Today we’d like to introduce you to Mimi Hawkins.
Mimi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a single mother, in the middle of a divorce, all while surviving domestic abuse, making the decision to embark upon a career in beauty was never a part of my life plan. As I worked my job as a financial aid officer at Aladdin Beauty College, I found my love for hair and the beauty business. After parting ways with Aladdin Beauty College, I began working with another company in their accounting department. This would be my last job prior to pursuing a path into my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road as an entrepreneur hasn’t been an easy journey, but I wouldn’t take any of it back. It has shown me that it takes more than a gift and passion to stay in business for over 22 years. I was a bootstrapping business builder. I took the finances that I had from day one and created a pathway to success. I have had some losses, learned what betrayal in business looks like, as well as closed the doors to my business and start over in unfamiliar territory. The recent loss of my younger sister to domestic violence has been a brutal pressing of pressure. Even then, I had to travel to California to memorialize her, jump on a plan the same day to Maryland to teach a class, then go back to work and travel again all in seven days. Through the tears, pain, and exhaustion, I made it, I learned that tenacity is a must to be an entrepreneur. As a veteran in the beauty business, I learned that I am my business and my business had the ability to travel with me.
The advice that I would give to any budding entrepreneur is KNOW YOUR WHY and allow it to fuel you. Prepare as much as possible financially, but don’t allow it to cripple you into NEVER beginning. When trials come your way, and they will just remember that you have to be your best cheerleader. If you do the work, success will come. Lastly, remember the life of a self-employed individual is totally dependent on the individual, give it your best at all times.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a 22-year Licensed Cosmetologist, businesswoman, a trichologist, product developer, educator as well as an industry advocate. I have an emphatic love for the beauty industry and the power that touch has over clients. I specialize in healthy hair care, precision and designer cuts, chemical application, colorist and silk out a specialist. I’m mostly known for having the hands and mind that creates an environment for hair to grow at its optimal rate.
As a brand, I’m most proud of THE C.E.O Ms. Mimi which is the essence of my 22 years behind the chair, my product development and the ability to sustain a loyal client base for over 22 years as a service provider with proven systems.
What sets me apart is my knowledge of the body, hair, skin, scalp and the ability to yield results that are pleasing to those that continue to invest in me as their hair care guru and those that take my advice and years of experience back to their salon for business growth.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice for finding a mentor would be to seek out people that embody the qualities that you would like to obtain. Rather it’s in the core knowledge of your business industry or for pure motivation, surround yourself with like-minded, forward moving, thinking individuals. Sometimes your mentor may not be within reach (resident of your city) so stay connected via social media, networking events, products that they may offer. I have always had mentors in various industries because I knew that I wouldn’t just exist behind the chair. Also, remember to let people know that you admire them, that you are gleaning from them and that you appreciate their willingness to share their gift with you.
I have always believed that your network, determines your net worth.
Contact Info:
- Address: 17194 Preston Rd #151 | Private Studio 119
Dallas, Texas 75248 - Website: www.CEOMsMimi.com
- Phone: 2144508359
- Email: LetsMEET@CEOMsMimi.com
- Instagram: CEOMsMimi
- Facebook: Mimi Hawkins
- Twitter: MHawkins47@CEOMsMimi
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
