Meet DeShelia — Strategist, Coach, Storyteller, Speaker
Helping leaders and solopreneurs clarify their story, elevate their brand, and grow their business with confidence.
Award-winning Marketing and Brand Strategist
The story behind the strategist
Where my story begins…
Every brand has a story — and mine began behind the camera.
I started my career in broadcast production, producing campaigns for Audi of America, Royal Caribbean, and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream. Working behind the scenes taught me the power of storytelling and how the right message can spark belief, connection, and action.
That spark became the foundation of everything I do today.
From creativity to global strategy
Over the next two decades, my career expanded across industries and global brands. I led marketing and brand strategy for Lenovo, Align Technology (makers of Invisalign), and Harte Hanks, guiding teams that created strategies for Spectrum Enterprises, Samsung, Cisco, IBM, and other Fortune 500 companies.
Today, as Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Duke University, I lead purpose-driven storytelling that inspires connection, generosity, and impact at a global scale.
Coaching with purpose
How Coaching Found Me
As my career grew, something else emerged — people began asking for deeper guidance. They wanted clarity on how to tell their story, position their brand, and lead with authenticity. That’s when I stepped fully into coaching.
As a certified professional coach and brand strategist, I help solopreneurs and leaders:
● Clarify their message
● Align strategy with purpose
● Build confidence to show up boldly
● Create brands that feel true to who they are
When your brand reflects your truth, everything changes — your clarity, your impact, and your joy.
Rooted in purpose
I’m guided by faith, fueled by service, and grounded in community.
I’m honored to serve through the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Durham Alumni Chapter of North Carolina A&T State University, the Junior League of Raleigh, and Now Church NC.
And when I’m not strategizing or coaching, you’ll find me laughing with family and friends — often over a plate of southern fried seafood. Or you can find me in my garage, working on my latest DIY woodworking project.
Because great stories aren’t just told in the work we do — they’re built in the moments that shape us.
Why work with me
What I bring to every client, leader, and brand
As my career grew, something else emerged — people began asking for deeper guidance. They wanted clarity on how to tell their story, position their brand, and lead with authenticity.
That’s when I stepped fully into coaching.
As a certified professional coach and brand strategist, I help solopreneurs and leaders:
● Clarify their message
● Align strategy with purpose
● Build confidence to show up boldly
● Create brands that feel true to who they are
When your brand reflects your truth, everything changes — your clarity, your impact, and your joy.