MS Success Story: Kimberly Strauss of Kimberly Strauss Designs

by Cyrus Webb
 

Name: Kimberly Strauss

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business:
Kimberly Strauss Designs

Hometown City/ State:
Originally Perryopolis, PA  
Currently Clinton MS 

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

When I was a little girl there was a family-owned nursery across the street from our home.  Anytime I needed to make some money I would go and work watering the plants.  It was then that I realized that working when I want with whom I want and where I want was the life for me.  It stirs my creativity when I work under those conditions.  

Who have been some of your role models in business?
I’ve been blessed with many mentors at different stages of my life, each serving a specific purpose to help me to grow.  First, I would say my husband Wendell for his business knowledge that was incorporated into framing Kimberly Strauss Designs.  My most influential woman in my business life is Missy Washam who has mentored and supported my business for many years.  

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step? 
My faith in God and learning from my mentors to speak positive affirmations daily which I have posted on my vision board.  These things have kept me centered, focused and motivated.  

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success? 
It was probably the single most important thing to develop my craft by studying and learning various styles and techniques.  I see it as a gift to take what I have learned and be able to tailor it in order to satisfy each of my client's specific taste.  I’ve learned to also spend time getting to know the client in their environment.  I am able to then use what they value as collectibles and incorporate it into a stunning design theme that fits their individual style.  This is what makes my Kimberly Strauss Designs a unique experience that satisfies the most discerning of clients.  

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear? 
My faith in God, having the right guidance mentorship and developing self confidence in my abilities all of which lead me to a peaceful place where my design inspiration blossoms.  

 What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path? 
Your dreams are a glimpse of what is possible.  Surround yourself with others who are successful and never be afraid to ask for guidance. 

 

Thanks, Kimberly. How can our audience stay connected with you?

kimberlystraussdesigns@gmail.com

Kimberly Strauss and Breakfast with Kimberly on social media.  

www.kimberlystrauss.com 

(769) 300-5040 (work) Kimberly Strauss Designs

25 Mississippians You Should Know, 2025

 Throughout 2025 Mississippians across the state and beyond have been making their presence known, showcasing their skills and abilities. Mississippi Success Magazine has compiled a list of notable Mississippians who should be on your radar. 

25 Mississippians You Should Know (listed in no particular order)

1. Jamal Roberts, Recording Artist
2. Tess Holliday, Model/Author
3. Kenneth Leffall, Entrepreneur
4. Deloris Trotter, Trainer/Entrepreneur
5. Dallas Anding, Entrepreneur
6. Kimberly Strauss, Designer/Influencer
7. Maximus Wright, Filmmaker/Entrepreneur
8. Pauline Rogers, Activist/Author
9. Michael Norris aka Mr. Fluid, Recording Artist
10. LaDonna Marie, Author/Speaker/Media Personality
11. Dr. LaTracy, Author/Speaker/Consultant
12. Melissa Banks, Event Planner/Author/Media Personality
13. Joseph Thomas, Jr., Community Leader/Entrepreneur 
14. Leslie Roark Scott, Entrepreneur 
15. TeKenya K. Johnson, Speaker/Author/Coach
16. J. Bolin, Stylist/Entrepreneur 
17. Charles Walter Jett, Artist
18. Sky Miles, Artist
19. Katina Rankin, Media Personality/Author 
20. Tony Davenport, Artist
21. Felicia Brookins, Author/Playwright
22. Jill Lynch, Realtor
23. Mitch C. Davis, Photographer
24. Stanley Trotter, Caterer/Entrepreneur
25. Darden North, Author

MS Success Story: Dallas Anding, DLuxx Custom Installations, LLC

 by Cyrus Webb

Name: Dallas Anding

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business:
Audio/Visual Technician - Owner - DLuxx Custom Installations LLC

Hometown city/state:  Brandon, MS

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
 By the end of my senior year of high school I assumed that I would end up running a business one day, I just never imagined it would be my own

Who have been some of your role models in business?
My biggest role models in business are all family members. Among other things, my dad, Guy Anding, always preached the importance of having more than one source of income. My grandfather, Clarence Jones, was the hardest working man I ever known. I knew if I could give just half the effort that he gave everyday I'd be in good shape. Honorary mention to my uncles, Willie "Eggman" Jones and Arthur McCray, and also my father in law, Willie Gore. Even though they worked every day it never seemed like they had a "job". They were their own boss and that always appealed to me. 

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step? 
 Just an overall confidence in my abilities, and noticing the level of responsibilities I was given by my employers.

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success? 
 Honing my craft was very important to my success. I think the difference shows in my work. My customers notice my attention to detail and effort to make sure that the finished product is as advertised.

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear? 
The realization that the companies I was working for saw something in me to trust me enough to run their day to day operations.

What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path?
 I would say never put all of your eggs in one basket and to be passionate about your product or service. Pay attention to details and always be willing to go above and beyond to satisfy your customers

How can our audience stay connected with you?

We can be contacted via phone (601) 502-7331, website dluxxcustoms.com, and DLuxx Custom Installations LLC on Facebook and Instagram.

MS Success Story: Maximus Wright, Visionary/MS Success Honoree

 

Name: Maximus Wright

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business: Filmmaker/Executive Director of Jxn Film Festival

Hometown City/ State: Yazoo City/ MS

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? 

