We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Kimberly Paster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Kimberly, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I’ve made many difficult decisions but one of the most difficult career decisions I ever made was in 2010. I made the decision to close my salon (Kim’s Unique Touch) to work as a salon manager for a major hair care corporation. I had recently lost my father and I was going through a divorce. My whole life changed very quickly

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for over 25 years. I’m also a former Air Force spouse. I’ve had the pleasure of serving the Air Force community in the many different states that I lived in as well as overseas in Misawa, Japan. Whenever we moved, I had to “start over”. The great thing about is, it was never hard for me to do. I credit my ability to do this by remaining very professional, providing exceptional guest service and creating systems that allowed minimum to no wait times in the salon. I said it was never hard but it’s never easy leaving your clients in the care of others. I believe that was the hardest part. One way that I over came these challenges was by always believing that my next move would be my greatest move. I remained positive and was excited about each and every move and starting something new. There are so many lessons that I’ve learned along the way. The main lesson was learning to save and not spend. Also I learned the importance of maintaining relationships. Since being back in Georgia, I’ve had a client to drive from Louisiana just so that I can cut and style their hair. That’s special! My mission has always been to provide each and every guest with personable, exceptional guest service. I value my clients time. So I’ve created systems for providing maximizing services that will minimize time spent in the salon.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Spending a week with my bestie would include a Spa day. We would get our hair done at my very own salon, Red Door Salon. We would hit the various locally owned shops for some retail therapy. We’d enjoy a sip and paint. We would also enjoy an evening of entertainment at 44th and Madison by taking in a live event and dancing or open mic night. We would dine at a few of my favorite restaurants in Macon. Natalia’s, Back Burner and Fish and Pig. We’d visit the Harriet Tubman Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Glory belongs to God. There are many who have been there along my journey. I’d like to shoutout Barbara Ann Miller of Bossier City, LA. As a young cosmetologist she really pushed me. I started my career when social media didn’t exist! I didn’t have the money to order business cards and didn’t make enough money to pay my 1st week booth rent. I remember Barbara saying, “do you think you’re going to make money sitting over there looking cute” or she’d say, “a clean station means you ain’t made no money”. I laugh so hard when I think about this today. She forced me out of the salon one day and said, “girl get these cards, flip them over and write your information on the back, go out to the mall, go the the casino and pass them out. “You have a pretty handwriting so make a sign to put in the window at the “Peter’s Grocery Store”. In the era I grew up in we did what we were told. That was the start of a beautiful career!

After returning to my home state of Georgia, I joined the National Beauty Culturists League and completed my Doctorate of Professional Cosmetology through the Institute of Cosmetology. The relationships that I’ve gained through the organization has been awesome.

Last and very important, Dr. Felicia Phillips founder and CEO of MogulCon. Every female rather they are an entrepreneur, business woman or not should attend MogulCon. The mentorship that I have received is priceless! I’ve grown so much over the past 5 years personally and professionally. I’ve attended this conference every year since the very 1st one. Words cannot express the multitude of wisdom, wealth and knowledge that is poured into each and every attendee. I’m very grateful!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/red_door_salon

Linkedin: Kimberly Paster

Facebook: Kimberly Davis Paster and www.facebook.com/red.door.salon.georgia

Image Credits
Photos by AK (photos of me)

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