We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Desiree Kitsmiller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Desiree, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my grandparents, who always provided for me and worked as much as they could to make sure I never went without. Watching their dedication and perseverance taught me the value of hard work, gratitude, and doing your best no matter the circumstances.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I live what I like to call a “double life” — by day, I’m a Physician Associate working in healthcare, and by night (and often weekends), I’m a content creator and UGC (user-generated content) creator. Balancing both careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
In healthcare, I have the privilege of helping people directly — listening to their stories, providing care, and being a small part of improving their lives. That same passion for connection carries over into my content creation. I love working with brands to create natural, relatable, lifestyle-driven content that resonates with real people. I focus on authenticity and storytelling — whether I’m filming in my kitchen, at my spa pool, or sharing a favorite product that genuinely fits into my life.
What excites me most about content creation is how creative and ever-evolving it is. It’s given me the opportunity to collaborate with amazing brands, grow a community, and express a different side of myself that’s both artistic and entrepreneurial.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to expand my work as a creator — building my portfolio, collaborating with more wellness and lifestyle brands, and finding new ways to bridge my two worlds of healthcare and creativity.
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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been discipline, adaptability, and authenticity.
Discipline has been essential in balancing my dual careers. Working full-time in healthcare while growing a creative brand on the side requires structure and consistency — showing up even when motivation fades. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say start by setting small, realistic goals and build habits around them. Consistency compounds over time.
Adaptability has also played a huge role. Whether it’s keeping up with evolving medical practices or shifting social media trends, being open to learning and embracing change has helped me grow instead of getting stuck. My advice is to stay curious — take online courses, seek feedback, and be willing to pivot when something isn’t working.
Lastly, authenticity has shaped both my professional and creative paths. In healthcare, it builds trust with patients. In content creation, it builds connection with an audience. People can tell when you’re being genuine. So my advice here is simple: stay true to your values and let your unique personality shine through in everything you do.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it being as present as possible — really soaking in moments with the people I love and making memories that matter. I’d travel more, explore new places, and experience different cultures and ways of life. I think seeing more of the world gives you a deeper appreciation for how big and beautiful life really is.
Professionally, I’d continue doing the two things that bring me the most fulfillment — caring for others as a Physician Associate and creating content that inspires and connects. I’d focus on projects that feel meaningful, collaborations that align with my values, and storytelling that leaves a positive mark.
Most of all, I’d live with intention — saying yes to things that excite me, no to things that drain me, and never taking time for granted. That’s the kind of legacy I’d want to leave behind: one rooted in kindness, creativity, and genuine connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ugcwithdesireek.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desireekitsmiller
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