Meet Kimberlyn Harris -Washington | Cosmetologist/Environmental activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberlyn Harris -Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberlyn, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“The customer is always right” saying has never worked for me. A client should know her own better than a stylist but, in most case, they don’t. I will consult with the client. They can show me an inspiration picture, but I will still need to go with my thought process. For example, is her hair healthy enough to flow like the picture. Or she will be going on a job interview so I will ask if she would like that bright red color after her interview. I’ve had times when a client didn’t like when I told them what is best and then they go to someone else and come back to me to fix it. Being up front and honest is the best policy to avoid unnecessary issues. There is an art to styling hair and there is a right and a wrong way to run your business. You are the boss, and you create your workspace. If you have your policy and procedures in place you should be confident in knowing that your business will survive anything.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a professional cosmologist/hairstylist. And yes, there is an art to being a hairstylist. What sets me apart from others in my industry is I consider my clients my employers. I need to create the style you envision. I started my trade high school because I use to watch my mom do hair in the kitchen and was intrigue by the smoke of all things. lol. I worked in chain salons for 2 years until I went out and rented a booth from a salon where older women taught me the business of cosmology. Because my dad also owned a business, I wanted to be an owner of my own salon. A few years later my husband and I opened up a salon together. We both had apprentice under us. I loved to watch how they created art with hair. My younger sister and I opened my current salon after my husband switched his creativity from hair to food. I have always been a person who was eager to learn, that’s why I went to hair shows. The art and education that the hair show have just revive me. I find in every trade or business you should always look for ways to better yourself and use all the tools that people have took the time to you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One thing about Richmond is we have a lot of festivals. There is always something here to enjoy. We have all cultures here and have different food choices available. Anything on 2nd street is great. I really love Southern Kitchen. Richmond also has the chain restaurants like the Boathouse on the James River. If you are ever at a festival or little league game, look up my husband’s food trailer Jays Carnival Foods where the best funnel cakes and fried fish are served. The James River and Browns Island are great places to hang out after taking a stroll through our various museums.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to my parents Liz and Mckinley Harris who pushed me to work hard for my goals. My husband Jonathan Washington who always have my back to make sure my goals are met.

Facebook: kim Harris Washington