Kimiko Versatile is mixing it up. The dancer and choreographer recently opened a new beauty and fashion store dubbed Kimiko V.
Located in Discovery Bay, St Ann, the boutique is dedicated to beauty, cosmetics and personal care, and provides services such as make-up application and locs care.
It also stocks clothing and accessories, ranging from swimwear and sleepwear to slippers and hats.
Versatile, whose real name is Kimiko Miller, told Flair that she always dreamed of owning a clothing store and had started out selling items like haircare products from the back of her car.
“It’s a joy for me to venture off into different fields outside of dancing, but it’s still linked and connected,” she added.
Although she is a top performer in the dance industry, she wasn’t only being complimented for her moves. Persons were fascinated by her make-up, hair and outfits at different events.
Since moving back to her home town in St Ann due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mother of one saw it fitting to set down professional roots in the parish.
“The make-up application is saturated in Kingston, but it isn’t as popular here (in Discovery Bay). Those who are interested in make-up or fashion have to either travel to Kingston or Ocho Rios. So I made it a point of duty to bring these services to this side of the world. I missed my home town and I’m very happy for the positive [response] so far,” she said, noting that she received her make-up application certificate five years ago at The Face Place and recently completed her fusion lash therapy course.
As she dedicates more time and focuses on the new store, she said balancing entrepreneurship and a thriving dance career isn’t easy, especially now, with the disbanding of her dance crew, Versatile Ones. “Members aren’t putting in as much time and effort like before, based on how the world is running and things being so unsure. I don’t want to deprive others of making money where they can in different areas. But if the group isn’t a priority for rehearsals and for development, then I can’t manage that stress,” she said.
Her dance studio in Kingston is hanging on by a thread, and while she is grateful for all the support coming via bookings and GoFundMe, she may have to close it. While honoured to have created a successful legacy in dancehall and dance, she is looking forward to doing other things with her life. “I’m learning to adapt to change. I’m going with the flow, with the grace of God. When one door closes, many more will open,” she said.
