EPCHS Alum In The Spotlight: Kimberly Knudsen, Class Of 1988

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — After graduating from Bradley University with a degree in communications and advertising, Kimberly Knudsen landed a job with the Enterprise Rent-a-Car company.

“I worked there briefly,” the 1988 Evergreen Park Community High School alum said. “And decided the corporate world was not for me.”

Instead, Knudsen opted for pursuing a passion that was “brewing inside,” and became a licensed hairstylist.

“I decided to follow my gut and attend Cameo Beauty Academy in Oak Lawn full time,” Knudsen said. “I quit my job, started school and began working for my mother, Barbara Harmison, again.”

Knudsen received her Illinois Cosmetology license in September of 1995, shortly after working for the design team at Marshall Field and Company on State Street, where she sharpened her skills as a master stylist, while training to become a color educator for Salon Partners and Schwarzkopf, a German hair color line.

“I became a platform artist, assisting some of the world's top hair stylists,” she said. “It was an amazing experience.”

But it was Knudsen’s mother who first helped give her the background in the industry.

“I would come home on the weekends and in the summer and work for her,” Knudsen said of her college years. “I learned the skill of electrolysis, training new employees, how to manage a salon, and working with different types of people while attending Bradley full time.”

In 1998, Knudsen and her mother opened up their first salon together.

“It was exciting to see our vision come to fruition,” Knudsen said. “We enjoyed the area (Oak Lawn) for 13 years together, eventually moving on to Midlothian, creating a small boutique environment.”

In 2013, Knudsen renamed her salon Kimberly K Hair Studio and in 2020 moved it inside RP Salon and Spa, 13417 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.

“I am still a proud business owner, master stylist and colorist under Kimberly K Hair Studio, renting a station minus the headache of the large overhead and expenses,” she said. “We are a unique salon, because we have over 15 highly skilled artists. We create a warm and welcoming environment catering to all age groups.”

A “warm and welcoming environment” is similar to what Knudsen remembers from her high school years at EPCHS.

“I have so many fond memories from those four years,” she said. “We were a small class back in those days, under 200 students. Fortunately, we were able to get to know one another on a more personal level for that reason. We had our ‘groups’ but we each shared a common thread growing up in a tight knit community. I have developed lifelong friendships, standing up in weddings and watched families grow.

Knudsen participated in pom-poms at EPCHS, performing at pep rallies, basketball games and other events.

“We were a talented squad, practicing before school, enjoying the infamous warm chocolate chip cookie for breakfast,” she said. “Dancing in poms was my creative outlet.”

Among her favorite teachers was Mr. Bob Dartsch, who has since been inducted into the EPCHS Hall of Fame.

“He inspired me to work hard to achieve my goals by applying to a few small private universities,” Knudsen said. “He used his humor and excitement for math to create a fun and challenging environment. He wanted his students to be as curious as he, and was always available for extra help as needed.”

In addition to her work in the salon, Knudsen wants to put a particular emphasis on volunteering in her community.

“I want to be a part of something bigger,” she said. “Like working with the homeless and underprivileged in some capacity.”

Advice for current EPCHS students

“The first bit of advice I would give to students is to follow your passion, which will lead to the right career choice. I should have enrolled in cosmetology classes offered in high school which were free at the time. I went against my gut and chose a different route., which was OK, but it
just took me longer to find my way. Take advantage of the opportunities provided through the school.

The second tip I would have for current students at EPCHS, would be to have self awareness; allowing yourself to examine your goals, interests, and values. Also understanding your personality type can guide you into a career that suits who you are as an individual. And finally, trust your gut and follow your intuition. Your inner voice will always guide you into the right direction.

Enjoy the ride, it goes by fast!”