Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Creekmore.
Kim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
By traditional standards, I started my journey late entering the industry at 26 years old.
My first real hairdressing job was with one of San Diego’s top salons. I specialized in haircutting quickly developing a love for short, precision haircutting. I was the “go to” person in the salon at that time for all pixie and stacked bob haircuts; I couldn’t get enough. Fast forward 6 years; I ventured out on my own to develop HairLoveDesign, my own brand. I knew I wanted to build my portfolio and be able to live and eventually retire on my own terms; I didn’t want to grind away for someone else.
I had no idea at the time that leaving my job would provide some of the most amazing experiences. I was scared, but determined and it paid off.
In 2014, seeing a gap in our local industry and community, I founded Salon Professionals of San Diego. We have been involved in numerous educational and fundraising events, and the possibilities for growth are endless. We strive to bring a large community of independent hair artist together.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m happy to report that because of a strong network of support, I have been able to weather normal small business challenges. My husband is the diligent one and handles the spread sheets and taxes keeping the financial side of the business strong. My best friend keeps my blog writing in check and my team creates beautiful hair while helping me run our community outreach group, Salon Professionals of San Diego.
I get to do what I love every day and be creative and continue pushing myself and my team.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cultivate, A HairLoveDesign Salon – what should we know?
I opened Cultivate, a HairLoveDesign Salon in January of 2016 after working in the hairdressing industry for almost 10 years. I knew that what I had to offer our community, clients, and colleagues was missing in our industry. Cultivate was developed with the client consultation at the heart of it all. We believe that the reason most people are unhappy leaving a hair appointment, or can never find that one stylist they never want to leave, is because they felt they are not being heard. At Cultivate, we put the art of active listening into motion with every single client. We sit and ask a series of questions to develop a story about the client’s hair and their daily hair care practices. We believe that consultations need to go beyond asking the client, “What do you want to do today?”. This question limits both the stylist and the client in discovering the true challenges that clients have with their hair, whether it is the home care routine, products, styling, color, or cut. We have a proven formula built on listening to our client’s needs, through what they do and don’t say and delivering their best hair.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I define success as the ability to wake up every morning do what I love while earning a good living for my family and building for our retirement. I also get to give back, with my professional knowledge and skills and within my community. I like to believe that what you can dream you can achieve. However, you have to have a financial goal and the systems in place to get there. Consistency is key. There are 20+ salons in a 1 mile radius of Cultivate. How do we stand out? We listen to you.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4752 Palm Ave., Suite 100, La Mesa, Ca 91942
- Website: www.CultivateHair.com
- Phone: (619) 335-8830
- Email: Kim@hairlovedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivateahairlovedesignsalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cultivateahairlovedesignsalon/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hairlovedesign
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cultivate-a-hairlovedesign-salon-la-mesa-3
- Other: www.hairlovedesign.com
Image Credit:
Rob (Personal Photo)
Stephanie King
Kimber Fichtner
Kim Creekmore
Niki Toye
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
