Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly DeShields-Spencer.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Behind Her Brand was birthed from seeing how often women feel like they have to wear a mask for the world. There’s this unspoken pressure to look confident, accomplished, and certain on the outside, while quietly building, stretching, questioning, and learning behind the scenes. I saw how heavy that could feel—and how isolating it can be when you think everyone else has it all figured out.
I kept noticing how success stories were usually told through highlights only. We celebrate the wins, the milestones, and the “look what I built” moments, but rarely talk about the setbacks, the waiting seasons, the missteps, or the internal growth that happens along the way. And when that’s all we see, it can create comparison, self-doubt, and the false belief that if your journey looks messy, you must be doing it wrong.
Behind Her Brand was created to disrupt that narrative.
It became a space for real honesty—where women can tell the full story, not just the polished version. A space for inspiration that feels attainable and relatable, and for lessons that come from lived experience, not perfection. The goal was never to glorify struggle, but to normalize the process and remind women that growth often happens quietly before it’s ever visible.
Just as important, Behind Her Brand was birthed to build real community. Not surface-level connection, but an environment where women can grow together and build together. A place where collaboration matters, where women can ask real questions, share real challenges, celebrate real wins, and know they’re not walking alone. Community, to me, isn’t just about being in the same room—it’s about creating safety, trust, and space for women to become who they’re called to be.
At its core, Behind Her Brand exists to exemplify what true community looks like—where women can genuinely build together and be honest about their journeys. And when women come together in that way, the impact is far beyond business. We can shape culture, we can shape communities, and we can shape generations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building Behind Her Brand has definitely not been a smooth road—and I don’t think it was ever meant to be. Every meaningful journey comes with its challenges, and this one has been no exception. But I’ve also learned that it’s in the challenges where growth, clarity, and purpose truly show up.
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the balance between vision and execution. I had a clear sense of why this platform needed to exist, but translating that vision into something tangible—whether it was a magazine, events, or a community—took patience, trial, and sometimes failure. There were moments when I questioned if I could make it all happen, or if I had what it takes to carry it forward the way I envisioned. And yet, those moments reminded me that persistence, faith, and focus often matter more than perfection.
Another challenge has been the weight of expectations—my own, and sometimes those from others. Behind Her Brand is about authenticity, but it’s hard to stay authentic in a world that often celebrates only the polished, highlight-worthy moments. Early on, there were times I wondered if I was “doing it right,” or if I needed to fit a mold to be taken seriously. What I’ve learned is that embracing my own process, trusting my instincts, and showing up as myself has been the most powerful form of leadership—and it has opened doors and hearts in ways I never imagined.
And of course, building community has its challenges too. Creating a space where women feel safe, seen, and encouraged requires constant attention, care, and intention. But every story shared, every connection made, every woman who feels supported reminds me that the work is not just worth it—it matters. And when women come together in that way, the impact goes far beyond business; it shapes culture, communities, and even generations.
So yes, the road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been full of lessons, growth, and moments of joy that make every challenge worth it. And the truth is, the struggles don’t take away from the journey—they enhance it. They teach resilience, they strengthen vision, and they show that even when the road feels hard, meaningful work has a way of leaving a legacy far greater than we could ever imagine.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Behind Her Brand is more than a multimedia platform—it’s a movement, and it’s very personal to me. I started it because I saw how often women feel like they have to wear a mask for the world. We’re taught to show confidence, success, and perfection on the outside, even while we’re quietly building, learning, struggling, and figuring things out behind the scenes. Behind Her Brand exists to honor the whole journey—the wins, the lessons, the growth, and yes, even the messy parts. It’s a place where women can be seen, heard, and supported exactly as they are.
We specialize in professional development, community-building, and providing resources that help women grow both personally and professionally. Everything we do—our print magazine, events, awards, coaching, and consulting—is designed to create real opportunities for women to connect, learn, and expand their capacity to lead, thrive, and step into their purpose. But it’s more than resources—it’s about experiences that challenge women to stretch, reflect, and embrace the fullness of their potential.
What sets Behind Her Brand apart is our focus on real, intentional community. This isn’t just about networking or celebrating highlight moments. It’s about creating a space where women can share openly, give and receive honest feedback, have deep conversations, and challenge each other to grow—both personally and professionally. We’re committed to building together, learning together, and holding one another accountable in ways that are encouraging, empowering, and authentic. It’s about education, growth, and connection—both individually and collectively—and creating a space where women know they’re not walking their journey alone.
What I’m most proud of is the community itself. Seeing women lift each other up, collaborate, challenge, and inspire one another reminds me every day why Behind Her Brand exists. This isn’t just about visibility or recognition—it’s about creating impact that reaches far beyond business. Together, the women in this community are shaping culture, influencing communities, and building legacies for the next generation. They’re proving that when women support each other with honesty, intention, and purpose, incredible things happen.
Behind Her Brand is for women who are ready to embrace the fullness of their journey, grow intentionally, and build intentionally. It’s a warm, welcoming space to be yourself, share your story, learn, connect, and leave an impact that truly matters. We’re not just building businesses—we’re building confidence, culture, community, and a legacy that goes far beyond ourselves.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is that growth doesn’t come from rushing or trying to look perfect—it comes from staying rooted in who you are, being patient with your process, and leaning fully into the work of becoming.
There were seasons early on when I felt pressure to move faster, accomplish more, and present a polished version of myself and the brand. I thought that if I didn’t have it all together, or if I didn’t show only the “wins,” I wouldn’t be taken seriously. But over time, I realized that authenticity—not perfection—creates connection, builds trust, and allows real impact to happen. The moments when I was honest about my challenges, transparent about what I was learning, and open to asking for guidance were the very moments that created the deepest connections and the most meaningful growth.
I’ve also learned that you can’t build anything truly significant alone. Behind Her Brand exists because of the women who show up, support each other, and hold each other accountable. Community matters—not just as a nice-to-have, but as a critical part of growth. The women who challenge you, celebrate with you, and remind you of your purpose even when you doubt yourself are the ones who help you rise higher than you ever could alone. That lesson has shaped how I approach everything I do—from building the brand to leading the community and mentoring others.
Another lesson has been to embrace the process—even the messy, uncomfortable, and uncertain parts. So often, we focus on milestones and outcomes, forgetting that the learning, the perseverance, and the courage it takes to show up day after day are just as important as the “finished product.” Those behind-the-scenes seasons—the ones that feel invisible at the time—are actually where the most growth happens. They shape character, clarify vision, and build resilience.
Ultimately, the lesson is this: the journey matters as much as the destination. When you honor your process, stay true to your values, and allow yourself to grow in real time, the impact goes far beyond business. It shapes your character, your leadership, your community, and the legacy you leave for others. And the most beautiful part is that when you embrace that truth, you create a space for other women to rise with you—because growth is never meant to be walked alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behindherbrand.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindherbrand_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindherbrand
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behindherbrand/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/behindherbrand
