Today we’d like to introduce you to Carita Perkins.
Hi Carita, 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.
Creative, unique, fun, edgy, and faithful are just a few words to describe my story, passions, and personality. My “Crazy Love” for hair, makeup, fashion designing, and dancing has been instilled in me since the sweet age of four. I remember putting hair bows and barrettes on my doll’s hair and then trying my best to braid her many ponytails. My mom showed me how to braid my doll’s hair, and from that moment, I was entirely in “Love” with styling hair. Throughout my childhood and through college, I styled family and friends’ hair and was graciously trusted for my creative ideas to bring their hairstyles to life. I took a break from Cosmetology and entered the corporate world working various jobs, but I never lost my passion for the beauty industry. After working in multiple sectors, such as retail, finance, and education, I decided to venture back into my power. I began taking night classes in 2017, where I received my Natural Hair License. I then returned to Cosmetology School full-time and finally received my Cosmetology License.
Fast forward, Carita Kim Studios was created from an idea I had that would allow expansion into other areas in the beauty and fashion industry. Currently, I service natural, relaxed, and extension clients. I also schedule appointments for beauty/makeup services and styling for weddings, proms, fashion shows, or a particular day or night. Amazing things are happening within my business in and out of the salon. I am meeting new and established entrepreneurs, continuously learning new techniques for both hair and makeup, and attending shows and events, giving me a better insight into expanding my ideas. I’m excited about the future and look forward to providing some fantastic services and products which Carita Kim Studios will be offering very soon.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a bumpy, uncertain, and challenging road, but I’m thankful for the journey! As I mentioned earlier, I took a very long break from Cosmetology due to my doubts and insecurities; my dad expressed how important it was for me to finish college and get a degree. Now, my mom has always supported my passion for being a Licensed Cosmetologist, but deep down, I didn’t want to disappoint my dad. So I obliged, believing that getting a college degree was the secret sauce that would set me up for success.
I, therefore, dropped out of hair school, re-enrolled in college, lived on campus, and made money styling hair. Later in life, I became a Licensed Natural Hairstylist and Licensed Cosmetologist in TN and GA. I genuinely don’t regret attending college and achieving my degree, but it has been unfulfilling. This means you’re stuck at a crossroads unless you’ve been out there – in the corporate world, met the right corporate people willing to give you a job based on your degree.
Obstacles can serve as great life lessons, but you must be mentally strong enough to recognize them. Once you achieve a long-term goal, it makes you more appreciative of your journey to reach a goal. I encourage anyone struggling with getting started or not sure what path to take to pray and meditate on God’s words to block out distractions and recognize negative distractions because He will clarify how you should take them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is continuing the development of the Carita Kim Studios as a creation enveloping the idea of innovation and scalability at the forefront of my mind. It is a creatively unique brand by thinking unconventionally and identifying each individual’s uniqueness in their styling. The beauty industry is a marriage of hairstyling, beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, which is an embedded representation of the goals of Carita Kim Studios. Our specialty is ensuring that each of our client’s hair stays healthy, regardless of its relaxed or natural status.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Oh, this has been one of the best parts of my journey in the beauty industry! I have been blessed to have some fantastic mentors with whom I have developed strong relationships, from business to personal. Networking has always been something I’ve done, even when I’m not attending a network function. Building relationships within and outside your industry is essential because either party can offer something to another. I’m always taking continuing education classes in various fields, which has also helped me network with colleagues and find mentors. You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start interacting and having open conversations with people. Always keep an open, alert and honest mindset because you never know what connections or relationships can be built from an introduction. No one is too “small” to start a conversation with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caritakimstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caritakimstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caritakimstudios/
