Kimmie Stylz Triumphs at Alabama Launchpad with Natural Hair Care Innovations

Kim Cornner, better known as Kimmie Stylz, discovered her extraordinary talent for hairstyling almost by accident. Despite initially dismissing it as something everyone could do, encouragement from friends led her to recognize her unique gift.

“I’ve been full-time in this business for eight years now, and it's truly a blessing to return to what came naturally to me,” Cornner shared. This April, her dedication paid off when she won $25,000 at the Alabama Launchpad pitch competition.

The Alabama Launchpad is an intensive six-week program that pairs participants with advisors and pitch coaches to elevate their business presentations. Cornner attributes her victory to the compelling story behind her products and the quality of the natural hair care line she developed.

“For years, many Black women have faced health issues from harmful hair care products,” Cornner explained. She herself suffered both from damaged hair and from health issues she believes were caused by prolonged use of chemical-laden products.

This personal experience drives her commitment to offering safe, natural hair care solutions. Cornner crafts most of her Kimmie Stylz products in her Birmingham home, using ingredients like natural oils. Her product line, developed through trial and error, includes nine items such as shampoos, conditioners, and specialized treatments like the Biotin and Tea Tree Scalp Treatment and Avocado and Jojoba Anti-Breakage Oil.

Word-of-mouth recommendations have helped her business flourish. Cornner credits her supportive family—including her mother, Wanda Little, and her children, 13-year-old Eva and 8-year-old Zae—with helping her manage the growing demand.

Cornner’s journey began in Trenton, New Jersey, before her family moved to Birmingham in 1997. She recalls the closeness her family developed as they adjusted to their new environment. Initially aspiring to a career in medicine, financial constraints led her to pursue other paths. She earned an Associate Degree in Clinical Laboratory Technology from Jefferson State Community College in 2011 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Walden University in 2019.

One standout product from Kimmie Stylz is the No Oooch & Ouch Detangling Serum, which has become a customer favorite. Cornner designed this serum to address the common issue of difficult-to-detangle natural hair, transforming the washing process for many clients.

Running Kimmie Stylz from home has been a significant advantage for Cornner, allowing her to balance her business with family life. She specializes in all styles of natural hair, including braids and locs, and emphasizes the importance of proper hair care.

“I love teaching people not just how to style their hair, but also how to care for it,” she said. “Hair care is truly an art that we must preserve.”