Kim David
Kim David
Strategy & Innovation Consultant
Queens, NY
www.demeraramedia.com
instagram @queenofhobbies
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I help ambitious brands make the most of their resources to grow organically. ”
My expertise includes research, brand and content strategy, and creative development.
As a strategist, I transform insights into opportunities and creative solutions. I start every project by trying to understand the big picture and reframe the problem if necessary. Then, I’ll focus on the details and outline truths and tension points in the context of our brand, audience, and competitors. The output is a clear narrative that ensures every move your brand takes actually supports a goal.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Over the past decade, I’ve helped mainstream global brands use insights and data to inform creative and build better relationships with consumers.
I’ve always been fully immersed in the digital advertising world. I became an insights analyst just as brands were warming up to social media, and this role allowed me to learn and shape brand new industry research methods. From there I evolved into a more client-facing role as a strategist, where I ultimately moved in-house at my client, The New York Yankees. Then I continued to round-out my experience by stepping into strategy leadership roles in PR and audio-first media before branching out to consulting.
Reflecting on my values led me to shift my focus to working with womxn-led integrity-driven brands instead of elevating global mainstream brands that desecrate the planet and exploit workers.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out by staying curious. After working with so many well-known brands, I've witnessed how easy it is to get caught up in their ecosystem and lose your unique perspective. While I am an expert, accepting that I don’t know everything helps me bring a refreshing attitude to frustrating challenges.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m working on building my creative skillset, specifically illustration, design, and video. I’m also helping my local city council candidate flip our district blue as the campaign design lead.
Lastly, I recently expanded my consulting services to include career coaching, I help womxn navigate salary negotiations as well as tricky conversations about moving forward in our “new normal.”
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I value honesty, creativity, change, and equality. The current iteration of my personal brand represents my spirit well.
I’m also most proud of my work on the Powerpuff Girls avatar generator. I grew up watching the series and we created something that made the franchise more inclusive while staying true to the original show.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I love the entire strategy development process, but even top agencies struggle to get every client to see the value of backend discovery and planning, and it’s not any easier as an independent consultant. I wish I could focus more on selling through amazing strategy over pushing the value of strategy.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I'm in the process of shifting my target audience as a business, and it's frustrating to still see womxn of color entrepreneurs overwhelmingly underfunded and under-valued. These are people who would benefit tremendously from strategy but can't always afford to invest in themselves upfront.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would pay someone to organize my downloads folder and backup my computer for me on a weekly basis.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would tell my 20-year old self to drink more water!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to a psychology researcher about triggering emotions and building relationships through digital media (and across different formats, like video vs text). I'm curious about how our criteria for trust has evolved.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m interested in helping ambitious integrity-driven brands tell their story, attract new consumers, nurture community, and get excited about taking on seemingly impossible challenges.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client knows they need an expert. The best collaborations have all come with a high level of trust among the team.
I also want to work with clients who strive to change lives and understand the importance of living true to their values, rather than aiming to be the biggest and best corporation.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
Bridget Brennan is a designer I worked with early on in my career. She is so casual about her amazing talent and her encouragement led me to take my creative side seriously as a professional.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Please email me directly with background on your project, estimated timeline, and your budget. I’ll follow up within 48 hours.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Don't stop learning, I have a never ending list of hobbies.
This member profile was originally published in February 2021.