SKIMDO — For Curls + Skin

Hi! Just want to introduce myself to some new folx on here. I’m Kim, the founder and creator of SKIMDO. It’s my life’s work. A trip to Brazil as a teen took me from someone riddled with shame and imposter syndrome to vividly understanding that the “curse” I had on my head was actually unbelievably beautiful and powerful. I was bullied consistently from a young age, and played the class clown to defect and preserve. I hid my pain in sarcasm and goofiness. I hid my hair in hemp head wraps from Camden Market and I hid my body in parachute pants and Nirvana T-Shirts. That trip to Brazil showed me women who looked like me - head to toe - proud, unapologetic and radiating the most enchanting energy - for the first time. I was a mess. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing. I realized I had been lied to my whole life. By the bullies and by - myself. Following that 3 week trip of waking up and slipping into a new sense of self, I made it my mission to distill the feeling I had while witnessing those women in Brazil — into a hair product. For it was my hair where I held the most shame, therefore, it was my hair that would command the release of it all. — I was using my own styling cream mix for 10 years before I turned it into a brand. ‘Skim’ was my nickname from the age of 5 (after I played the part of Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat in a school performance of the musical CATS). ‘Do’ was the slang for hairdo. It felt wonderful to pour my confidence into a jar and hand it out to other people, because even if I saved 1 person from a continued feeling of shame or powerlessness, I knew it was worth it. — 10 years later, a Glossier Grant Award Winner, an Allure Best Of Beauty Winner, a feature on Good Morning America (!) and our most bio formula to date — I still feel that power returning to me with open arms, as if for the first time, every time I do my hair. Thank you for being an important partner in this dance. However brief however long. In admiration of all of your stories and textures, @s__k__i__m

⦾ BEST CURL CREAM 2022 ⦾ In 2020 we made the decision to re-engineer the formula to become better for the planet - without compromising on quality, luxury or efficacy. We encased it in sustainable packaging — and hoped it would continue to give people more time and space to articulate the unlimited power of their texture. THANK YOU to the @allure Best Of Beauty testers! It’s unbeweavable that we’ve independently won our first award from the industry leader! THANK YOU to these dynamite creatives who have received my visions and brought them to life: @samuelmuirstudio @yelenalena @mls32491 @greenghoststudios @kjalnes @ninaryner @wesleysmyth Lastly - our loyal, new and future customers… THANK YOU ☺︎ This is just the beginning. — @s__k__i__m , Founder & CEO #BestofBeauty

All about us 〰️

Huge moment of pride, gratitude and recognition for our devotion to the beauty experience, textured hair and the people who seek the self possession they deserve. Thank you @glossier for bringing us under your wing and maintaining your support for Black-Owned Beauty Businesses. 5 Years 💙 Proud class of 2021 🏆 #skimdo #beautyheals #glossier #winners #texture

Wash Day at home in Brooklyn with @_____s_____k_____i_____m 🫧

PSA POSSIBLE DESIGN THEFT & UN-RESEARCHED LOFTY CLAIMS Ricola claims first scarf innovation in 600 years via @breakingandenteringmedia . We are certain there have been many scarf innovations over the last 600 years and we love their “arromatire” aromatherapy scented innovation for their limited edition scarf — however we wanted to point out our own scarf pocket innovation that happens to have come before theirs! Turbarella - the all-weather multi-wear scarf has a built in stash pocket. Marketing is a cut-throat and important part of business and we’re ready to level up. Thank you for reading!

5 UNITS LEFT of THE TUBBY [at the time of publishing this post]. Original Cream is taking a beat while we take time for R&D and to explore options to jack up our operation! Store stays open for SKIMVAIN LION OILS & Turbarellas, and we will be on socials to chat with you if you need us. Or if we need you!! We are so grateful for your loyalty and curiosity, and are excited to explore new avenues of interest in this chronically interesting side of beauty! Stay tuned! As ever — @_____s_____k_____i_____m & co x

We moved Studios and found 2 more Turbarellas!! 1 in SAILOR (Navy Blue) 1 in LOCHNESS (Blackwatch Tartan) - link in bio Some back story on Turbarella, demoing her and some styling tips… brought to you by @_____s_____k_____i_____m Links in Bio! #turbarella #turbarellaweather #savilerow #london #morocco #umbrella #turban #invention #tailored #stash

Colorist to the Stars, @rachel_bodt hands her curly Little Black Book over to @oprahdaily and we are bursting with gratitude that we made the cut as Best Curl Cream (*screaming*) ✨

≋ Bathroom by @diango.hernandez via @spacesofmydreams ≋

Two @turbarella available • Reduced from $170 to $120 due to slight aesthetic imperfection of the fabric. • Sailor - a Nautical navy blue • Lochness - a Blackwatch Tartan Link in bio

Towel Time with SKIMDO founder Kimberley Cowans Read at The BB Edit on Substack