Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberlee Barrus.
Kimberlee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion for the beauty industry started at a young age when I learned to braid on my American girl dolls, slept in foam curlers, and styled my Dad’s hair into a mohawk.
As a kid, school was hard for me. I struggled through most of the middle school until I met my late counselor, Mrs. Greene. She gave me the push I needed to go after my dreams and helped me transfer to Plymouth South High School where I was later accepted into the cosmetology tech program. I was the youngest in my class and stayed after school to earn the extra hours I needed, but I was determined. In 2010, I passed my state boards and became a licensed cosmetologist at age 17.
In honor of Mrs, Greene I got a tattoo of the word “believe” as a reminder to never give up on myself. I wish she was here today so I could thank her for believing in me. Over the last 8+ years, I’ve met so many inspiring people that contribute to my on-going passion for this industry. I’m grateful to have a career that I love with the ability to help someone feel better about themselves.
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?
Anything good doesn’t come easy. I’ve worked hard, made sacrifices, and forced myself through change that I thought would break me. I wouldn’t change any of the struggles I’ve gone through because it’s made me a smarter and stronger person than I ever thought I could be.
Please tell us about Verde Salon.
I’m part of an amazing team of successful women at Verde- an eco-friendly, zero waste salon in Braintree. $1 from each visit is donated to Green Circle Salons who in turn help us recycle hair, foils, color tubes, and dispose of chemical waste.
My specialties range from blondes, fashion colors, balayage, color corrections, texturized layers and blunt bobs. I love major transformations.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember using sun-in when I was a kid, and thinking it would make my hair blonde. I have naturally dark brown hair, and it turned fluorescent orange. I was mortified!
My mom took me to the hair salon and they spent hours fixing it. I was amazed at everything they were doing, and I think that was the first time I really felt inspired when I walked out with the blonde highlights I had always wanted.
Contact Info:
- Address: 89 Hancock St Braintree, MA
- Website: Www.verdesalon.org
- Phone: 781-254-3661
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