Stephanie Shepherdfirst becameKim Kardashian’s assistant in 2013, but a source close to the Kardashian family told PEOPLE in November 2017 that after four years of working together, the reality star opted to professionally part ways with Shepherd.
“Kim made a decision to let Stephanie go,” the insider told PEOPLE. “She was a good assistant, but when Stephanie wanted to transition into a larger role with Kim’s brand and businesses, it just didn’t work. Kim gave her the chance, but after a short period of time it became clear that Stephanie just didn’t have the knowledge to take on a role like that. Kim made an executive decision to part ways.”
The source added that Shepherd is “still friendly with the other sisters, but she and Kim aren’t really speaking.”
However, any issues between the pair seemed to have smoothed over following Shepherd’s departure. Shepherd landed on Kardashian’s list of friends (and some foes) who received KKW Fragrance Valentine’s Day gifts in 2018, and Shepherd posted a photo of hers with a heart emoji. Then, in August 2018, both Shepherd and Kardashiandenied rumors of a feud. In September 2021, Kardashian even gifted Shepherd a$25K Hermès bag for her birthday.
While guesting onThe Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcastin November 2023, Shepherd candidly spoke about her firing and how the two remained friends.
“It was sucha huge deal at the time,” she said. “I mean, fired in the nicest sense of the word. I was crying, she was crying, because we are friends. And honestly, that friendship is really important to both of us.”
Shepherd explained she felt ready to “move” on and that Kardashian “probably felt and saw that.” The former assistant continued: “She was like, ‘You need something more. You have this thing, pursue that. I’ll support you, whatever you need.’ And it was the most beautiful uncoupling.”
After parting ways with Kardashian, Shepherd pivoted to modeling, scoring a campaign in March 2018 as the face of8 Other Reasons, a trendy, bohemian jewelry line — on top of enjoying her status as a full-fledged Instagram influencer. She later co-foundedFuture Earth, a nonprofit organization that aims to use social media to share information about environmentalism and climate change. Shepherd has also branched out into acting, landing a supporting role in the 2022 Prime Video movieSomething from Tiffany’s.
Here are six things to know about Kardashian’s former assistant.
She started her career as a Cleveland Cavaliers dancer
Years before Shepherd met Kardashian, she got her start dancing for the Cleveland Cavaliers when she was 18.
“I don’t know what’s most embarrassing about this pic,” she wrote alongside a since-deleted Instagram throwback photo of her in her uniform.
She worked as an assistant for aReal Housewives of Beverly Hillsstar before working for Kardashian
In a 2017interview with Refinery29, Shepherd revealed that after she moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles, she worked part-time at a gym before meeting choreographer Mikey Minden, who hired her to work as an assistant for him and his number one client:Erika Girardi.
“When I say I came from a small town, I mean that I would pass cows driving to school. It was country life: bonfires and football games. Our nicest restaurant was Olive Garden,” she said. “So when I came out here, it was a whole different thing. I had never seen a Range Rover. I hadn’t really traveled; I didn’t know what Givenchy was or how to pronounce it. Mikey and Erika took me under their wing and taught meeverything. We traveled the world together. They both opened my eyes to so much about being a hard-working, meticulous assistant, yes, but also just all the things life can offer.”
Her employment caused drama onKeeping Up with the Kardashians
On a 2017 episode ofKeeping Up with the Kardashians,Kourtney Kardashiantold Kim that Shepherd — who eventually became COO of Kardashian West Brands — wasn’t feeling fulfilled working for her.
“Just a heads up, we were talking, and she was saying that she didn’t know what she wanted to do in life,” the eldest Kardashian sister said. “She feels, like, maybe she’s in a place in life where she’s unfulfilled, job-wise.”
Kourtney added, “I feel like she’s just looking to, like, evolve.”
She takes responsibility for the marijuana-themed Kimojis
Back when she was the COO of Kardashian West Brands, Shepherd said she and theKUWTKstar used to text constantly about Kimoji ideas.
“Obviously, Kim and I text all day, every day,” she told Refinery29. “From the second we wake up until we go to bed, so we just bounce off ideas, like, ‘Oh my God, this is so funny, let’s make it a Kimoji!’ It’s fun to have an idea and see it brought to life.”
And one of those ideas was marijuana-centric. “Kim doesn’t smoke, but I try to get the weed paraphernalia in there … you know, for the youth,” Shepherd added.
She married former Apple Music executive Larry Jackson
Stephanie Shepherd and Larry Jackson.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Shepherd met Jackson — Apple Music’sformer global creative director— a few years before they started dating, back when he used to manageKanye West. But it wasn’t until their paths crossed at West’sLife of Pablotour stop in Miami that Shepherd and Jackson got together.
She also said he wasn’t the first one of West’s friends she dated.
“I didn’t date anyone at all for, like, the first two years working with Kim because there just wasn’t time,” she told Refinery29. “And then I did meet a DJ who worked with Kanye, but it just didn’t work out — we were too busy. But man, that probably sounds so bad. I really should stop dating Kanye’s friends!”
The couple got married on June 24, 2023.Kardashian attended the wedding, wearing a cutout-covered Alaïa dress.
She aspires to be like Kris Jenner someday
Although Shepherd spent a lot of time working for Kardashian, it’s the famous momager who she hopes to emulate.
“Kris Jenneris a f—— G,” she told Refinery29. “The biggest lesson she’s taught me is to not procrastinate. When you want something done, get it done. If you’re a procrastinator, this is not the world for you. If someone tells her no, she has no problem standing her ground and saying, ‘We’re not accepting that; get someone on the phone and make it happen.'”
source: people.com
