Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly J. Lewis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I wrestled with insecurities and low self-esteem. I was an overachiever, always aiming to please everyone and be accepted. I just never felt “good enough” or like I fit the standard. As a result, I battled severe depression. I had highs and lows, but most people around me could never tell. Depression is an ugly beast and it truly eats away at your insides. Well, I was able to do pretty well in school. It wasn’t easy for me but I studied extremely hard and managed to graduate as valedictorian. I was blessed with full scholarship offers and able to attend PVAMU, where I received my degree in chemical engineering. Throughout my college years, I suffered severe lows. It was some time after that I began to understand that my purpose in life was far greater than any pain. I started to accept my calling to ministry and see how God was using everything, both good and bad, to work together for my good.
It was in one moment that I was going through a low, and I heard God say, “pick your head up because I have kissed you with a “Holy Kiss’ of life. As I wiped my tears, those words stuck with me, The fact that I was “kissed by God,” with a Holy Kiss, meant that I could conquer anything. I started thinking about the power of the message and wanted to figure out a way to share it with many that wrestle with past pain, failures, disappointment and just understanding their own worth. I immediately thought of lipstick. I grabbed my pen and paper, started designing a logo and writing down the names of colors. I started strategizing and thinking about how I could turn this into a ministry and reach many that needed hope. It was then that Holy Kiss Cosmetics was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly, I’ve had to start and stop several times, but I refuse to quit. From the death of a parent to divorce, health issues, job changes, etc. You name it, I’ve been through it and all of those life events can cause great strain on you mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. All I can say is never give up on your dreams. I’ve had to miss out on some opportunities because I wasn’t financially in the place to invest. I’ve had to miss out on some opportunities because I was facing some health challenges. I’ve also had the opportunity to experience some great wins, like being featured as top lipgloss pick for the month, in Sheen Magazine, cosponsoring a celebrity event with Bronner Brothers, and many other major experiences. The path will not always be easy, but it will be worth it!
What should we know about Holy Kiss Cosmetics? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Holy Kiss Cosmetics is not just lipstick, it’s evangelism. It represents who I am. It speaks to my calling and what truly matters to me. I wear many hats. I am currently a Transformation and Change Management Executive for one of the Big 4 firms in corporate America. I am also a minister and founder of One Weak Too Strong Ministries. I am the CEO of Holy Kiss Cosmetics. I take pride in each hat that I wear. Ministry is my heart and I find that it is not just what I do but who I am. I love to help others understand their worth and that they are more than their last mistake. I want people to live life to the fullest and reach their maximum potential. So many people short change themselves because of past failures, childhood trauma, the opinions of others and fear. My desire is to help people understand who God called them to be and to push them until they become just that. I am not in ministry for fame or fortune. I often find myself giving far more than I have ever received, but God gives seed to the sower. I believe my calling sets me apart. God saved me, kept me through a suicide attempt and several bouts with depression, all because He had a greater plan for me. I believe that plan is to help others fight for their purpose.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My mom is my hero. I watched her work multiple jobs, stay faithful in church, raise her kids, take care of extended family and never give up. Just watching her lead by example gave me the willpower to go after my dreams. We did not have the most money or the most expensive things, but we had love and we had family. To this day, family is everything to me. I have such an extended family which consists of friends that I made in school, coworkers, church members, people that I’ve met through ministry engagements, etc. It seems like everywhere I go, I leave with a new family member. It’s just how I was raised.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.holykisscosmetics.com
- Email: kimberlyjlewis1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kimberlyj4change
- Facebook: Kimberly J
Image Credit:
Holy Kiss Cosmetics, Tony McKoy Photography
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