Meet Kirby Keomysay, Bellevue West Class of 2005 — a former varsity cheer captain, DECA competitor, and student leader who built a career rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship. Now the owner of multiple local businesses, including salons, studios, and a coffeehouse, Kirby reflects on the mentors and experiences that helped shape his path. From leading the cheer program and competing in DECA to building businesses centered on community and leadership, his story highlights the impact of following what genuinely interests you.

Bellevue Alumni Association - Alumni Spotlight:

Kirby Keomysay, Bellevue West Class of 2005

Q: What was your most memorable experience in high school?

A: One of my favorite memories from high school was trying out for the cheerleading squad with absolutely no experience. I auditioned just for fun and somehow made the team my sophomore to senior year. I served as co-captain my junior year and captain my senior year. Those years ended up being some of the best. I got to choreograph routines, help start a competition team, and even learned how to tumble. It was also a huge year for Bellevue West sports, with both basketball and volleyball winning state, so traveling with the teams and being part of that excitement was something I’ll never forget.

Q: Tell us about a teacher, coach, or staff member who significantly impacted you

A: A memorable teacher for me was Mr. Shillinglaw, my marketing teacher. I was part of DECA, a program for marketing students, and had the opportunity to compete at both the state and national levels. For my senior project, I wrote a 30-page business plan for a salon concept that placed at state. Even though we didn’t win at nationals, the experience was unforgettable, especially getting to travel and present with my classmates. Looking back now, more than 20 years later and as the owner of several salons, I can say the lessons I learned from Mr. Shillinglaw’s class truly stuck with me. Those early experiences in marketing and entrepreneurship helped shape the path I’m on today.

Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during high school, and how did they influence your path after graduation?

A: In addition to varsity cheerleading, which taught me leadership and teamwork, I also served as Historian for DECA and Editor-in-Chief for Journalism. Both roles helped shape my leadership skills and let me tap into my creativity. Working with others to design layouts, edit photos, and write content showed me how much I enjoy collaborating and bringing ideas to life — something that still carries through in my work today.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: I’m an entrepreneur and the owner of several businesses including The Grind Coffeehouse, kontempo., and ko & co. Studios, and I still do hair behind the chair. Each of these businesses represents something I care deeply about. Creativity, community, and leadership. I started my career as a hairstylist and discovered how much I enjoy connecting with people and creating experiences that make them feel their best. That passion grew into running salons, opening studio spaces, and later expanding into hospitality with our coffeehouse.

Looking ahead, my goal is to keep building businesses that create opportunities for others while Tyler and I grow our family. I want to continue developing leaders within our teams and eventually step back to watch them grow and carry these businesses forward.

Q: What has been your proudest achievement since leaving high school?

A: My proudest achievement has been building a career around what I love while staying true to my roots. From competing on TV and earning national recognition in my industry, to opening several successful businesses, each step has been a result of hard work, persistence, and believing in myself. But honestly, my biggest sense of pride comes from seeing the people around me grow — my teams, my students, and the communities that support our spaces.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I live with my partner, Tyler, who works in the medical field and also helps co-own our coffeehouse. We share our home with our German Shepherd, Griff, who definitely runs the house and keeps us on our toes. It’s a busy life, but we love it! Between our work, our businesses, and our time with Griff, there’s never a dull moment.

Q: What advice would you give to current students in Bellevue who are trying to figure out their future paths?

A: Lean into what genuinely interests you. Pay attention to your hobbies and what excites you. Ask questions, find people in those fields and see if you can shadow, assist, or intern to learn more. Stay curious, explore, and follow what feels meaningful. The right path often grows over time.

Kirby’s Favorites…..

Movie: Crazy Rich Asians

Book: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Song: Fractures by Illenium

Food: Anything ethnic (Asian/Mexican)

Bellevue Restaurants: Stella’s Burgers