Entrepreneur, Best-Selling Author, and Television Host Kim Gravel’s Journey of Authenticity & Impact

Kim Gravel, the dynamic entrepreneur, best-selling author, and television host, has just been crowned QVC’s 2024 Vendor of the Year—a testament to her remarkable influence and unstoppable drive. From her roots as Miss Georgia to building a billion-dollar lifestyle brand with Belle by Kim Gravel and Love Who You Are, Gravel has redefined what it means to empower women through authenticity, accessibility, and confidence. At 53, she’s not only shattered sales records, including a groundbreaking $250 million in a single year at QVC, but also faced personal challenges like a Bell’s palsy diagnosis with unwavering resilience. With her Southern charm, relatable storytelling, and a mission to inspire women to embrace their worth, Gravel continues to captivate audiences through her top-rated podcast, The Kim Gravel Show, her book Collecting Confidence, and her latest venture, Love Who You Are “Home and Holiday.” Ahead, in this exclusive interview, Gravel shares the heart behind her success, the lessons from her health journey, and her advice for women ready to reinvent themselves at any stage of life.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gravel

HAUTE LIVING: Congratulations on being named QVC’s 2024 Vendor of the Year! What does this milestone mean to you, and how has your partnership with QVC shaped the growth of Belle by Kim Gravel and Love Who You Are?

KIM GRAVEL: This honor means the world to me. When I launched Belle at 46 years old with no formal fashion or business background, I never imagined it would grow into a billion-dollar brand. QVC took a chance on me, and in return, I’ve poured every ounce of my heart into this partnership. They’ve given me a platform not just to sell clothes, but to share a message of confidence and self-worth with millions of women.

HL: Your businesses have achieved remarkable success, including surpassing $1 billion in retail sales and $250 million in a single year at QVC. What strategies or values have been key to scaling your lifestyle brand so rapidly?

KG: It all comes down to authenticity and connection. I’m not trying to be someone I’m not. I’m a mom, a Southern gal, and a straight-shooter who genuinely cares about helping other women feel good about themselves. When you combine that with hard work, a clear mission, and a deep understanding of your customer, growth follows. I always say, “Authenticity is the car, and connection is the gas.”

HL: Your recent Bell’s palsy diagnosis was a significant challenge, yet you chose to return to TV with transparency and resilience. How did this experience influence your perspective on leadership and your mission to empower women?

KG: That moment tested everything I believe in. I could’ve stayed off-air, but I chose to show up, because that’s what leadership is. It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower. That experience deepened my mission to lead with transparency and reminded me that the most meaningful connections happen when we allow people to see the real us.

HL: The launch of Love Who You Are: Home and Holiday” saw over $5 million in sales. What inspired you to expand into the home and holiday space, and how does this line reflect your brand’s core message?

KG: Our home should be a reflection of the love and joy we want to feel every day. Expanding into home and holiday felt like a natural extension of the Love Who You Are mission. I want women to feel wrapped in warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging. This line was created to remind people that they’re worth celebrating, every single day. 

HL: Your book Collecting Confidence and your podcast The Kim Gravel Show resonate with women seeking authenticity and self-worth. How do you balance vulnerability and strength in your storytelling to connect with your audience?

KG: I don’t see them as opposites, I see them as partners. Vulnerability is what makes strength believable. I share the highs, but I don’t shy away from the lows, because that’s real life. I’ve learned that when you speak from the heart, people don’t just hear you, they feel you.

HL: As a former Miss Georgia turned entrepreneur and keynote speaker, how have your experiences in pageantry shaped your approach to building a brand centered on confidence and accessibility for all women?

KG: Pageants taught me how to walk in heels, but more importantly, they taught me how to walk into a room with confidence, even when I was shaking inside. I learned how to speak up, stand tall, and be seen. That experience laid the foundation for everything I do today: giving women tools to feel confident, seen, and heard in their own lives. 

HL: At 53, you’ve redefined what it means to pursue bold goals later in life. What advice would you give to women over 50 who are looking to reinvent themselves or start something new, whether in business or personal growth?

KG: Girl, do it scared. Do it tired. Do it imperfectly. Just do it. You are not too old, and it is not too late. The only thing stopping most women is the belief that their best years are behind them. I’m here to tell you: they’re not. Decide what you want, focus, take massive action, and believe in yourself. That’s the recipe, and it works at any age.