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What makes an image maker? Behind the scenes with the stylists who create looks for top celebrities
Ebony, March, 2008 by Michaela angela Davis
They've been called the "glam squad." these industry insiders and image-makers. They are the few--usually invisible creative team--whose skillful hands guide the golden comb. the gilded powder puff and velvet hanger for some of today's most influential stars. They create the looks for chart-toppers and box-office busters whose lives are splashed all over the front pages. They are a rarified few. Fewer still when you singularly count the brownskinned talent. But what do we really know about those who are the true celebrities behind the scenes? What about their creative process, their career journey? Fashion and culture expert Michaela angela Davis gets down with some of Hollywood's and fashion's brightest stars you might not have heard of--but you will.
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kimberly kimble Hair Stylist, Hair Care Specialist, Dream Girl
"God has laid it all out for me. The road I've had to travel is a blessed one."
Q. What is your sweetest childhood memory?
A. My grandmother doing my hair on Saturday and taking me to church on Sunday.
Q. Your mama and your grandmama were into hair. What did you learn most from them?
A. My grandmother was into hair care. She had those "growing hands." She loved healthy hair. My mother was all about the styling.
Q. Sometimes children push back from their parent's path. When did you know for sure you were made to do hair?
A. I used to hang out in the salon with my mother and everyone would ask me, "Arc you going into hair like your mama?" The creativity of the hair shows was so exciting--it was designing. I was really influenced by the Bronner Brothers [hair care product manufacturers] shows.
Q. As a Black woman in a largely White male world, what has been your biggest career challenge?
A. That some people expect me not to be talented. I am always prepared, yet sometimes I am expected not to know things. Even when I work with A-list Black artists, some people assume I'm related to the client.
Q. Is there any step in your journey you would change if you could?
A. No. Everything I've gone through has made me who I am. The road I've had to travel is a blessed one.
Q. You work in several different media. Is there one you prefer--film to TV, editorial to salon work and what, if any, are the differences?
A. Television is good for stability. You go in every day and do the same thing. It's similar to a salon. Films tend to have different environments, different crews and characters. I think film and some fashion editorial are where you get to be most creative. Like I loved [working] Dreamgirls. I like that I can change. I also love the education aspect of my work, doing trade shows and teaching women how to take better care of their hair.
Q. What are your personal and professional dreams for yourself?
A. I still see myself doing freelance film and fashion, yet my big goal is to educate women on maintaining and preserving the beauty of their hair. I see myself as the modern-day Madame C.J. Walker.
Q. What advice would you give a Sister who dreams of being the next Kim Kimble?
A. Decide. Write down your goals and look at them every day. Plant seeds and work on them. Develop a strong work ethic. Be on time. Be dependable.
Q. What is your proudest career moment?
A. Being on Oprah. I was especially proud because of the caliber of hair stylists I was on the stage with ... It was a blessing.
Q. Whose hair would you like to get into?
A. Tina Turner's. I admire her strength and longevity. She is a risk-taker.
Q. You are developing a line of products, Kimble Hair Care Systems. What is your basic philosophy behind that?
A. It's simple. I believe healthy and stylish hair can coexist.
Q. What makes Kim Kimble special?
A. She continues to create. She is humble and not afraid.
Kimberly's Top 5 Tips
[1] Before you get a new style, get a consultation. Bring pictures of what you want and have realistic goals of what your hair can actually do.
[2] Any great style needs a great cut and color to have a complete look.
[3] For good hair maintenance, use good products (kimblehaircare.com) and use silk pillowcases or bonnets at night to maintain moisture.
[4] For dry hair, do a hot-oil treatment regularly.
[5] Proper diet and exercise promote healthy hair and growth. Take vitamins and use the "good oils."
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Stars he's SHINED on: Beyonce Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, Gabrielle Union, Serena and Venus Williams
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Kimberly Kimble has comfort and a joy. She is comfortable with hair and her calling to care for it. As a third-generation hair stylist. Kimble has literally taken her legacy to another level. She sat tall and proud as the lone Black woman with the cream of the crop of celebrity hair stylists on Oprah Winfrey's stage, yet she says her greatest joy was making over the "real" women to make them feel more beautiful. Kimble is on a mission, which she believes is a divine one. She is led to educate, nurture and empower women one beautiful, healthy head at a time.
