Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Berry.
Kim, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a 30-year veteran in the hairstyling industry. Fresh out of Pacific Beauty College. I was introduced to Ms. Tanya who was a stylist for Prince. My Dad instilled in us “Success is when Opportunity meets Preparedness” viewing her table of products I copied her table, listened to the stories of how “set life” worked. How to “blackout windows” etc. Never thought I would take her place. But If she used those products… So would I.
One day, she expressed her disinterest in being on the road. I said, “toky work for the biggest entertainer in the world” she explained.” It’s not what toky think” sure enough I would find out…. #industrylife… it’s not for the FAINT AT HEART!! Later, Prince and Tanya had a disagreement and that was her last straw she packed her things and left…
What I call “The Holy Hook up” I was standing there and seized the opportunity to do his hair. I approached him with my portfolio, told him “I knew he didn’t have a stylist and I was available” he told me to set up my salon I followed all Tanya instructions to perfection. PRINCE called and said he couldn’t make it. I said well I’m in LA for you if you need. He said do you travel? I said yes… with my inexperienced self… He said Great the car will pick you up the flight leaves in an hour.
I slid my curling irons and spray in a bag and got in the limo to lax arrived at Paisley Park in Minnesota I did his brothers hair and four other women as my audition… Prince stuck his head in the door and said toky got the job, but you gotta leave then long nails at home… I’m Tenderheaded! Needless to say I broke the nails off right there in front of him … He laughed and said “you will work, we leave for Miami in the morning ” THE REST WAS HISTORY traveled all around the Globe with Prince up until his death.
Since then, I’ve gained a host of A-listers, ie, Katt Williams, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tamera Mowry, Niecy Nash to name a few…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was thrown into the mix I had on the job training… I learned by trial and error. My world surrounded my bosses life my loyalty lied with him. Know when to talk… observe the room… listen always in between the lines; missing your family, holidays celebrations.
A lot of lonely nights on the road, but my family had some great Christmas memories because of me knowing who to trust. My dad used to say “everyone that smile at you ain’t your friend… Everyone who shit on you ain’t your enemy… know the difference.”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kim B On Set – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a licensed cosmetologist. I specialize in healthy hair it must be at all times to achieve any style. Hair is a blank canvas the end results are fabulous every time. Prince’s hair was “My Masterpiece,” I fancy short precision cuts — extensions and updos.
I’m most proud of being Sieara’s Mom and Joanns daughter and my hairstyles being seen all over the world in countless videos, TV, Movies, etc.
My endurance and longevity in this business sets me apart from my other counterparts. I’ve learned this is a ministry as well People trust you with their souls and life stories.
You wear many hats with them a sister/lawyer/counselor etc. It’s important to impart the Love of Christ as you anoint them. It should be an experience in your chair. They should leave changed in some way… That’s My Mission!
Every service should be an experience they should leave changed in some way.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
-My Book
-Diamonds n Curlz
-29 years with Rock Royalty
-Prince. release is 2019
-A Prince inspired hair care line coming soon.
-Speaking Engagements around the country.
Contact Info:
- Address: 313 N Labrea Ste 1150, Inglewood Ca 90302
- Website: Www.diamondsncurlz.com
- Phone: 323-348-3645
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Kimbonset2
- Facebook: Kim B On Set
- Twitter: Kim B on set
Image Credit:
Shamayim, Steve Parke, Randee St Nicholas
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