Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara (kiikii) Morales.
Hi Kiara (kiikii), it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I think my story with beauty started long before I realized it was something I could turn into a career. I’m the oldest of three girls, and growing up I was always the one doing my sisters’ hair. At the time, I didn’t really think much of it, but eventually my friends started asking me to do their hair too, and I slowly realized that people trusted me with something I naturally enjoyed doing.
My original career path was completely different. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with a minor in Business and spent years investing time, money, and energy into building a future in that industry. Then 2020 happened. During the pandemic, I lost everything I had worked toward, and it was a very difficult moment for me because I felt like I had lost my sense of purpose. I had followed the path I thought I was supposed to follow, only to realize how quickly a career could disappear and how replaceable I could be within someone else’s business.
That experience pushed me to look at myself differently. In 2020, I decided to take something I had always naturally loved and turn it into my career. That’s when I truly became a stylist and started building what would eventually become KM Beauty Studio.
Since then, I’ve continued learning, investing in my craft, expanding my services, and growing as both a beauty professional and a business owner. My background in hospitality and business ended up becoming an important part of the way I run my studio today, especially when it comes to creating an experience for my clients and understanding the business behind the beauty industry.
Today, I’m my own boss, I get to make a living doing something I genuinely love, and I’ve even had opportunities to travel while doing it. What started as me doing my sisters’ and friends’ hair has grown into a career, a business, and a life that I built for myself. I’m still growing, but being able to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to give me one has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting over during the pandemic was scary, especially after losing the career I had spent years preparing for. Then, once I entered the beauty industry, I quickly learned that being talented at what you do is only one part of running a business.
I had to learn everything from pricing and marketing to boundaries, client relationships, and how to value my own time. There have been slow seasons and plenty of trial and error, but every challenge has helped me grow into a stronger stylist and business owner.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
KM Beauty Studio is a private beauty studio in Kissimmee, Florida, specializing in hair styling, hair extensions, braiding, makeup, and beauty services. What sets my brand apart is the personalized experience I give each client. I wanted to create a space where people can feel comfortable, taken care of, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
I’m also very versatile within the beauty industry. I don’t like limiting myself to one specialty—I’m constantly learning, adding new techniques, and expanding what I can offer my clients. My background in hospitality has also influenced the way I run my business, because for me the experience is just as important as the final look.
What I’m most proud of is that KM Beauty has grown from something I started during a very uncertain time in my life into a brand that truly represents my creativity, independence, and passion for beauty.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think both good and bad luck have played a role in my journey. Losing the career I had worked for during the pandemic felt like terrible luck at the time, but it ended up pushing me toward something I truly love. On the other hand, I’ve been fortunate to meet amazing clients and people who have supported, recommended, and opened doors for me along the way. I believe opportunities can come from luck, but what you do with those opportunities is what really makes the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kiikiimorales.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kiikiimorales
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/kiikiimorales
