Meet Kimberly DeShields-Spencer

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly DeShields-Spencer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kimberly, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

That’s such a beautiful question. Honestly, my resilience comes from a mix of faith, life, and a whole lot of grace. There have been seasons where I didn’t even realize I had resilience until life demanded it. You know those moments when everything feels like it’s falling apart, and somehow, you still find the strength to get up the next day? That’s where I’ve learned what I’m really made of.

For me, resilience has never been about perfection or pretending to have it all together—it’s been about trusting God in the middle of the unknown. There were times I prayed through tears, moments when I didn’t have the answers, and yet, somehow, He still showed up. That quiet strength that rises when everything in you feels weary—that’s God. That’s where my resilience starts and where it keeps growing.

I also think so much of it comes from the women who came before me—my mother, my grandmothers, and the women who’ve spoken life into me. Watching them navigate hardship with grace taught me that you don’t always need to roar to be strong. Sometimes resilience looks like showing up with love, even when your heart is tired. It looks like forgiving when it’s easier to stay bitter, or choosing to rebuild when life gives you every reason to quit.

Then there’s my circle—those women who remind me who I am when I forget. They speak truth, challenge me, and hold space for me when I need to rest. Having people like that in your life helps you remember that resilience isn’t something you carry alone—it’s something that’s cultivated in community.

And honestly, a big part of my resilience comes from purpose. When you know you’re called to something greater, it gives you perspective. Even the hard seasons start to feel like preparation. I think about my family, my sons, and the women who are watching quietly from the sidelines—hoping to see if it’s possible to rise again after being knocked down. That keeps me going.

So, if I had to sum it up: my resilience is rooted in faith, watered by grace, and strengthened by love. It’s knowing that no matter how many times I’ve been stretched, refined, or redirected, God never wasted a single moment of it. Every part of my journey has built something unshakable in me—and that’s the kind of resilience I pray I always carry.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Kimberly DeShields-Spencer, founder of Behind Her Brand, a movement created to celebrate, connect, and elevate women who are building boldly in business and in life. What began as a magazine has grown into a full platform that doesn’t just share stories—it provides practical strategies, meaningful connections, and hands-on opportunities that help women turn their ideas into impact.

What excites me most about what I do is seeing women recognize that their story matters, that their journey—full of lessons, pivots, and victories—is exactly what gives them influence and impact. Behind Her Brand was never meant to simply tell stories; it’s about creating spaces where women can grow, learn, and thrive. We host retreats and experiences that allow women to step away, reflect, and recalibrate their vision while being poured into by a community of like-minded leaders.

We’re also proud of our annual Behind Her Brand Conference, a dynamic, purpose-driven gathering that brings women together to learn, collaborate, and gain clarity on their next steps. And each year, our Behind Her Brand Women Who Build Awards celebrate extraordinary women who are leading with courage, heart, and innovation—those who are not only building successful brands but also creating meaningful impact in their communities. These events aren’t just about recognition—they’re about inspiration, connection, and giving women tangible tools and encouragement to continue building boldly.

At its core, Behind Her Brand is more than a brand or a platform—it’s a movement of women rewriting the narrative of leadership, legacy, and purpose. We’re committed to creating spaces where women are equipped, celebrated, and empowered to step fully into who they are called to be. When women come together with intention, courage, and authenticity, we don’t just build businesses—we build impact, we build legacies, and most importantly, we build each other.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that stand out as absolutely foundational: faith, adaptability, and community. Each one has shaped not just my career, but the way I live, lead, and show up for others.

Faith has been my anchor. There have been seasons where doors closed, plans didn’t work out, and the path ahead felt uncertain. In those moments, it wasn’t my skill or knowledge that carried me—it was trusting that God had a plan and that He was working even in the unseen. For anyone just starting out, I would say: take the time to invest in your spiritual foundation. Pray, reflect, seek guidance, and really understand your “why.” When your purpose is clear and your heart is aligned, challenges become opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to fear.

Adaptability has been equally important. Life and business rarely go exactly the way we imagine, and the ability to pivot, adjust, and embrace change has saved me countless times. The truth is, mistakes and setbacks aren’t signs of failure—they’re lessons that teach you what you’re capable of. If you’re early in your journey, I encourage you to lean into flexibility. Experiment, take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to shift direction when needed. The more you practice moving with grace through change, the stronger your confidence becomes, and the more resilient you’ll be when life throws curveballs.

And then there’s community—the people who surround you, believe in you, and hold space for you. I didn’t build Behind Her Brand alone, and I never could have. My mentors, my peers, and the women who have poured into me along the way have been invaluable. They’ve celebrated my wins, reminded me of my worth, and even challenged me when I needed it most. For anyone starting out, I can’t stress enough how important it is to build a circle of people who inspire, encourage, and hold you accountable. Seek mentors, find peers, and don’t shy away from asking for help—support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom.

So, my advice to anyone early in their journey is this: ground yourself in faith, stay flexible and open to growth, and surround yourself with a strong, intentional community. These three things together don’t just help you survive the challenges—they help you thrive, and they give your work meaning beyond the results. Remember, success isn’t just what you build; it’s who you become in the process, and the legacy you leave for the women who are coming behind you.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me wasn’t a lesson they explicitly taught—it was the way they modeled strength, faith, and integrity in everyday life. They didn’t just talk about what was right; they showed it in the way they lived, in the choices they made, and in the way they treated others. From them, I learned that real strength isn’t loud or boastful—it’s steady, consistent, and rooted in values that don’t change when life gets hard. They taught me, without words, what it looks like to work hard, persevere when challenges come, and trust God even when the path ahead feels uncertain or unclear.

Both of my parents faced their own struggles and setbacks, yet they never let those challenges define them or limit their vision for the life they wanted to lead or the example they wanted to set for me. I watched them navigate difficult decisions with courage, humility, and an unwavering commitment to family and purpose. That consistency—seeing them rise, even in the midst of hardship—gave me the quiet confidence to believe that I, too, could face my own challenges and still come out stronger on the other side.

What I cherish most is that they created a home where my voice mattered. I wasn’t just expected to follow rules or stay quiet—I was encouraged to think for myself, to speak my truth, and to dream boldly. That combination of discipline and freedom gave me both resilience and self-belief, qualities that have become cornerstones in every part of my personal and professional journey.

Looking back, the most impactful gift my parents gave me wasn’t anything material or tangible—it was the blueprint for living a life with faith, integrity, and courage. Through their example, I learned how to navigate life with grace, stand firm in my purpose, and build something meaningful. Everything I do today, the way I lead, the way I encourage women, and the way I show up for my family—it all traces back to the quiet, consistent, and powerful example my parents set every single day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behindherbrand.net
• Instagram: @behindherbrand_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/behindherbrand
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behindherbrand/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/behindherbrand