Meet Kimberly Parry, Founder of Kimberly Parry Organics. How many years have you been involved in the spa industry?
25 years.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I have always been drawn to the spa industry. As an executive, I considered myself a spa “junkie” and would always book a treatment or two whenever I traveled on business (which was frequent!) I found on more than one occasion that my skin would be either dry, or worse in some way, after a treatment than before. During the time I became a mother and my children had really sensitive skin. I started to research the ingredients in the products I used on them and became appalled at what I discovered. The more I read the more determined I was to give them something better. I became obsessed with reading herbal remedies, medical books and the U.S. Pharmacopeia. I took some classes and it wasn’t long before I was experimenting with formulas. By hobby I was a cook and I had gardened since childhood. Finally, it all “clicked” and my first product was Bum Butter (diaper area). It worked so well that my friends started asking for some, then they had friends that wanted it and before I really realized what was happening, a business was born. The final “ah ha” was when I visited yet another spa and found my skin “wanting”; I then decided to begin formulating skin care.
What is your favorite place in the whole world?
When I’ve traveled the whole world I’ll let you know! Until then I find peace and tranquility in my garden.
If you could have any profession in the world, other than what you do now, what would you be?
I would be a teacher.
What is your go-to spa treatment?
A body scrub with Vischy shower followed by a butter wrap with scalp and foot massage – divine!
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would schedule more down time for myself.
Care to share any details on family life; i.e. spouse, partner, children, pets?
I am proud to be celebrating my 21 year wedding anniversary this December. My husband (and business partner) is my rock. We have two girls that we are proud of! We also have 3 dogs.
Two things about yourself we don’t know
I loved foreign language in school. I studied Greek for two years in high school and took one year of Swahili in college!When I have the opportunity, I absolutely devour books. I particularly love history and biographies.
What is your motto or concept that you live by?
My daily affirmations to my children keep me focused on what is important.I tell them every day that I love them.Make good choices – aka – to thine own self be true.Kindness matters! A foundation for a happy life – kindness. Such a simple word and yet often overlooked!
What is your most treasured possession?
An interesting question but without hesitation what I treasure most are those moments with just my husband and daughters. Whether a Monopoly game by firelight, Frisbee on the beach at sunset or a celebratory dinner at our favorite restaurant. All too soon my children will be in college and starting memories of their own.