Style icon Kim fashions time with the Texans Cheerleaders to be an inspirational icon for her children
Kim of the Houston Texans Cheerleaders has always been concerned with her style, as long as anyone can remember. “I absolutely LOVE fashion and style! As far as I can remember I have always been a girlie-girl and into my wardrobe!” Kim remembers. “My mom told me that when I was really young, I refused to wear pants; I HAD to be in a dress everywhere we went. That makes sense because it falls right in line with my motto: ‘When trying to decide what to wear, it is always better be over-dressed then under-dressed!’”
So being a rookie with the Texans Cheerleaders has brought all of her passions together. Her lifelong love of dance coupled with hosting her own video series for the HTC entitled “First Down Fashion” brings together two big aspects of Kim’s life, but Kim also shared with UltimateCheerleaders why being an NFL cheerleader really resulted from the central passion of her life; to be the best mom she can be and inspiring her children to fulfill their own dreams.
Kim is originally from the Houston area, explaining, “I am a native Houstonian! I was born in Houston and raised in the sweetest suburb in Texas, Sugar Land. My favorite childhood memories would have to be the dance parties my family would have on random occasions. They would turn on Whitney Houston or George Michael and we’d dance the day away! I guess this is where my love for dance came from!”
And dance has always been a big part of Kim’s life. “I started dancing at the age of three,” Kim recalls. “I took ballet and jazz in a studio until high school, then I danced with my high school’s dance team. I became captain my last year on the team.”
“My favorite part of dancing is performing,” Kim continues. “I think dancing is like an art; you have to pour all your emotions and feelings into it to end up with a good finished product. Dancing is my way of letting go and living out my dreams!”
Plus, Kim’s devotion to a healthy lifestyle is evident from her college studies. “I went to the University of Texas at Austin and majored in Kinesiology with a focus on health promotion and fitness and minored in Business,” Kim shares.
Kim’s home town of Sugar Land has been named “Fittest City in Texas” numerous times, and asked about why that is, Kim says, “I am so proud of my hometown! I think the key to good fitness is staying active and being consistent. I know that Sugar Land is full of families with young children and I think that is so important to teach our children about fitness at a young age.”
Today, Kim’s day (and night, and weekend) job is being a mom. “I am a full-time mommy of two incredible kids, ages two and four,” Kim explains. “They keep me extremely busy and on my toes, but my favorite part of this job is being able to watch them grow every day! Nothing compares to being a mother. They are my inspiration and my life. I hope to continue to be the best mommy I can be!”
So how does a busy mom of two young children, never before a pro sports dancer, end up becoming a rookie cheerleader in the NFL? “It was always my dream to become an NFL cheerleader,” Kim shares. “I had forgotten that dream when I became a wife and mother but after getting back into dance classes, I realized how much I had missed dancing. I thought to myself, ‘What kind of example would I be for my children if I never even gave my dream a chance?’ So I gave it a shot and here I am!”
Way to go Kim! How did it feel when Kim found out she made the team? “I was thrilled that all of my hard work paid off!” Kim replies. “I was so excited for my kids to see their mommy as an HTC and to know that I will be leaving them with that legacy one day.”
And being named to the squad was just the opening kickoff to Kim’s Texans Cheerleader experience. “The past eight months as an HTC have been AMAZING!” Kim exclaims. “It has truly been an incredible journey for me and I am so forever grateful to have been given this opportunity. I would have to say being on that field on game days, surrounded by the energy of the fans and players, is the most incredible, exhilarating feeling! It has also been an awesome experience interacting with our fans, to see how appreciative they are is extremely rewarding! And last but definitely not least, I have loved scripting and filming ‘First Down Fashion.’ It was an honor to be chosen to host this segment and I have embraced every minute!”
The Texans Cheerleaders are the super coolest pioneers in social media, and Kim hosts “First Down Fashion” which reviews what all the most fashion forward Texans players are wearing before and after the game, and sometimes covers other celebs that make their way to Reliant Stadium (click here for the
First Down Fashion December 17 edition). Kim shows Texans fans who is stepping it up fashion wise on a virtual Texans red carpet, and she does a superb job.
“I have really enjoyed writing the scripts and filming FDF!” Kim says. “I love fashion and this was a perfect outlet for me to showcase that passion. As a pro-cheerleader, what could be better than talking about when football meets fashion?”
So Kim, have you always been outgoing and comfortable in front of a crowd or camera? “It’s funny,” Kim laughs, “when I was younger, I used to film myself pretending to be a news anchor. I was SO terrible at it! It was not until recently that I became more comfortable with the camera. But with that being said, you should see the outtakes!”
Kim, who are your fashion icons of people in the public eye and what makes them special? “They are so many beautiful fashion icons!” Kim answers. “Going back in time, I would have to say Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel. Their classic and timeless looks are stunning and will never be forgotten.”
“If I had to pick someone present day, I would say Victoria Beckham, Carrie Underwood, or Lubov Azria,” Kim continues. “Their style and grace emphasize their beauty and elegance.”
So, I bet the Texans Cheerleaders generally are a super stylish ensemble. So, are there a couple budding style icons amongst the HTC? Kim says, “I would have to say, I love my fellow teammates Madison and Brittan’s style. We all share a passion for fashion and they are definitely always looking fabulous!”
But some style is timeless; other trends, well, not so much. Is there an outfit in Kim’s past that she thought was super cool but now makes her cringe? Kim answers, “I rocked denim overalls in middle school and looking back I have NO idea what I was thinking! Yuck.”
Well, Kim, you have certainly allowed a small style mis-step considering her life of fashion forwardness. But since Kim reviews the Texans wardrobe, how about some tips for the guys. First of all, what is more important for a man; to be stylish or being a good dancer? “BOTH!” Kim exclaims. “It is always great to be well-rounded!”
Okay, sounds like some resolution opportunities for males in both the dancing and clothing departments. What are some simple things men can do in their style that women will appreciate? “I love the saying, ‘Fashion is temporary and expensive but style is timeless and affordable,’” Kim explains. “I’d say, stick to what you feel comfortable in. Find your style and go with it! Women are attracted to men that are comfortable and confident in what they are wearing. Whether you’re into a t-shirt and jeans or a 3-piece suit, pick what makes you feel good, and ROCK IT!”
Good advice Kim! And another source of resolutions this January for many people is getting into shape. So Kim, what is your personal fitness routine? “Other than dancing, running after my kids and MORE dancing,” Kim says, “I go to a studio called Define that offers classes that combine pilates, ballet and core strengthening. I also take a spin class at the same studio that incorporates dance moves on the bike, which is right up my alley!”
Dance moves on a bike? Well, I bet Kim is rocking her workout fitness style even then.
Asked about her goals and wishes for 2014, Kim answers, “2013 was a special year for me getting to live my dream as an HTC, but I believe the future always holds better things for us. I am looking forward to the adventures and challenges in 2014!”
Just as she is fashion forward as a style icon, Kim is also parenting forward, to be an icon of dream pursuit for her children, to influence their precious futures. As timeless as fashion is, there is nothing as timeless as being dedicated to parenting in such a devoted way. If Heidi Klum can host “Project Runway” to find the next great American designer, I think Kim has her own “Project Parenting” process to develop her youngsters into two great American citizens. And I bet they will be in the upper tier of stylishness also!
Thanks Kim for sharing with UltimateCheerleaders your 2013 HTC journey and best wishes for a great 2014! And of course, THANKS THANKS THANKS to the superb HTC Manager and Coach Alto Gary for all her support of UltimateCheerleaders! Thanks also to Charles Hampton of the Texans, and more photos of Kim are at this link.