We were lucky to catch up with Kia Todd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kia, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

One of the most important lessons I learned in school was how to advocate for myself and later, how to advocate for others. I didn’t realize it at the time, but learning to speak up, ask questions, and navigate different personalities gave me the foundation I now use every day as a talent agent.
I also learned how much power there is in listening. In school, you’re surrounded by people with different stories, perspectives, and dreams and paying attention to those differences taught me empathy and intuition, which are both essential in this business. Whether I’m negotiating a deal or supporting a client through a tough moment, those early lessons still show up for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kia Todd. I’m a woman led by faith and purpose. The wife of Tharen Todd, Mother of Armaje, Angel, and TJ, daughter of Ann, sister of Asia and Tony, and CEO of Kia Todd Talent Agency. After 20+ years in medical billing, I asked God to show me my true calling and helping people kept rising to the top.

That led me to a powerhouse talent rep Sheila Legette, who’s been in the industry for over 30yrs that gave me my start. I began managing a few kids in her commercial division, grew into leading the department, and eventually with her blessing, stepped out on faith to launch my own agency.

What sets me apart is how personally I take this work. I don’t just submit talent I build relationships. I advocate hard, lead with strategy and heart, and I specialize in helping overlooked actors get seen, booked, and working.

This work is deeply personal, and my agency is built on integrity, hustle, and connection. I’m here to serve, to fight for visibility, and to show up fully for my clients, and for the industry.

Over the years, I’ve had the honor of representing a wide range of incredible clients actors, speakers, and creatives whose voices deserve to be heard. Every client I work with brings something unique to the table, and I don’t take that trust lightly.

I’ve been especially blessed to represent talents like Dan Lauria, Starletta DuPois, Brian Hooks, Brely Evans, Kiki Shepard, Rebecca Ritz, Olivia Robinson, Anthony Elfonzia, Alice Prime, Malik Barnhardt, Jeris DuPree, Rufino Romero, Theresa Croft and Jay Montalvo not just because of their accomplishments, but because of the way they move with integrity, purpose, and grit. They represent the kind of heart-led hustle that inspires me every day.

My clients are more than just talent they’re storytellers, survivors, dreamers, and change-makers. From rising stars to seasoned pros, I represent people who are passionate about purpose and impact.

Although I love and believe in every single client I represent, I’d be lying if I said there aren’t a few I find myself praying just a little harder for not because they need it more, but because we’ve been in the trenches together from the very beginning.

Corey Mekell is one of those people. A true triple threat, he’s been with me since day one. He’s wrapping up a year-long run on the national Broadway tour of Ain’t Too Proud. It’s been an incredible journey, but I know deep down, God is just getting started with him. Corey’s talent, humility, and heart make him so deserving of all the good that’s coming.

Another day-one, Cornell Young IV, has had a whirlwind year himself. Booked and busy, he’s currently filming the pilot of a highly anticipated spin-off series that’s sure to turn heads. Cornell’s work ethic and spirit have “breakout star” written all over them.

These two mean the world to me. They’re not just gifted, they’re good-hearted. The kind of people you want to see win.

Angelique Wyche is another powerhouse a true triple threat who can act, sing, and dance with undeniable force. Then there’s Troy Brookins, who has several exciting projects dropping and has become like a spirit brother to me. I’m also honored to represent a growing list of others who continue to inspire me daily.

Our kids are just as amazing. Quentin Blanton Jr. is lighting up the stage on a national Broadway tour as little MJ. SaRaya Paris Johnson is preparing for her lead role in a feature film with some seasoned pros. Peyton Patton another triple threat. Beau Reusch keeps booking consistently. Kayla Heywood is just 6 years old and already a rising star. Jolie Kanama is another little star who just finished her first supporting role, Kailen Dean, Lawrence Adams, Azuri and her sister Amajae Hardy-Jones, Skyler Simmons, Carter Jones-Figures, Arthur and Lilit Gazarian all young talents with bright futures ahead.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn wearing my heart on my sleeve in this business. Early on, I took everything personally especially when a client decided to leave after I had gone above and beyond for them. I would overextend myself, work outside my job responsibilities, and advocate like it was my own career on the line.

But the reality is, this industry is unpredictable. Clients shift directions, take breaks, or walk away without much notice. I used to be shocked when that happened. Now, I understand it’s part of the process and it’s not personal.

Over time, I’ve developed tougher skin. I still care deeply, but I’ve learned how to show up with heart and boundaries. It’s possible to be passionate without being emotionally drained. That’s been a game-changer.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a season in my life when everything felt like it was happening at once. I was transitioning out of a 20+ year career in medical billing, stepping into the unpredictable world of entertainment, raising three kids, caring for my disabled mother, and managing a household all while trying to build something from the ground up as an agent. There was no blueprint, no guaranteed income, and no backup plan just faith, grit, and the belief that I was walking in my purpose.

During that time, there were weeks when I barely slept. I’d be on calls with casting or producers by day, checking homework or running to therapy appointments by night, and praying in between that it was all worth it. And then one of my clients, someone I had championed for, left without notice right after landing the kind of opportunity we had both prayed for. That was a gut punch.

But instead of folding, I dug deeper. I reminded myself why I started. I poured into the clients who were still with me, the family who still needed me, and the faith that had never failed me. And through it all, I had one constant source of strength: my husband Todd. He’s held me down through the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. His love, support, and quiet steadiness have given me space to keep showing up even when I felt like I had nothing left.

That season taught me that resilience isn’t about bouncing back quickly it’s about staying rooted when everything around you is shaking. And by God’s grace, I’m still standing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.kiaToddTalent.com
• Instagram: @kia.todd
• Facebook: AquilaTodd
• Linkedin: Kia Todd
• Other: @kia.toddtalentagency on IG

Image Credits

Todd Tyler, Joanna Degeneres, Johnny Marlow, Ren Scott, Debroah Wald, Travis Tanner, Corbin Bradley, Heng The Theng,