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

Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In December 2019 I was preparing to graduate from esthetics school. I was so excited that the Monday-Friday, 8:15-3:45pm schedule was finally over. I could spend more time with my daughter, have a social life, and finally live out my dreams. The only problem is, I did not have a job. I had been applying for jobs with different med spas and dermatologists, but nothing panned out. One day I finally got a call from the office manager at Nina Skin Studios. Nina Skin Studios was, and still is, a premier luxury studio, focused on the health and protection of skin for black people. The studio was well known, and they even had a waitlist for clients. They were amazing! I was honored to even be considered. After a few rounds of interviews, I was asked to join the team. I was over the moon and finally ready to start my career as an esthetician.

Soon after my start date, I began to realize that I had my own creative and professional ideas. I wanted to impliment certain product lines, and create procedures, however I was working FOR someone, not myself. I went to Nina, and we had an honest conversation about my career as an esthetician, my desires, and how we could possibly make it work within my role at the studio. I will never forget Nina telling me to “Always bet on yourself.” It was advice that was given to her, and here she was sharing these exact sentiments to me. I left Nina Skin Studios that day.

I currently run and operate The Mark of Beauty by Kim where I offer esthetics and makeup servies. My goal is to edcuate and encourage black women on their beauty purchases, so that they feel empowered and understand how their products work for them. I took a risk because I was encouraged to do so. Nina’s words lit a fire in me, and at the time, when I had no clue how I would run my own practice, I knew that my passion and dedication would take me far. I learned through that conversation, that taking a risk on myself wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it. Since then I have built a clientele of 100+ people, i’ve worked a myriad of weddings, been featured in local magazines, spoken on panels to universities, and so much more. I don’t always get it right, but everyday I’m reminding that if I bet on me, and take risks for my business, I will win. Nina has and still is a great support system for me, and for that I am forever grateful.

Kimberly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kimberly, i’m from St. Louis, Mo, and I’m a licensed esthetician and a makeup artist. I got my esthetics license in 2019, but I’ve been in the beaty industry since 2013. I was a beauty advisor for Lancome and campus makeup artist at Mizzou.

In my current practice I focus a lot on education. I want my clients to feel knowledgeable about their skin products and beauty purchases. I pride myself in being able to take big concepts and explaining them in a way that everybody can understand. Through this I’ve found that my clients trust me more and the suggestions I make to them. I assist them with everything from homecare skincare routines, in clinic services like dermaplaning and chemical peels, and providing quality makeup for ocassions like weddings and birthdays. It’s truly a joy. When returning and potential clients come visit The Mark of Beauty by Kim, I want them to know that they are safe, their concerns have been heard, and that I am determined to assist them in any way possible. Oh, and we’ll listen to some Beyonce too!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Social media has become my best friend! I am always on my phone or laptop researching new ways to get information out about my business and it’s purpose. Right now i’m having the time of my life on TikTok and Instagram, but I also have found a lot of success through Facebook wedding groups. Social media can be challenging with all the different algorithms and editing styles, but I’ve learned that being authentic and being consistent helps. When people visit my social media to learn about The Mark of Beauty by Kim, they immediately get to know me, the person as well. I’m fun and energetic, passionate, and eager to share whatever knowledge I have. They also know what type of content to expect from me which I believe makes it easier to book with me when they needed services done. Word of mouth is also a great marketing strategy for me. I am sure to not only mention my business often, but I ensure that I have positive, lasting impressions with everyone I meet.

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

One lesson I had to unlearn is that once school was done, so was I. Part of being in the esthetics and beauty industry is constantly learning. I’ve invested and still invest in education and i’ve been out of school for three years. I did learn that being open to learning more will always bring success to your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.markofbeautybykim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkofbeautybykim/

Image Credits
Mena Darre Photography (bridal photos)