Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimra Beechly.
Hi Kimra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Earning my cosmetology license during high school, I have held nearly every possible role available in the field during the 30 years since earning my certification. The plan was to work as a hairdresser while pursuing my dream of becoming a writer. My path took an unexpected turn when I accidentally fell in love with the industry and the amazing people within. A more passionate, genuine, loving group of diverse humans than you will ever find.
After two decades working behind the chair, I decided to share my knowledge and looked into teaching cosmetology. A career change at 40 is never easy, but I hadn’t imagined it would affect me as deeply as it did. As much as I enjoyed my peers in the business, it couldn’t compare with the joy of being a part of the process of creating them.
Teaching cosmetology students shaped the school director I eventually became. Finding my calling in an unexpected place. From being a student in the early 1990’s who needed support and mentors, to having the privilege of supporting students and becoming a mentor myself, it feels like a well-rounded story to me (though there is a chance I could be biased).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is any road worth traveling smooth? As an only child who had a difficult childhood, I was unprepared to build a career, or have children, both of which I did anyway. The years I spent behind the chair, sitting with clients and peers watching, learning, and listening made me the woman, professional, teacher, and mother that I am today. Learning that regardless of your past or circumstances, you are accountable for every decision you make as well as the repercussions of those decisions was the hardest lesson I had to learn. But learn them I did, eventually. Poor financial and relationship decisions created an environment for me to either learn from my mistakes or be doomed to repeat them. I did both, and still have much to learn, but by and large, I eventually figured out how to forge my own path and take ownership of my mistakes as well as celebrate my accomplishments. I think both are vital.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the campus director of Aveda Arts and Sciences in Austin, Texas. It is one of many Aveda campuses located across the country, and though they are all fantastic schools, I have a special relationship with mine. The cosmetology industry struggled to continue teaching students during the last two years of the pandemic, but we never wavered in our commitment to bring an exceptional education to our students at the time. Additionally, Aveda launched a wellness program for any student or team member who might be struggling with the enormity of a changing world with tools and resources to help them cope. In a world that is rapidly seeing the bottom line as the end that justifies any means, I am proud to work with a company that remains conscientious of its responsibility towards the planet and the humans that inhabit it.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Absolutely. Today social media is the gauge by which many measure success, and though I think if used responsibly, it can open many doors, it can also depict unrealistic, and sometimes damaging, self-image. My advice is to utilize what you see on screens large and small for inspiration, not reality. It’s okay to have hard days, and you can expect to fail, it’s how we learn. Celebrate your failures as a learning experience and get back up to try another day. No one lies on their death bed and says, I’m glad I gave up on my dream to take the comfortable path.
Contact Info:
- Website: avedaarts.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avedaarts
