Meet Kia Smith

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Kia Smith again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Kia , always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
My name is Kia Janeen Smith, author and creator of Lalibella the Ladybug. My brand was built around a unique purple ladybug, born from my imagination to inspire children to embrace their individuality. Through my stories, I aim to spread the message that it’s beautiful to be different and that true confidence comes from within.

What sets my brand apart is the unique blend of creativity, representation, and empowerment that comes through in everything you do. Lalibella the Ladybug is unlike any other character on the market—she’s a purple ladybug with afro-puffs, designed not just to be cute, but to embody a message of self-love, diversity, and embracing individuality. My fairytales and the Lalibella Doll Collection inspire children to shine from the inside out, helping them see the beauty in being different.

My journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a character that would inspire children to embrace their uniqueness. Like any entrepreneurial journey, there were challenges along the way, from developing the doll collection to bringing my fairytales to life. But through determination and a deep commitment to representation, I stayed focused on my vision: to create plush dolls and stories that help children see the beauty in being different.

The launch of the Lalibella Doll Collection was a significant milestone, as each doll was designed not only to be fun and colorful but also to empower children to shine from the inside out. Today, I’m proud to continue building a brand that celebrates individuality and self-love, knowing that the journey is just beginning. My mission is clear: to inspire children everywhere to embrace who they are and to let their uniqueness shine!

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
Since we last connected, the journey has been a whirlwind of excitement, growth, and a few challenges along the way. The Lalibella Doll Collection has been a major highlight, with kids and parents responding incredibly positively to the character and her message of self-love and diversity. It’s been so rewarding to see children connect with Lalibella and embrace her uniqueness.

Of course, there have been obstacles—like dealing with manufacturing delays and design revisions—but each one taught me something valuable about perseverance and patience. The creative side has also been so much fun, especially expanding Lalibella’s world through new stories that touch on themes like friendship and confidence.

The best part has been seeing the brand evolve and connect with a larger community of parents, educators, and creators who share the same vision. Moving forward, I’m excited about new projects, potential collaborations, and continuing to inspire children to embrace who they are and shine from within. The journey is ongoing, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next!

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Avatar 1

Favorite Book: Judy Blume “Forever”

Favorite TV Show: A Different World

Favorite Band or Artist: Pharrell Williams

Sweet or Savory: Sweet

Mountains or Beach: Beach

Favorite Sport (to watch): Football

Favorite Sport (to play): Volleyball

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Vollyball

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: An Actress

French Fries or Onion Rings: Onion Rngs

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Tom and Jerry

Favorite Childhood movie: Grease

Favorite Breakfast Food: French toast

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
This year marks a new chapter of abundance as I focus on growing my company and connecting with like-minded individuals who can help elevate Lalibella the Ladybug to the next level. One of my biggest dreams is to complete the animation for a short film and see Lalibella come to life on the big screen. I also have additional fairytales that continue her journey, showcasing how she helps others overcome challenges. In Addition, another goal is to expand my social media audience by sharing unique, engaging videos that inspire others to use their imagination to paint their reality. This year is set to be a transformative and game-changing moment for Lalibella the Ladybug.

Website: https://www.lalibellatheladybug.com

Instagram: @lalibellatheladybug

Image Credits
Kwtcphotography