Kimberly Elise is an award winning actress, entrepreneur, and a mother of two. She has portrayed some of the most powerful roles in films like Set it Off, Beloved, Woman Art Thou Loose, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and more! She is the founder of Kimberly Elise Naturals®, a line of hair products for natural hair, made of natural, and organic ingredients. She inspires me, and countless others! Recently, she took time out to allow me the opportunity to interview her. Check it out!!
1. Where are you from?
I’m originally from Minnesota.
2. What made you want to become an actress, and Have you always had a passion for acting?
Since I was a girl, I wanted to be an actress, an incredible dream for a simple girl growing up in Minnesota. I slowly nurtured my talent through school plays in high school and later on stage at Illusion Theater. Soon, I found work and could make a modest living in commercials in the Minnesota circuit before moving to Los Angeles with my baby (now my grown daughter and business partner!) and former husband, who sadly has since passed away.
3. How did Kimberly Elise Naturals ® come about, and Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Kimberly Elise Naturals® was drawn from a few sources of inspiration. When I went natural in 2012, I found that most of the products I was trying did not conform to my ethics as a vegan, nor were they very good for my hair. They were filled with Silicones, Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, and Phthalates… These are not chemicals I want near my body.
Furthermore, my blog KimberlyElise.combrought in so many questions from women who were very similar to me, in the sense that they were experiencing many of the challenges that I was going through as I became acquainted with my own natural hair texture. I began studying cosmetic chemistry and experimenting with my own DIY recipes for my friends and family. Soon Kimberly Elise Naturals® was born!
Kimberly Elise Naturals® delivers clean beauty exclusively for you. Our formulations are made without Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, Paraffins, Phthalates, Petrolatum, and Drying Alcohols.
4. What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about going natural?
I suggest beginning the journey with our Kinky Coily Care Kit, which is a 4-step moisturizing system for women with coarse, kinky, coily hair. Your hair will be extremely hydrated and soft and will be less prone to breakage. You can also check out my eBook “Mane Principles” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHWPC44. Next, find your favorite protective styles. Right now, I”m wearing long twists!
5. What’s your hair care regimen?
“I personally choose not to use my own hair for film and television productions. My hair requires weekly cleaning and deep conditioning, so I keep a promise to myself to give my hair the nurturing and attention it needs…When I’m in production on a project, I complete my Sunday hair routine by braiding my hair into a protective style that will fit under any wig or hairpiece I may have to use for work that week. This allows me to keep my hair nurtured and protected. My stylist at work can easily do her job without concern of damaging my hair.” -Excerpt From: Kimberly Elise. “Mane Principles: Your Guide To Kinky Coily Natural Hair Care.”
6. What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an actress/actor, and wanting to start a business or both?
Start by finding your authentic joy and love for the creation. Don’t put too much pressure on your dreams, just find joy in the experience of acting/creating. Start small: 10-minutes to an hour per day is perfect. Write, produce and edit short films to gain experience in front of and behind the camera. Meditate on the vision you wish to create, claim it as yours and deliver it to the universe. Keep your dreams private, don’t let people trample on them.
7. What keeps you so real, humble, grounded, and down to earth?
I’m from Minnesota, and honestly, we’re very humble grounded people because of the cold weather. Also, my family keeps me in check!
8. Any new projects coming up, that you’re working on, and can tell us about?
Thank you so much for your time! ❤️
Make sure you check it out! KimberlyEliseNaturals.com
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