrant and poised, and strength and confidence unparalleled. From black tie events to throwing a football with her great grandson at the age of 83, she was the pinnacle of beauty.

As a Makeup Artist since 1998 and Aesthetician since 2004 my relationship with beauty has evolved into one from the inside out. With social media filters and the influence of Botox, fillers and invasive procedures, I take a stance in aging gracefully as we are. With a firm belief, I advocate for skincare for health, makeup for play, food and intuitive eating for fuel and pleasure and exercise and mental health for the ability to explore, transform and grow.

On land or in the water, I move forward with the mission of facilitating premier experiences promoting confidence, connection and inner beauty.

I never said I dreamed of doing all I do, but it is a dream come true.

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 most proud of the relationships I have developed over the 22+ years with my clients. I have multiple families of 2-3 generations where I provide eyebrow shaping, makeup artistry and skincare services. I have done makeup for Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s and Quinceaneras to Weddings and everything in between along with being included as a guest for weddings, family dinners, baby showers and travels across the states for visits. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to provide a service that leads to lifelong fulfilling relationships.

We are always full of stories and never short on laughter during our appointments together. My clients know me for being transparent and direct. If they want a straight forward, honest answer, they know who to turn to.

Serving greater Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties, my home base is in Sherman Oaks, CA at Howard Kurtz Salon where my specialities include bridal makeup, eyebrow shaping and skincare along with an extended menu of services for all ages. My work has been published in Dujour and Inside Weddings Magazines and on brides.com and theknot.com. Award shows such as The Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Golden Globe, People’s Choice and Critics Choice are the red carpets clients have walked.

To support my perspective on beauty from the inside out, physical and mental health are the foundation to my daily life. I have trauma informed Yoga Teacher Trainings, taught over 1,500 yoga classes in Los Angeles and have lead over 25 Yoga & Surf Retreats in Morocco where I lived for 6 months. I have volunteered my time as a Certified Crisis Intervention Counselor for the LA Rape & Battery Hotline and have coached new volunteer Counselors. During my time off you will find me surfing the beaches of Malibu, Ventura and international waters, practicing yoga, training at Equinox, traveling, listening to country music, studying Vedanta Philosophy, enjoying Podcasts on Neuroscience, Psychology and Business and volunteering for A Walk On Water, a nonprofit surf therapy organization whom I’m partnered with.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn and relearn the purpose of my career. Since I dropped out of college and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, I did know I would eventually need to support myself so money was the initial goal. I grew into loving what I did but there was a tunnel vision focus on money which kept me at a superficial level for quite some time. I burnt out and stepped away from the height of my career at the time to focus on teaching yoga. It was when I crossed paths with yoga and surfing, I was able to direct my purpose to my mission on a healthy relationship with beauty from the inside out and helping women live more peacefully in their skin. Once I realized this, I went back to the beauty industry and put my efforts into my mission with my clients and making sure everyone who sat in my chair felt safe, heard, seen and beautiful as they are.

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

I believe what’s helped build my reputation within my market is I’ve always been true to being myself even if it’s going against the grain or standing alone. As I previously stated, my clients know they are going to get an honest and transparent answer from me regardless of what they ask. I don’t sugar coat anything and I’m not about smoke and mirrors. I care deeply about people and their well-being and I believe the best way to support people on their path of self-discovery is to be honest. I listen to their needs and make certain they feel at peace in my chair. Exceptional service, quality products, punctuality and reliability are the icing on the cake.

Contact Info:

• Website: virtueandvixen.com
• Instagram: @virtueandvixen
• Facebook: Virtue & Vixen
• Linkedin: Kimberly Rosenberg
• Yelp: Virtue & Vixen

Image Credits
Kelli Hayden Erica Streelman