Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Gonzalez.
Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my lash journey in 2019 when I was 19 years old. At that time, I was attending college and working in the restaurant industry. I had been getting my lashes done since I was 18 and i was always fascinated by the artistry behind it and wondering if I myself could have the skill to do the same. I remember telling my lash artist asking her questions because I was so curious of how the process worked, what supplies she would use, what was the difference etc.
Eventually I reached out to a former classmate who was doing lashes at that time. She later became a close friend and mentor and I asked her to teach me everything she knew. From there my journey officially began.
I started lashing from the corner of my bedroom not knowing really the outcome or having clarity of what exactly was my goal. Here I am 7 years later, having my own lash line product and eventually building a name for myself that still continues to grow with my business and brand. While there is always more I hope to accomplish, I’m incredibly grateful for how far this journey has taken me. Looking back I never imagined that a curiosity I had at 19 years old would turn into a career that has impacted so many women and changed my own life in the process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been perfect, and some of the setbacks came from my own decisions. There were times where I prioritized other things, took my breaks or even stepped away from my business. Each experience taught me valuable lessons, and one of my many challenges was building clientele from scratch. But it has help me grow as a both a person and a business owner.
Adapting to change and rebuilding has been a continuous thing in my career. I’ve had slow seasons, social media changes and also relocating and rebuilding in new area locations. Starting over is never easy, especially in an industry built on relationships and trust.
Beyond the business side, I’ve also had to overcome self doubt. As entrepreneurs we tend to compare to others milestones. Success is different for everyone and also not everything is what it seems. I still have self doubts when making decisions or even if I’m meant to be here. But I think that’s just human nature and I’m here for a reason. I believe God has given me the opportunity to be where I am. With him I’m everything, without him I’m nothing. He’s my why, my foundation and always finds a way to provide.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
KXL is a beauty brand focused on helping women feel confident through beauty and self care.
Today I offer lash extension services, waxing services and retail beauty products such as lash strips and lash trays. I love creating genuine relationships with my clients.
At the end of the day I want my clients to walk satisfied with their appointment and making them feel comfortable to reach to me if anything happens. I believe trust is everything in this industry, so I always strive to be available for my clients and stand behind the quality of my work, and that’s what sets me apart from others.
My goal with KXL Beauty is to expand into a beauty brand and eventually open a salon suites that provides a luxury, unique experience offering a variety of services and products. Above all I hope KXL reflects the values that have guided me through my journey: faith, integrity, and genuine relationships.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t necessarily say Im a reckless full on risker. But I have taken big risk in this industry. Just by 19 starting a business with no clue of what I was doing or capable of doing. Investing economically and time was risky not knowing the outcome. It required me to step out of my comfort zone multiple times. Even my personality, who I was as a person. Never did I imagine I would be the person I am today and I have to say not only life but having my business shaped me into who I am today.
One of the biggest risks I believe taking was relocating and rebuilding in new areas. Starting over is never easy, especially in a relationship based industry. It required faith, patience and willingness to begin again with no guarantee. I believe risk and failure are necessary in life. As an entrepreneur it creates opportunity’s to grow and teaches you valuable experiences. It always shapes you better than you were before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kxlbeauty.com
- Instagram: Kimxlashes
