Tip the Artist

Artist Bio

Kimberly Hawks
November 17, 2013
Kimberly Hawks is a American Country Singer-songwriter, model, actress,
dancer and author. Her genuine love for music, people and her faith shine
bright for all to see. Kimberly is an outspoken and highly motivated young
woman with a contagious smile and child like innocence.
Kimberly was born in Lansing Michigan on February 23, 1984. She spent
her young life with her family in Manistique, MI. After the tragic death of
her father at age 9, Kimberly and her family moved to the small town of
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. " It was a new and exciting
wilderness and I remember seeing mountains for the first time." Says
Kimberly, " the excitement and wonder of a new place and new people
started a life long love for travel. I can still remember the smell of the air and
the heat on my skin. The people were unique and and the culture was
interesting to me."
Kimberly's childhood was anything but a walk in wonderland. However;
despite the adversities, Kimberly excelled in music and really anything she
touched. At the age of 10 she joined the school band and fell in love with the
complexity and beauty of classical music. "My school didn't have a choir
program for my age so I joined the band. I knew I wanted to sing, but I
figured since I had to wait to join the choir I should learn as much as possible
about music." Kimberly excelled in the music program and learned to play
all of the woodwind instruments, finally settling on the Bassoon to be her
voice in the band. " Kimberly attributes her understanding and bond with
her musicians to the fact that she was a band geek before she could sing. " So
many vocalists don't understand how important the music around the song
is. It's the setting, it's the mood, the music is the tide that carries the melody
and brings the story to life. The music tells the story when there are no
words."
When Kimberly got into High School she joined the choir and directed the
marching band. Everything Kimberly touched in music was lit up. She found
her love for voice in Opera. " My mother was a opera singer and always my
hero. To say I learned from the beat is an understatement". Kimberly spent
all of her time training and competing in local and state competitions for
both band and choir. Kimberly won almost every event and became the first
person from her small town to make it into the All State Choir in 1999. She
went on to become the top vocalist in the state and soloist for the Allstate
choir performance in 2002. At the age of 16 she moved out of her home to
attend the top school on the state for vocal performance. " I needed more,
more education, stronger competition, my small town just did not have the
ability to teach me any more." Say Kimberly. She went on to attend New
Mexico State University on a full scholarship, however; in the first year
Kimberly decided to let it all go and joined the Air Force. " I began to hate
my talent, people didn't come to listen and enjoy the art, the beauty and
passion of the music. It became political, I knew I needed to move on and
find my way." It wasn't long after this decision that Kimberly left her family
and friends astounded, and in disbelief. Kimberly was recognized in the Air
Force for her talent within 2 weeks while in basic training. In 2005, Kimberly
won the Annual "World Wide Talent Competition" for best female vocalist
and was offered a spot to tour with the expeditionary performance group,
"Top's in Blue". This unique experience molded and shaped Kimberly into
an experienced dancer, stage performer, tech crew and team player. " Staging
was a nightmare, I really got a first hand experience with the work and time
and pain it takes to make a show happen. It was by far one of the most
physically and mentally challenging experiences of my life."
Kimberly separated the military in 2007 after some time over seas and the
birth of her two sons. Her and her family moved to Kailua-Kona Hawaii.
Kimberly says she just felt Hawaii was where she needed to be. So, on a
whim and a huge leap of faith her family got a one way ticket.Kimberly
battled with weight issues after her children and in 2008 at 260lbs, decided to
have a gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. In less than 6 month she had
lost over 120 lbs and was ready to set out again into entertainment. " I had
all but let go of my childhood dreams at that point, I missed the stage and
had no idea what was to come." Kimberly auditioned for her first ever
musical theater at a small community production of "The King and I" in
Wiamea Hawaii. Kimberly took the lead role as Anna and fell in love with
the theater. She laughed when asked about the experience ,"singing and
acting at the same time?! It was magic." This performance led an email from
a local photographer who was captivated by her performance. " he wanted
to take pictures of me?" Kimberly laughs, " I had done a lot in music and on
a stage, but never thought about being a model." Soon after the shoot
Kimberly's images and story caught the attention of the producers of MTV
true life. In January of 2009 Kimberly was captured on film as she braved
her identity after weight loss. " It was a great experience, I learned so much
about television and was able to touch so many people with my story."
