We recently connected with Kimberly DeShields-Spencer and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Honestly, when I started Behind Her Brand, I had never worked in the magazine publishing world. Not at all. I didn’t come from that space, and I had no prior experience creating or managing a publication. But I had a vision—a strong, persistent pull to create something meaningful for women.
The idea for Behind Her Brand came from my heart’s desire to tell the stories behind the women—to highlight not just their achievements, but their journeys, their faith, their challenges, and their growth. My desire was also to enrich, encourage, and inspire through education as well—to create something that not only celebrated women’s success but also helped them continue to grow personally and professionally. I wanted to create a space where women could learn from each other, see possibilities beyond their current circumstances, and feel empowered to take bold steps in their careers and lives. I also knew that every story told could be a spark for someone else, a reminder that they are not alone in their journey.
Still, stepping into a completely new industry was a risk. I remember sitting there wondering, Where do I even start? I didn’t know anything about layouts, editorial calendars, or distribution. There were moments of doubt, moments when I questioned if I was really cut out for this. But even in the uncertainty, I knew I had to move forward. The vision was too clear to ignore.
When I launched the first issue, Behind Her Brand was simply a magazine, but I always knew it could become more—a movement. And over time, that’s exactly what it became. Today, Behind Her Brand is a multimedia platform for professional women, combining storytelling, community, and education through print, digital features, live events, and collaborations that help women connect and grow. It’s grown into a space where women don’t just see themselves represented—they feel challenged, inspired, and equipped to take the next step in their careers and their lives.
Looking back, I realize that the biggest risk wasn’t starting a magazine—it was believing I could do something I’d never done before. But that risk changed everything. It taught me that experience isn’t a prerequisite for purpose—faith and obedience are. It showed me the power of perseverance, the importance of surrounding myself with a team that shared the vision, and the incredible impact of showing up even when I didn’t have all the answers. Every story, every issue, every connection has reminded me why this platform matters.
I had never worked in the magazine publishing world, but I believed in the vision. And that belief has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined—a community that continues to inspire, uplift, and empower women every single day. It’s a daily reminder that sometimes the biggest leaps of faith lead to the most rewarding journeys, and that when you move forward with intention and courage, doors you never imagined begin to open.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Kimberly DeShields-Spencer, founder of Behind Her Brand, UImpact, UImpact Publishing Group, and Sow.Reap.Group. I’ve always been drawn to creating spaces where women can be seen, heard, and supported in meaningful ways. What inspired me to start Behind Her Brand was a desire to tell the full stories of professional women—their journeys, their challenges, their faith, and the impact they’re making in their work and communities. I wanted to build a platform that goes beyond celebrating achievements to highlight the real experiences, strategies, and growth behind the success.
Behind Her Brand is a lifestyle and leadership network of women with a purpose: we are committed to supporting, celebrating, connecting, and curating diverse perspectives and approaches to drive meaningful change for the modern professional woman. Our community includes female CEOs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, changemakers, and innovators who share a vision of lifting one another up while growing together. What began as a magazine has evolved into a full multimedia platform, with print and digital features, live events, interviews, and educational resources that help women engage with ideas, access tools, and build networks that matter.
Through UImpact and UImpact Publishing Group, I help women and small business owners amplify their voices, share their expertise, and create platforms that reflect their vision. Sow.Reap.Group focuses on helping women and entrepreneurs translate strategy into action, turning their ideas into measurable results in business and personal growth. Across all of these ventures, my goal is to create spaces where women can access real guidance, make meaningful connections, and feel supported as they take the next step in their careers or businesses.
What sets my work apart is its intentionality and focus on authenticity. I prioritize telling stories that matter, providing content and resources with real-world value, and building communities where women feel challenged, encouraged, and equipped. I’m proud of how these platforms have grown into spaces where women can share openly, learn from each other, and take tangible steps toward their goals. I’m also proud of taking risks—diving into industries where I had no prior experience and trusting my vision while learning along the way.
For anyone new to my work or my brands, I want them to know this: these platforms exist to showcase women’s expertise, provide practical tools and strategies, and create opportunities to connect and grow. Everything we do is grounded in purpose, clarity, and value. It’s not about following trends or using buzzwords—it’s about helping women navigate their professional and personal journeys with confidence, perspective, and actionable guidance.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
For me, keeping in touch with clients and fostering brand loyalty really comes down to connection, consistency, and reciprocity. I don’t believe in surface-level communication or reaching out only when there’s something to promote. I make it a point to stay genuinely connected—through personal check-ins, newsletters, social engagement, and meaningful collaborations that add real value. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to remind clients that I see them, I’m invested in their growth, and I want to be part of their journey—not just their inbox.
I also believe in pouring into my clients, whether that’s through intentional acts of support, sharing resources, or how we show up for them in our work. Loyalty, to me, is not a one-way street. Too often, people think of brand loyalty as something we have to earn through constant giving—but I see it as a reciprocal relationship. It’s about creating mutual trust, respect, and investment in each other’s success. When clients feel that you’re just as committed to their growth as they are, something shifts—it becomes a true partnership.
That’s why I focus on creating experiences and interactions that feel authentic and personal. I celebrate their wins, share their stories, and really listen to their feedback because that builds deeper trust. Over time, that consistency and care turn into genuine loyalty—not just to a brand, but to the relationship and the mission behind it. For me, that’s what it’s all about: building real, lasting connections that go beyond business and reflect shared purpose, growth, and impact.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that things had to be done a certain way. When I was launching Behind Her Brand, there was an overwhelming amount of advice about the “right” way to build a brand—how many times to post on social media each day or week, what content you should share, what strategies would get the most engagement. For a while, I tried to follow all the rules. I thought if I did everything exactly as others said, it would guarantee success. But the more I followed formulas that didn’t feel true to me, the more disconnected I felt from my work and from the women I wanted to serve.
It was a slow realization, but I learned the value of trusting my own instincts—listening to what I felt was right, and observing what my audience genuinely responded to. I began showing up in ways that aligned with my heart and my values rather than what someone else dictated. That shift wasn’t just about strategy—it was about integrity, authenticity, and understanding that connection comes from being real, not following a prescribed formula.
By letting go of the “rules,” I started creating content, experiences, and initiatives that reflected who I am and the impact I want to make. I built a business that mirrors my values: transparency, purpose, and meaningful engagement. It allowed me to cultivate a community of women who resonate with what I believe in—women who want to grow, learn, and succeed in ways that feel genuine to them, not just trendy or performative.
Unlearning this lesson also changed how I view leadership and entrepreneurship. I realized that the pressure to do things a certain way can stifle creativity and authenticity. True influence comes from showing up consistently in your own way, rooted in your values, and trusting that the right people will respond. In the end, stepping away from the rules allowed me to build a brand that isn’t just successful—it’s a reflection of my vision, my heart, and the way I want to show up in the world.
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
