Desiree Kitsmiller on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Desiree Kitsmiller and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day start with an early morning wake-up. Before the sun rises and before most people are awake, I like to hit the gym and get my body moving. Afterward, I spend some time in contrast therapy—alternating between a sauna and an ice bath. This routine is the perfect way for me to awaken both my body and mind, and it also gives me some quiet, uninterrupted time before the world and life get busy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Physician Associate with a special interest in Longevity Medicine, and I’m also a content creator and UGC creator. I love the balance between my two worlds—healthcare keeps me grounded in science and purpose, while content creation fuels my creativity and allows me to express myself in new ways. Through travel, wellness, health, fitness, and lifestyle content, I get to share a blend of education, inspiration, and authenticity. It’s a unique mix that not only allows me to impact others through medicine but also connect creatively with brands and communities around the world.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandparents saw me clearly before I could see myself. Growing up with a young single mother, I spent most of my childhood with them, and they became my everything. They believed in me from the very beginning, guiding me, supporting me, and lifting me up through every hardship—through all my struggles as a child, a teenager, and even as an adult. Now, at 30, they are still the first people I turn to for advice, comfort, and support. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them—they are my heart, my home, and the most important people in my life.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some of the defining wounds of my life have come from growing up with separated parents, navigating broken relationships, and experiencing an unstable childhood. These challenges shaped me in ways that were painful but also deeply formative. Healing has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and finding stability within myself. I’ve learned to set boundaries, surround myself with people who truly support me, and cultivate routines and practices—like wellness, fitness, and mindfulness—that help me feel grounded. Over time, I’ve turned those early wounds into a source of strength, empathy, and clarity about what I want from life and from the people I let in.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d say it’s my support system—my family, my friends, the people who lift me up and make life meaningful. I’ve learned that relationships, love, and connection are far more valuable than material things. I treasure the bonds that nurture, challenge, and inspire me, and I’m endlessly grateful for the people who celebrate my wins, hold me through my struggles, and remind me what truly matters in life. At the end of the day, it’s the people in my life that I hold closest to my heart.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace during my quiet, alone moments—my time to recharge as an introvert. Whether I’m reading a book, moving my body at the gym, or simply sitting in stillness, these moments allow me to reset, reflect, and reconnect with myself. They’re my sanctuary, the space where I regain clarity, energy, and a sense of calm before stepping back into the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ugcwithdesireek.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: desireekitsmiller