Shortly after airing Kimberly was asked to walk the runway of Americas
Next Top Model in Maui. Life was moving fast, Kimberly shot magazine
covers, did local commercials and performed in local musicals and venues.
Later that year Kimberly decided to turn her attention back to her fist love,
music. She won the Colgate Country Showdown for Hawaii and went on to
Reno. It seemed like nothing would stand in her way until her youngest son
at the time was diagnosed with autism. The decision was made to leave the
island for better care.
Kimberly spent the next few years taking care of family and ultimately
moving on from a 5 year marriage. Kimberly moved to California and soon
began to step back out into the industry. Modeling and acting was her focus.
" I didn't feel ready to really bring my voice to the table yet. I needed time."
Kimberly spent 2 years on California learning as much as she cod about the
industry and experiencing the sights and sounds. Then like a butterfly,
Kimberly found herself in Virginia. She fell in love with a man she could
never be with. Tears fill her eyes as she recalls the romance," I found my
voice when I fell in love. It was through this relationship and all of the
beauty and pain that I found my inspiration, my ability to write and my faith
in God. Every song I have written is my journal out loud. I spent 6 months in
my closet writing and working with writers. It was the hardest thing I had
really felt, but my songs are real and share a part of me that can't be
touched." Working with writers Scotty Brassfield, Jeff Below, and others
Kimberly has brought her love to life.
Kimberly is now on a mission. " I have been there, done that, learned and
failed," she speaks with determination, " I don't know everything, I'm always
learning, and appreciate every ounce of experience and mentor ship I get."
Kimberly keeps her private life very private. She lives like a gypsy, a true free
spirit. Kimberly explains, " I was called for this. God has provided for all my
needs and I move when he says move. I never know how long I'll be in one
place before I'm off to the next." She spends her time writing and getting
away from the noise in the deep country of Virginia. " It really is my
wonderland here, small town people with big hearts, miles of rolling hills and
forest, my own beach and a doll house to work in." When Kimberly is not in
her wonderland, she is in Nashville taking her work to the people. " I love
Nashville! So many talented and dedicated creators. There is a stage
everywhere you look and the city is beautiful. I can't wait to find my
wonderland there."
When asked why now? Kimberly calmly responded, " I am so much more
than a singer. I am a creator. My desire is not to just make a mark on music,
or to become famous for my own selfish gain, my life long dream is to share
hope and inspiration with the world through my experiences, my joys, my
sorrow, my dream is to be a light for people to know that with Faith anything
is possible. I want people to follow their dreams with intention and humble
gratitude for the talents they were given. We are all instruments in the
symphony of life. Everyone can be AWESOME! Sure, it's work, tears,
sacrifice but to feel that perfect harmony called love is worth it. I grew up in
extreme abuse, poverty, really there is not anything I haven't experienced...
and even though the world would say my dreams were impossible, God said
I could accomplish all things. He held me, loved me and molded me for this.
I am ready and it's time to get 'er done!"
Kimberly's debut album and book " Walk in my Wonderland" are scheduled
to be released this spring. Until then Kimberly will only share original work
live. " I'm scared, excited, blessed and ready to give my heart to the world."
Kimberly says with that magic sparkle in her eye. " I hope the world is ready
for me!" She laughs.
For more about Kimberly and her mission please visit
www.kimberlyhawks.com. You will find her journals, lyrics, videos, music,
show and tour schedule and more. You can also join the adventure at
www.facebook.com/kizzyawesome and if you still can't get enough, follow
her live blog at www.tumblr.com/kimberlyhawks .
"Come walk in my wonderland! It's beautiful here"- Kimberly Hawks