Kim Cornner’s knack for hairstyling almost went unnoticed until friends pointed it out.
“People told me I should pursue hair, but I thought everyone could do it. They insisted I had a gift.”
That gift has proven lucrative for Cornner, also known as Kimmie Stylz.
“I’ve been self-employed for eight years now, and it’s truly a blessing to excel in something that comes so naturally,” said Cornner, who secured a $25,000 prize in April by winning an Alabama Launchpad pitch competition.
“The program spans about six weeks, pairing you with advisors and coaches to elevate your company’s presentation,” Cornner explained.
She attributes her win to two factors: the compelling presentation of her products and the personal story behind Kimmie Stylz.
“For years, many Black women suffered health issues from harsh hair products,” Cornner noted. “I’ve experienced this firsthand through hair damage and even health complications like a hysterectomy from chemical exposure.”
Her journey fuels her passion for offering safe, natural hair products tailored for African American hair, driving the Kimmie Stylz line.
“Creating this product line was natural for me—I work with products daily, seeing what does and doesn’t work,” Cornner shared, producing most items at her Birmingham home.
Starting with her own blends of natural oils through trial and error, the Kimmie Stylz collection now includes nine products like shampoos, conditioners, and specialized treatments.
Word-of-mouth has expanded her client base, necessitating a team including her family for support and production.
“They believe in my product, and I rely on their support,” said Cornner, a graduate of George Washington Carver High School.
Originally from Trenton, New Jersey, Cornner’s family moved to Birmingham in 1997, fostering strong familial ties.
“Moving here brought us closer; we rely on each other and celebrate holidays together,” she said.
Despite initially aspiring to medical careers, financial constraints led Cornner to pursue degrees in Clinical Laboratory Technology and Business Administration.
One standout product, the No Oooch & Ouch Detangling Serum, addresses a common issue among her customers.
“Many struggle with detangling natural hair, so I developed a serum that makes curls easier to manage,” Cornner explained.
Customers often react with amazement when they see the results: “They spin around, admiring their hair, asking what I used,” Cornner said.
