There are women in my life that I have the pleasure to walk along side, and Kim deHoog is one of those women. My fourteen-year-old self is forever grateful that I met her and had her pour into me when I was hot-mess teenager trying to figure life out! At the time, Kim was youth pastoring with her husband, Mark. Hard to believe it’s been 20+ years and our friendship has grown and changed and evolved into something really special.
You may recognize Kim as being one of the friendly faces that you’ll find in our very own Salt Boutique in Smithers. She has endless style and grace – and we joke that most of us are under the “Kimfluence”. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of being dressed by her, you’ll know that she gets to the heart of the matter where insecurities flee and she helps women to feel and look their best.
Kim also spent the better part of 10 years being a MAC makeup artist in Calgary and Vancouver. Now that she is living that small-town life, she is freelance artist and spends time with brides and grads (and many others) to bring out already existing beauty. She cares about the emotional heart health of people she comes across; always has a ready-listening ear and will encourage you to be your best, most healthy and strong self. If you don’t know her, pop into Salt to say hello!
Welcome to the table, Kim!
How long have you called the Bulkley Valley home?
I have called the Bulkley Valley home for 9 years. We did live here once before from 1996-2000. My husband grew up here and has his whole family here so there was always a once-a-year visit when we lived in other parts of Canada.
What is one thing you’ve learned about friendship (or community)?
One (of many) thing that I have learned about friendship/community is that it requires investment. We need to step into a place of giving of ourselves (our time, talents and treasures) and making ourselves vulnerable so that we can truly know and be known. It is easy to expect others to go first but they may be sitting back waiting for the same. Be brave and lead the way. Make a way.
What is one area you are growing?
Only one? I think it is to increase investment and decrease expectations. I seem to have a lifetime of managing my expectations. We so often judge those around us by their actions and ourselves by our intentions. Myself included. I pray that I never stop learning and growing. No such thing as perfection, just leaning into growth.
What would you say to your younger self?
Dream bigger and don’t be afraid to take risks. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Who inspires you and why?
Someone who inspires me is my husband, Mark deHoog. He has more vision and wisdom in his pinky finger than most people will ever have. His love for this community is immeasurable.
What do you know to be true and how do you carry that day to day?
What I know to be true is that leading with love is always the right way. I wouldn’t say that I am perfect in this but it is my desire to walk through every day this way in every interaction and spoken word.