Greetings, everyone, and welcome to this exclusive interview. We have the privilege of connecting with an extraordinary individual who has masterfully intertwined spirituality, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of global equity. It is my pleasure to introduce Kimberly J. Lewis, a Spiritual Leader, Motivational Speaker, CEO of Holy Kiss Cosmetics, and Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Executive. Join us as we embark on a journey through her remarkable life and the invaluable insights she has gathered along the way.
Kimberly J Lewis, Global DEI Lead, CEO of Holy Kiss Cosmetics
Kimberly, to begin, I'm intrigued by the diverse roles you fill. How do you find cohesion among these diverse facets of your life?
Well, it's a challenging yet captivating journey, rooted in a profound belief in the interconnectedness of all things. My spiritual journey has illuminated the significance of inner peace and its transformative potential on a global scale. Holy Kiss Cosmetics emerged from my aspiration to empower individuals, and my commitment to global diversity and inclusion is driven by a vision of a more equitable and inclusive world.
Let's delve deeper into each aspect of your life. How did you first discover your spiritual calling?
My spiritual journey was instilled in me from a young age. (laughs) My late father, Rev. Dr. Tony L. Lewis, was a powerful pastor, and despite my parents' early separation, their unwavering devotion to their faith left an indelible mark on me. Whether with my mother or during summer visits with my father, attending church, praying, and deepening my understanding of God were non-negotiable. My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I've come to realize that the pursuit of inner peace can be a catalyst for broader change.
And what about your cosmetics business—how did that come into being?
Holy Kiss Cosmetics was a natural extension of my belief in inner beauty. I grappled with depression from a young age, and I reached a breaking point during my college years. When I found myself battling recurring thoughts of ending my life, I turned to God, praying for help. It was during one of these moments that I heard God say, “You cannot die until you fulfill your purpose. I have kissed you with life.” In that profound moment, I realized I had been "Kissed by God" with the gift of life, and I was compelled to live and share the message. This divine "kiss" eventually gave rise to Holy Kiss Cosmetics, my cosmetics line. Our tagline, "Kissed By God," and our motto, "It’s not just lipstick, it’s evangelism," reflect our mission to empower individuals by using cosmetics to promote self-expression and self-esteem.
Your work in global diversity, equity, and inclusion is equally impressive. Could you elaborate on this mission?
Certainly. In a world marked by rapid change, we must embrace diversity and ensure that all voices are heard. My role is to lead an initiative that fosters inclusivity, both within organizations and on a global scale. It's about acknowledging that diversity is not just a strength but also a vital element of a just and equitable world.
As a Global DEI Leader, how do you measure success in advancing global diversity and inclusion?
That's an excellent question! We gauge success through various critical indicators. These include representation metrics, such as increasing diversity at all levels, fostering an inclusive culture that provides satisfaction for everyone, and ensuring that leaders are fully committed and actively engaged in achieving inclusion, diversity, and equity. Additionally, examining an organization's recruitment and retention rates can shed light on its ability to attract and retain diverse talent. Other measurable factors include pay equity, the effectiveness of training programs, supplier diversity, community engagement, global benchmarking, legal compliance, and ongoing improvements.
Impressive, Kimberly! It's been an enlightening experience to learn about your multifaceted endeavors. How can we stay connected with you and your various projects?
It's an honor to be part of this platform. For those who wish to connect with me, there are several avenues. You can follow me personally on Instagram at @kimberlyj4change. My businesses are on Instagram as @holykisscosmetics and @kastrategists. On Facebook, you can find me by searching for Kimberly J. Lewis, and my Facebook pages include Holy Kiss Cosmetics and Kingdom Advancement Strategists. Lastly, you can visit my websites at www.holykisscosmetics.com and www.kastrategists.org.
