Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Barfield.
Hi Kimberly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, to start, I’ve been a First Responder for eight years, and an Airbnb Super host for two years, prior to being an Airbnb Super host I began as a landlord.
How I got to where I am now all started with the determination to want more for my life and my young daughter. I graduated from Florida International University and self-sponsored myself through the Police academy at the age of 21, almost depleting all of my savings. Shortly after, I started my career, I began thinking of ways to use the money I made to make MORE. I sold clothing, accessories, swimwear, etc., but it still wasn’t enough.
When I was able to acquire enough money saved, I purchased my first home which initially became used as a rental property. Then, I placed my listing on Airbnb tripling the amount I use to earn from my tenant.
Now, in addition to my career in Law Enforcement, I have begun investing in other properties.
I also do some influencer work, travel blogging, modeling, etc. when the time permits (Instagram: KimberlyLifestyle), but my primary focus is to make enough residual income to provide my family with the life I never had.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many obstacles along the way.
I didn’t come from a wealthy family, just two parents who came to America from Jamaica hoping to provide a better life for their children.
My mother died when I was 17, and I became pregnant at 18, so I had to raise a child while still being a child. It was difficult to raise a young girl when I didn’t have a mother figure around for help/guidance, but I did the best I could.
I had to pay about $6,000 for the Police Academy, not knowing when I would get hired (which took about 18 months following). Also barely having money to my name.
When I started my career, I spent countless dollars on things that no longer serve me, material items, and trying to start businesses that unfortunately didn’t turn out as expected.
I’ve been through a lot, many things unspoken of, but I feel like those moments, mistakes, and losses have truly humbled me and that now, my blessings have come more abundantly.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a First Responder. (I like to keep the specifics in regards to my profession private.)
I specialize in helping people, making them feel safe, and resolving issues that others may have. Sometimes I can be viewed as a counselor, but overall, I try to keep the peace and protect & serve.
I am most proud of being able to help people, or when someone approaches me months or years after handling a call, and they say “You changed my life”, “You saved me”, or just a simple “Thankyou”.
What sets me apart from others isn’t much, I’m no more special than any other person, woman, or black woman in my profession. I always look at things from all angles and try to be fair, that’s just me.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in “good or bad luck”. Everything in life happens for a reason. What God has for me is for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: KimberlyLifestyle
- Youtube: Ken and Kim
