This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with Miami native Kenerly Wright. This mom of two is the owner of Kidcreate Studio, a mobile art studio just for kids! We spoke to Kenerly about her family life, career, and more.
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I was born in Miami, but my family relocated to Orlando during my toddler years. I moved back to Miami in 2011 and have been here ever since. I love this town and knew starting a business here was ideal.
What do you love about living in Miami?
Nowhere compares to Miami. The weather, the culture, and the landscape make Miami an optimal place to live. My family is from Haiti, and being in Miami makes me feel more connected to my roots. The variety of foods from different cultures and our beaches are some of the reasons I hold Miami near and dear to my heart.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
My husband Grant and I met in high school at the tender age of 15. We’ve been married now for 6 years and have two stellar children. Our eldest, Ziona, who is a certified unicorn mermaid Princess, is 5 years old, and our high-energy Spiderman-space cadet son, Laureate, is 3 1⁄2.
How do you balance work and mommyhood?
Balancing work and mommyhood is only made possible because I have an amazing husband by my side. He is my biggest cheerleader and supporter. He is an amazing father, and I could not do any of this without him. It truly is a family affair. Because of our collaboration, I am still able to be around for our children while simultaneously focusing on the growth of our business.
Tell us about Kidcreate Studio. Why and how did you get started?
Kidcreate Studio is a mobile art studio just for kids! We specialize in onsite children’s art classes, camps, and art-themed workshops. While with Kidcreate, children create fridge-worthy masterpieces, learn creative concepts, and experiment with many different art materials. We focus on art education and art creation.
We have projects using clay, canvas, drawing techniques, slime, and more. Our classes are age-specific and tailored to provide each student with the curriculum that suits them best.
Our curriculum is geared towards kids ages 18 months to 15 years old. Kidcreate is a part of a franchise network with about 20 other studios across the country. After having two kids in three years, I knew my next move would be something that allowed me to have autonomy over my schedule and the flexibility to work with my kids. Going back to the corporate world was not an option; buying a franchise was ideal. I didn’t have to build from scratch–I had a back-office support team that helped get my business off the ground and a community of other franchisees I could connect with for advice and encouragement.
Where can families find your classes?
Families can find our classes and learn more about birthday parties, community events, and art parties on our website: Kidcreate.com/Miami or by following us on IG or FB @kidcreatestudio_miami.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are usually surprised that I am not a former art teacher. Most people think I chose this business because I have a deeply rooted art background. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I love the world of art, but I started Kidcreate because I wanted to work with kids and the community. Our on-the-go business model allows me to bring our amazing curriculum to different communities around the Greater Miami area. The business acumen I gained from my former years as a high-rise condominium property manager gave me the skills needed to be a small business owner. My former runway modeling gave me the confidence to do it.
What’s the best piece of advice you would give to another Miami mom?
Moms are typically the ones least likely to take risks. We think about our children and their future and tend to stray away from taking chances because of the fear of the unknown. My advice to another Miami mom is to go for her passions and goals. Don’t talk yourself out of it. You are worth it, and you deserve it. We are fortunate to live in a city that breeds, embraces, and supports locally-owned small businesses. Take advantage of that and just do it!
Kenerly Wright – Owner & Operator
Phone: 305-402-4267
Email: [email protected]
Website: Kidcreatestudio.com/Miami