Kim Gravel has achieved another significant milestone in her career as a leading entrepreneur. The founder of Belle by Kim Gravel has been named QVC’s 2024 Vendor of the Year, a prestigious accolade that highlights her successful partnership with the shopping network. “My partnership with QVC has been a dream come true,” Gravel, 53, expressed via Instagram on Tuesday, July 1. “To everyone who has watched a show or bought a pair of Flexibelles, I’m truly grateful for you!”
For Gravel, being recognized as Vendor of the Year is “one of the most meaningful milestones of my career.” She further elaborated, “It’s a celebration of what’s possible when you lead with heart, stay rooted in purpose, and believe in what you’re building,” emphasizing the importance of passion and dedication in her journey.
The Journey to Success
Gravel’s journey with QVC has been marked by remarkable achievements. Earlier this year, she surpassed $1 billion in total retail revenue through her fashion brand, Belle by Kim Gravel, and her beauty line, Love Who You Are. This financial milestone underscores her influence and the strong connection she has forged with home shoppers.
When discussing the secret to her success, Gravel noted the importance of understanding and relating to her audience. “I am the customer. I am a QVC shopper,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in May. “I am a middle-aged woman who is looking to have her butt look lifted. I’m looking for slimming looking jeans. So for me, it’s not been, ‘Oh, I’m selling you something.’ It’s been like, ‘Let’s have fun. Let’s have some girlfriend time and let me make you be the best you can be.’”
Building Trust and Community
Gravel’s approach to her business is deeply rooted in building trust and community with her audience. With the support of QVC hosts, models, and her best friend Amy Goins, Gravel has become a staple at the network. Her shows are known for being both unpredictable and top-rated, offering a unique blend of entertainment and shopping.
In a candid moment, Gravel recalled a time when she directly addressed her viewers during a live broadcast. “If you don’t want this, you ain’t got the money, don’t buy it,” she told them, resulting in a spike in sales. “I think that we build trust with each other … We’re in the people business, y’all. We’re not in the product business,” Gravel explained, highlighting the importance of authenticity in her interactions.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons
As QVC continues with its Christmas in July sales, Gravel is not resting on her laurels. She is expanding her product offerings to include home decor items. “We have a cranberry Christmas tree,” she teased, hinting at the unique and fashionable holiday items she plans to showcase in her upcoming shows on July 12 and 13. “I think our Christmas in July is nothing like you’ve ever seen. I mean, it is Christmas tree colors that you would never think about doing. It’s fashion for holiday.”
The announcement of Gravel’s Vendor of the Year award has been met with an outpouring of support from fellow designers and shoppers alike. “So well deserved!!!!!” commented Peace Love World designer Alina Villasante. Lawrence Zarian added, “So well deserved, and, as always, there’s enough room on your coattails to open up the door for others, so their life can be changed, for good!”
Gravel’s continued success with QVC exemplifies the power of genuine connection and the impact of leading with passion and purpose. As she expands her brand and reaches new milestones, her story serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication and a heartfelt approach to business.