We recently had the chance to connect with Kimberly Aguilar and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A common misunderstanding about my business is that it’s seen as more of a hobby than a profession. In reality, this is my livelihood and a fully operating business. Beyond creating beautiful hair, I manage high overhead costs, pay taxes, and cover the many expenses required to keep my salon running. It takes dedication, skill, and business management to provide the level of service my clients rely on, and I think that side of the industry often goes unnoticed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Kimberly Aguilar, the stylist and owner behind Hair by Kim in Long Beach. For me, hair isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, expressing yourself, and having a little moment of self-care. Every client who sits in my chair has a unique story, and I love helping bring that story to life through hair that’s personalized, healthy, and effortless to maintain.
What makes Hair by Kim special is the combination of creativity, care, and connection. I focus on understanding each person’s lifestyle, face shape, and personality so that every cut, color, and style truly fits them. My goal is for clients to leave not just with beautiful hair, but with a boost of confidence and a smile on their face.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my reach in Long Beach, helping more people discover a space where they can relax, feel seen, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves. I’m constantly exploring new techniques and trends, because for me, the best part of this work is seeing my clients light up when their hair reflects who they truly are.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when my parents told me I would need to pay for my own beauty school tuition. They didn’t just question my choice—they looked down on me for pursuing this career path. But instead of letting that discourage me, I became determined to prove to myself that I could make it work. I took a part-time job at Panda Express, worked tirelessly, and paid off my tuition on my own. That moment gave me a deep sense of independence and showed me that I could take control of my future, no matter what others thought.
After graduating, I started as an assistant, eventually becoming a full-time stylist. From there, the beauty industry has always supported me. I’ve been fortunate to have consistent work—even during the pandemic, when I worked with CVS Beauty as a manager. That role pushed me to grow as a leader while continuing to strengthen my skills in the beauty industry. Every challenge has reinforced that keeping an open mind, staying committed, and believing in myself always pays off. Over time, I’ve been able to show my parents that the career they once doubted has provided stability, opportunity, and fulfillment. That’s been incredibly empowering.
This journey continues to inspire the way I work today. Every client who sits in my chair is an opportunity to help someone feel confident, seen, and empowered. I bring the same resilience, dedication, and passion to my craft that carried me through my own journey—and I’m grateful every day to do what I love while helping others feel their best.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience and resourcefulness in a way success never could. Having to pay for my own beauty school tuition, working part-time jobs, and facing skepticism from my parents showed me that I could create opportunities for myself even when the odds felt stacked against me. It taught me patience, persistence, and the power of believing in my own path, even when others didn’t.
Success feels amazing, but it doesn’t test you or stretch you the way challenges do. Going through struggles showed me the value of hard work, independence, and gratitude—it made me appreciate every milestone and understand that my career isn’t just about achievement, it’s about perseverance, growth, and staying true to myself.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in the power of manifestation and truly believing in yourself, even when there’s no proof it will work. You have to be a little delusional sometimes, fully trusting in your vision and your ability to make it happen, even if the world around you doubts it. For me, so much of my journey in the beauty industry has been about trusting myself, staying committed to my goals, and moving forward with confidence—even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. That belief has carried me through challenges and led me to opportunities I never could have predicted.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely, I’m doing what I was born to do. Hair has always felt natural to me, especially coloring—it’s like a creative language I’ve always known how to speak. Every cut, every color, every style is a chance to bring someone’s personality to life, and doing this work feels less like a job and more like fulfilling a calling I can’t imagine walking away from.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haircolorkim.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbykimlb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiimberlyaguilarr/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hair-by-kim-long-beach-5
