BEAUTY Beyond A JOURNEY TO SELF-ACCEPTANCE DEALING WITH ALOPECIA 5 KIMBERLY CAREY
1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living, <strong>and</strong> what are your hobbies <strong>and</strong> interest? My name is Kimberly Carey, <strong>and</strong> I am the owner <strong>and</strong> makeup artist of Heavenly Reflection Makeup-UAE. I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri in the United States, but moved to the UAE 8 years ago from Houston, Texas. I enjoy salsa dancing, working out, <strong>and</strong> shopping. 2. What is Alopecia <strong>and</strong> who gets it? Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that causes one’s hair to fall out in stages. It is a disorder that comes <strong>and</strong> goes. Anyone can get it <strong>and</strong> it can happen at any age. 3. How long have you had Alopecia <strong>and</strong> how has it impacted your life? I’ve had Alopecia for 20 years. And at first, I saw it as a curse, but after embracing it, I see it is <strong>and</strong> was a blessing. 4. Have you learnt to embrace it, <strong>and</strong> if so, how? I have embraced it, <strong>and</strong> by letting it go, I’ve prevented it from controlling how I view myself. 5. Do people stare at you on the street? Do you feel like you st<strong>and</strong> out in a good or bad way? People do stare quite a lot <strong>and</strong> it’s fine. I feel as if I’m bringing a new st<strong>and</strong>ard of beauty <strong>and</strong> exposing them to the fact that we are a different <strong>and</strong> that’s what makes us beautiful. 6. You are really confident. What advice would you give to other people who suffer from Alopecia <strong>and</strong> who may be afraid of what other people think? You don’t suffer unless you want to. People are too busy worrying about themselves to be worried about you. Don’t get me wrong — people are cruel! Kids <strong>and</strong> adults have said things to me that make me mad <strong>and</strong> even cry. But I’d rather focus on the love <strong>and</strong> support I have surrounding me. Never forget those who are on your side. 7. If your hair grew back, would you keep the look you currently have, or would you change it? I honestly don’t know. If it grew normally, I’d probably change it. But I’d rather be the one in control, so I’d probably keep the look. 8. Were you always interested in fashion <strong>and</strong> makeup? No. I had no idea I’d be interested. My interest didn’t start until I moved to UAE. God placed me right where he wanted me, so that I could be part of this industry. 9. What’s your personal go-to look? Makeup: simple foundation <strong>and</strong> powder routine, no contour or highlighter required. I will have brows, lashes <strong>and</strong> lips. Those are a must. Fashion: skinny jeans <strong>and</strong> a t-shirt can take you far, but it’s all in the shoes. I love heels. They can take any outfit, including jeans, to a new level. 10. What advice do you have for someone who really wants to work bald in the business world, but needs that final shot of inspiration? If you don’t care, they don’t care. But don’t be surprised if they do say something. You are a packaged deal <strong>and</strong> they should be more concerned with your skill <strong>and</strong> abilities, instead of focusing on something you can’t control. Rock your bald like they rock their hair. 11. What are some of your achievements since having Alopecia? 2015-16: Head of Makeup <strong>and</strong> Styling for Abu Dhabi Fashion Party 2016 : Spokesmodel for Runway Dubai <strong>and</strong> Tips <strong>and</strong> Toes Salon <strong>and</strong> Spa 2018 : Spokesmodel for Prestige Style Fashion of Abu Dhabi 12. Tips: When you have Alopecia • Embrace it when you feel ready. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. • Your comfort is what counts. Take your life back <strong>and</strong> start living. Don’t let “IT” take you. • It’s OK to be different <strong>and</strong> be the only one who’s different. • Get ready for the negative stares <strong>and</strong> comments, but never forget the positive compliments <strong>and</strong> love. These will help you get through tough times. • You never know who’s watching you or who you will inspire. Alopecia is not just about you. Someone else may be on the verge of losing a personal war with their situation (maybe hair loss or worse), but seeing you inspires them to keep going, change their minds, etc., ... Follow Kimberly’s journey heavenlyreflection_mu 6
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