Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra “Kiez” Shepherd
Hi Kierra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a natural creative—deeply in love with art, fashion, and self-expression. Since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to and had innate gifts and talents for all forms of artistry and creativity, whether it was writing, poetry, dancing, styling or teaching. I live authentically, and that authenticity fuels my passion for serving, educating, and healing.
I got started simply by following what felt natural—expressing myself through different mediums and embracing the things that intrinsically move me. Over time, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just about creativity but about using it as a tool to help others. I’m passionate about eliminating the white elephants in the room—starting conversations about things that are often overlooked or misunderstood. That’s what led me to create The Bare Sunflower in October 2018, a brand that blends health, wellness, sacred sexuality, and spirituality to empower people in ways that feel both natural and transformative.
Through all my work, I strive to create a space where people feel seen, understood, and liberated—whether it’s through teaching how to wear pieces that fits their individual personality to foster confidence, conversation to heal, share my wisdom and enlighten, or holistic healing to name a few. I believe true empowerment comes from knowledge, self-awareness, and embracing every part of who we are. My journey started with self-expression, but it has evolved into something much bigger: a mission to help others reconnect with themselves on a deeper soul level and live in their fullest, most authentic truth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road because that’s the polarity of life. Growth demands discomfort. I’ve had countless deaths and rebirths to become who I am and will continue to. With evolution comes failure, and the sooner you embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, the sooner you’ll begin to truly live. Perspective is everything.
My experiences have shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. Up until my mid-twenties I struggled with being a people-pleaser, not knowing how to communicate effectively, misusing my temple, and being in relationships that chipped away at my self-esteem. Even down to the way I dressed—the clothes I wore, the hairstyles I chose—so much of it wasn’t a true reflection of who I was at my core. But all of that was necessary because it led me on a path of deep self-discovery, forcing me to strip away the layers of who I thought I was so I could uncover who I truly am.
In August 2019, I made a decision that changed everything. What was supposed to be a 30-day social media break turned into a three-year hiatus from not just the digital world, but life as I knew it. I disconnected from everything—friends, family, distractions—and really locked in. I dedicated myself to healing, emotionally educating myself, unlearning, relearning, and transforming every aspect of my existence. It wasn’t easy. It was lonely. But looking back of course it was necessary. I didn’t fully emerge back into the world until around May of 2024, and when I did, I was no longer the same person.
Today, I stand wiser, more confident, and fearless in my truth. My journey has given me a deeper purpose—to share my experiences in a way that heals, uplifts, and transforms others. I now see that every struggle was a lesson, every loss a redirection, and every challenge a necessary part of my evolution. And for that, I’m beyond grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is a reflection of my purpose—blending health, wellness, sacred sexuality, and spirituality to help people reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. Through The Bare Sunflower, I educate and guide individuals toward holistic healing, self-awareness, and personal empowerment. In 2020, I launched my first product line Sunflower Seeds, vegan vaginal suppositories, to help eliminate odor causing bacteria and balance the pH. So many women love them! But The Bare Sunflower is just one branch of something much bigger—my personal brand, KiezPlz.
KiezPlz is the tree, the foundation that holds everything I create. It’s where my artistry, fashion, and overall creative expression live. It’s who I show up as, both online and in real life. KiezPlz allows me to showcase every layer of who I am, while The Bare Sunflower is an extension of that—where my work in wellness, sacred sexuality, and spirituality takes form. There’s so much more I am giving birth to in the near future.
I specialize in being a rebel with a cause, breaking stigmas and starting conversations around topics that are often deemed taboo, overlooked or misunderstood, whether it’s sexual wellness, sacred energy exchange, or the connection between the body and spirit. I’m known for my sense of style, my ability to teach, heal, and create in a way that feels both authentic and transformative. My work extends beyond just information and beauty—it’s about embodiment, integration, and truly living in alignment with one’s highest self.
What I’m most proud of is the journey it took to get here. I took time to completely transform my life—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—and now I use my experiences to help others do the same. I’m proud of the impact I’ve made, the lives I’ve touched, and the space I’ve created for people to feel seen, heard, and liberated. I look forward to doing and being more.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge the spiritual with the practical, the sensual with the sacred. I don’t just teach theory—I live my truth, and I lead by example. My work isn’t about fitting into societal expectations; it’s about helping people strip away conditioning, reclaim their power, and redefine what wellness, sexuality, and spirituality mean for them. I bring depth, originality, and authenticity to everything I do, and that’s what makes KiezPlz and The Bare Sunflower more than just brands with products, services and information—they’re sanctuaries for transformation. I’m about creating a movement, one that helps people embrace their bodies, their desires, and their spiritual essence without shame or limitation.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are so many resources that help me show up as my best self, both in my work and in life. Music is one of the most powerful resources that has helped me. Instruments, singing, and writing are transformative tools—when used with intention, they can shift energy, elevate moods, and reshape reality. The combination of sound, vibration, and the power of the tongue is a deeply magical process. For a few years now, I’ve been into different frequencies, specifically various Hertz (Hz) ranges, that work on atomic and cellular levels to heal, cleanse, and restore the mind and body. Sound isn’t just something we hear, it’s something we feel and experience on a vibrational level. Understanding and harnessing these frequencies has been a game-changer in my personal growth and overall well-being.
A few books that have deeply impacted me are Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Mastery By Robert Greene, Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks, The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss, and Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza. Each of these books has shaped my mindset when it comes to manifestation, abundance, reprogramming the subconscious mind, and designing a life that aligns with my purpose.
When it comes to podcasts, I enjoy the Joe Rogan Experience because of the wide range of thought-provoking conversations. On YouTube, I love The Power of You channel for binaural beats and different frequencies that help me align my energy. I also follow BehatiLife, Queen Po, and 303HighPriestess for spiritual, astrological, and planetary insights that help me stay connected to cosmic cycles and my own intuition.
Beyond external resources, my greatest guide is my intuition. Tuning into myself, exercising, detoxing, eating with balance and intention, juicing, practicing yoga, and journaling are all essential parts of my daily life. These practices keep me grounded, clear-minded, and in alignment with my highest self. But for me, success isn’t just about strategy; it’s maintaining a high vibrational state so I can continue to create, teach, and serve from a place of wholeness.
Pricing:
- Sunflower Seeds $27
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebaresunflower.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiezplz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kiezplz
Image Credits
Sade Mueller @3adesfootage
Ida John @idajohnphoto
