Meet Kimberly Summerlin | Hair Stylist

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

Hi Kimberly, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk is essential when you want to stretch yourself and grow your business. As we grow, we are trained to do things a certain way. This routine will sustain us of course, but it is only when you step out of your comfort zone that you start to reach your full potential and go to the next level. If I hadn’t taken the necessary risks in my business, I believe I’d still be working in a salon instead of owning one.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was introduced to hair by my mother, she worked in a wig boutique when I was about 3yrs old and I would go with her every Saturday. This was just a part time gig for her until she was able to finish school to work as a teacher, but from then on it became my passion. I believe my reason “why” is what truly sets me aside from others. I don’t do hair for money, I truly love it. If I felt like I could sustain, I would do it for free.
I most proud 9f never giving up and I believe that it’s how I’ve been able to make it almost 20 years in the hair industry. In a field that can appear to be so saturated, you have to find your strength and tap into it or you’ll never be successful. Life’s path never gets easier, but it’s the rewards and accomplishments that make it worth your while.
As I sit back and think about what kept me from giving up, I’d have to say motherhood. When I got close to year 10 I was over it, but becoming a parent can really show you how to be more selfless. I wanted to be an example of perseverance. I knew that giving up my dream was going to send the wrong message, so I share my blood sweat and tears with my boys so that they can see the importance of pressing on.
I have learned 1 very important lesson along the way: your dreams won’t make sense to anyone else because they were given to you. God gave you that dream, so if people don’t understand it so what! Keep moving in your own direction and never waiver, no matter how hard it gets.
Genius Hair Collection LLC/Genius Collection is my baby. As we grow, we plan to help others grow. Our brand simply means “it the genius behind the beauty that makes you, you”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited from out of town, we’d have start this new place called Nouveau for brunch! The atmosphere and the food is amazing. Then we’d go check out the waterfall in Roswell. We’d sit near the waterfall together and say nothing. Clearing your mind and getting in touch with nature can be rewarding. We finish with dinner at a place in Ponce City market so we can sit on the roof top and enjoy the fire pit over drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to recognize my mentor and high school cosmetology instructor, Ms. Pamela Harris. Although my mom introduced me to this craft, it was Ms. Harris who taught to stretch myself and explore the possibilities of where my skill would take me.

Website: Geniushairco.com

Instagram: Hairgeniusofatlanta_

Linkedin: Hairgeniusofatlanta

Facebook: Genius Hair Collection

Yelp: Kim Hair Genius of Atlanta

Youtube: Kimhairgenius

Image Credits
Seve Adigun Leonard Devlin