I knew as a kid when I sold candy in Jr High School.

Who have been some of your role models in business? 

Emmitt Louie, my manager at Fred's Dollar store, one of my first jobs. He told me I need to know one important principle of business: “If you take care of the customer, the customer will take care of you.”

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step? 

My step father got sick and died in a 5-month period of time. His decline and eventual death was the most peaceful thing I had ever witnessed in my life. He was almost happy. It confused me until I realized his peace came from living a life in which he had no regret. I knew if I didn’t take the leap I would not only regret it but could potentially suffer a slow decline with plenty of time to consider it.

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success?
Besides have grit, it may be the second most important thing.

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear? 

Imagining a life without accomplishing those dreams.

What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path?
Trust your instincts and never compare you path to anyone else. You are unique and so is your path.

How can our audience stay connected with you?

Maximus Wright on all social media platforms.

MS Success Story: Michael Norris aka Mr. Fluid

Name:
Michael Norris aka Mr. Fluid*

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business: 

Emcee, Producer

Hometown City/ State: 

Braxton, MS

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

It started with deciding, or realizing, that I was an artist. Whether artist meant playing guitar, writing songs or poetry. It didn't matter. I knew this was who I was and why I was different. The idea that I could make money from it would come much later. 

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step?

Early on it was about joining, or creating, a group. Many failed attempts, for better or worse, inevitably led to my becoming a solo artist. Much of it had do with creative control and my natural sense of urgency when it comes to art and music. I always feel like I have to go out there and make it happen. Opportunities come to those who do the work. 

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success?

It is at the center. To be an Emcee and Songwriter, it is all about the craft. I want my music to outlive me, be loved and respected by people across genre as I respect art and music that I may not fully understand whereas I recognize the attention to detail, the beauty and humanity involved.

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear?

Losing friends and family. Nothing is more frightening than that. Understanding I may not see tomorrow. Also, the acknowledgement that everyone deals with fear, it is part of being human, though we process it differently. I overcome it by not allowing it to cripple me.

 What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path?

Do what you love and find a way to do it that helps people and serves the community. Money isn't everything. Principles and determination lead to success. 

How can our audience stay connected with you? 

https://linktr.ee/mrfluid

IG: @mr_fluid

FB: Mr. Fluid

Tik Tok: @mr_fluid1

*  Photo by The Works, LLC 

MS SUCCESS STORY: Tamoria (Dena) Harvey-Brown, owner of Hair 2000

by Cyrus Webb

Name: Tamoria (Dena) Harvey-Brown

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business: Hair 2000

Hometown City/ State: Brandon, MS

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Early in life, i knew what I was interested in & eventually grew to love it! 

Who have been some of your role models in business? My role models were strictly family. Watching my great-grandmother & my mother do hair all my life pretty much locked it in for me. 

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step? Again, family support was a huge factor. Seeing it done & realizing I could accomplish the same. 

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success? Very important! Also having patience and giving myself time. I am learning still to this day. Being in business is itself a learning process. The hair industry is constantly evolving, so I’m here for it all! 

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear? Prayer!! Fear paralyzed me for a long time. Prayer and patience got me through. 

What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path? 

Know your worth, perfect your craft & let nothing stop you. It’s yours if you want it...whatever that might be. Go get it! 

How can our audience stay connected with you? 

They can find me on social media and email me at hair2000Dena@yahoo.com. 

MS Success Story: Kenneth T. Leffall

by Cyrus Webb

Name: Kenneth T. Leffall

Profession/ Title/ Name of Business: Evergreen Construction and Development

Hometown City/ State: Brandon, MS

When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
I was 19 years old when it became clear that I could own a business.

Who have been some of your role models in business?
My family and community are full of intelligent people. They all didn’t own a business, but most gave positive advice. I learned from everyone. If you were a negative type I steered clear of you, because I understood that negativity wasn’t going anywhere.

Going out on your own is not easy. What helped you to take the first step? 
First thing I knew was that I needed faith. Mom brought us up in church, so I knew faith without works was dead. My family always had my back. Before I had tools, I could borrow anything I needed from a family member. I was so blessed that my Grandma Minnie Ann McCray bought my first skill saw simply because she saw me working without one. My family believed in me. It made my confidence higher.

How important was learning or honing your craft to your success?
It was very critical. Construction is tough. It’s hard to find people that can or want to do the work.

Fear stops so many from going for their goals and dreams. What helped you to overcome the fear? 
 I understood that if I toughed it out, it would pay off in the long run. An older man told me that it would be easier for me to have my own because men like him had paved the way. He was exactly right. I had so many people I could use as an example. I took a little from everyone.

You never learn everything, but there are some basic principles you can follow that will keep you on track. Once I gained a particular knowledge, it wasn’t like work anymore. My mom described it as “you look like you’re having fun.” Even though I didn’t want her to tell people that, it was true. I started to notice the power in simply performing a task and how to use it to make life easier.

What advice would you give to others who look at you and want to follow your path?
First I would say keep God first, because without Him nothing is possible. Also remain humble, Just because you’re an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you know everything. Always be teachable and willing to teach. The road is going to be rough, but stay focused and you will see that it was worth it.

Stay connected with Kenneth here:

https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.leffall.9

email: Leffall32@gmail.com
cell: 601-983-8842