Hello! My name is Kim McKinstry.
I'm so glad you landed here. I wanted to tell you a little about myself and my journey into Cosmetology. You could say that my path into the beauty industry is pretty cliché. When I was a little girl, I loved doing my doll's hair & make-up, and may have put beautiful makeup blush circles & blue eyeshadow on my favorite doll (with permanent marker) Oh Boy! Then, when I was in high school a cousin of mine stayed with us while going to Cosmetology school and I loved every minute of spending time with her learning all about it. I was giving my friends manicures and pedicures & arm massages, coloring the hair for a few of my friends, and even did a full makeover on one of my friends. I highlighted her hair with sun-in (eek), cut her hair into a bob for her growing out perm, and added a blow dry and make-up. I even had a true before and after photo. It was so fun making her feel as beautiful as I had always seen her.
Although, I always wanted to make people feel beautiful and pampered my career path took a detour following my love of Music, and later into 10 years of Retail clothing Management. I wont bore you with the details in-between, but there was still a longing inside of me for a different life. I still felt unfulfilled. So I took a leap of faith, left my job, and started Cosmetology school in 2004, to go for my Dream Job. At Cosmetology School I finally felt like I truly belonged. I took the long way around, but I'm so glad I did.
Years later, I also achieved my Cosmetology Instructor License and worked at the Cosmetology School teaching others who loved this industry. I really enjoyed it there, but I missed being behind the chair full time. Instructing is my back-up plan for the day when my body may not cooperate with the bodily strain of being a Cosmetologist. I learned a lot being there and feel like it only added to my abilities by teaching others.
In my time away from the Salon, I love spending time with my Husband- Jon, our 10 year old daughter-Elaina, and our little Yorkie-poo- Buddy and Shih-Tzu Peanut. Plus, time with family and friends. I love reading a good book, and watching funny light hearted movies and curling up next to a warm fire.
For me it's quite simple. I believe having a great haircut or color can make or break your day. Freshly painted fingernails and toenails make you feel put together. Relaxing and letting someone get rid of those pesky facial hairs is an easy fix. As a teenager and beyond, I always wished someone would teach me what to put in my hair to make it behave, how to style my hair easily, and what might look good on me for a style and realistic upkeep. These are the reasons I truly believe in the beauty industry.
I love what I do. I want to make people's lives easier by helping them with their
hair, beauty, and grooming needs. I pride myself on listening to what your needs are and how we can meet them, and staying current in training and learning new techniques at Industry Shows. I am here to help. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am super excited to have recently opened my own salon room which has always been my dream. I can't wait to share it with you and I look forward to working with you at the Salon.