We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Serrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

My inspiration behind In Control Cosmetics was a need for me to create an affordable healthy makeup line for all skin tones. My journey started back on 2018 when I struggled to find makeup, especially with lipsticks, lipglosses and blushes (online and in person) that were free from allergens, affordable, made in the United States and complimented my medium dark skin complexion. From there I have done my research by interviewing my friends, family members, colleagues and strangers while noting down their responses. I wrote out my entire business plan in my car during my lunch break, back on January 2019. On January 4, 2021 In Control Cosmetics and Queen Kimmy In Control Of Couture was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Currently I’m Early Childhood Special Education Intern Teacher for Inglewood Unified School District. I am receiving my credentials from California State Dominguez Hills University by the end of 2023. Being a Teacher has always been a dream of mine since the age of five. Learning while educating others has always been a passion of mine. In a way, I was meant to be an educator. The road was not easy (Been in this field for eighteen years) but the awards have always been sweeter for me at the end. The best advice I can give anyone is to make sure that your career is your passion, you love what you are doing, to always remain true to yourself no matter what obstacles you are faced with daily and to never give up. All of this and more have always been my words to live by. That is what I want the readers to know about me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oh wow… there is so much to see and do in Los Angeles… I really do not know where to start. It will be based on the personalities of all of my BFF’s. You can never go wrong with visiting any of our beaches especially with the Santa Monica Pier and the Pike in Long Beach. Both are great places to ride bikes while sightseeing. I love soul food (my girls do too) and Dulan’s in Inglewood would be the place to visit for good food, non alcoholic drinks and conversation. There are some nice waking trails behind the Friendship Bell in San Pedro. Walking around and shopping at Leimert Park would be another place to visit too, just to name a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would like to thank God for my strength and wisdom!

I would like to give a shoutout to my husband Robert, and our son Warren for their continuous support.

Ashley Webb (Owner of a Fresh Market in NOLA) and Mercedes Jenkins-Carter (Owner of My Black Beauty Box in L.A.) who I come to for business related questions, advice and support when needed.

My family and friends (who are like my family) who continue to support my businesses by purchasing from my makeup line, spreading the word about my businesses while continuing to be my biggest cheerleaders.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my Queens who are my supporters. I appreciate you all dearly and I can not wait to share what is in for us.

Website: https://whencontrolandcouturecollide.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-phipps-serrano-165585226

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