We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiana Diggins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kiana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Kids Inspiration is the brainchild of my son, Sean, who from the age of five, was determined to start his own business. When the pandemic hit, he asked me week after week if he could start his venture. He had a vision: to create mugs with inspirational messages to uplift kids during such uncertain times. I believed in his dream so much that I decided to join him in making it a reality.

The premise of our business was twofold: teaching Sean how to turn his ideas into reality and providing a positive, uplifting message for kids who needed it most. Covid was tough on children, it brought fear, isolation, and uncertainty. We wanted to do something to counteract the negativity. While there were plenty of mugs with inspirational messages for adults, we noticed there was nothing out there targeting kids. Nothing that was fun, colorful, and specifically designed to speak to them.

At the time, kids were facing mental challenges, many anxious about returning to school, while also navigating the overwhelming effects of the pandemic. Sean and I wanted to create something that would bring joy to their day, a little reminder of positivity every morning before they headed out. We envisioned mugs that would be a child’s go-to item, not just something they’d borrow from their parents.

The spark for the idea came when Sean was using one of my mugs to drink his hot chocolate. It was too heavy and too big for him. He couldn’t enjoy his drink properly, and we realized there was a need for a ceramic mug designed specifically for kids. That’s when we decided to create the first of many: a kid-sized mug that’s not only practical but uplifting. Sean’s first mug featured the message, “Everything would be Roarsome, if you keep on believing” with a picture of a dinosaur.

We launched in August 2022, and immediately, we knew we had something special. It was more than just a product; it was a tool for empowering kids to believe in themselves and face their day with confidence. The idea of creating something that a child could call their own, something that would make them feel good every time they used it, excited us. It was our way of helping kids rediscover joy and positivity, especially after such a challenging time.

What got us most excited was the realization that we were solving a real problem. We weren’t just offering a product; we were creating something that could help shift a child’s mindset. And what’s more powerful than inspiring the next generation to be kind to themselves, dream big, and embrace the greatness within?

Kiana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, CanvasRebel Community! I’m Kiana Diggins, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Kids Inspiration, a company that creates products designed to inspire and empower kids through positive messaging. The journey began when my son, Sean, was about to turn nine and wanted to share his love for mugs with uplifting messages with other kids around the world. Together, we co-founded Kids Inspiration, and we’ve since expanded our brand family to include two amazing partners: Maddy Richardson, the same age as my son, and her mom, Tosha Richardson.

From the start, Maddy was already inspiring others in her own unique way through a segment she called “Monday’s with Maddy.” Every Monday, she’d feature a new mug paired with an affirmation or message of positivity on Instagram. It was her way of spreading encouragement and uplifting others. She was even featured on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” for her Monday segment. Her passion for sharing affirmations aligned perfectly with Sean’s dream to create mugs tailored specifically for kids. This connection laid the foundation for a powerful partnership, where Tosha and I work behind the scenes to support our kids’ vision and teach them entrepreneurship.

At Kids Inspiration, we started with inspirational mugs, but we’ve since expanded to include our own plushie, “Muggy™️,” the GREATNESS sweatshirt, and the “Greatness is What’s Inside Me” mindfulness journal for girls. These products aim to help kids love themselves, be their authentic selves, and embrace positive self-talk. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to crafting high-quality, meaningful items that make perfect gifts, spreading joy, comfort, and positivity in kids’ lives.

In today’s world, where children face an overwhelming amount of negativity, we believe that small, consistent reminders—whether it’s a message on a mug, a sweatshirt, or a journal—can have a profound impact. These products are more than just items; they’re tools to build resilience and encourage a positive mindset in the next generation.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the heart behind our business, especially Sean and Maddy’s passion for giving back. Recently, we partnered with our local Costco during a vendor day to support the Children’s Miracle Network. The kids were thrilled to sell products and donate a percentage of proceeds, along with plush “Muggy” toys, to the Washington D.C. Children’s Hospital. Delivering those plushies to kids in need and knowing our products bring comfort to those who need it most is the fulfillment of everything we set out to do.

At Kids Inspiration, we’re excited to keep growing and creating products that inspire kids to believe in their own greatness. We’re so thankful for the journey so far and can’t wait to see what’s next!

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

As a co-founder of a business, I run with my son, Sean, we never planned on bringing on a business partner, in this case, partners. The way it all came together was nothing short of divine. Initially, our focus was simply on growing the business. We decided to collaborate with social media influencers who shared our love for mugs. Let’s be honest… mugs aren’t typically at the top of every kid’s wish list, or so we thought.

At the time, I was on a month-long religious fast, seeking God’s direction and clarity for the business. I prayed specifically for guidance and even asked for the right person, a girl, in particular, to help promote our brand. The day after my fast ended, I received an email in our Kids Inspiration inbox. The message read, “I love your merchandise. My daughter is on Instagram and features a mug every Monday on her ‘Monday’s with Maddy’ segment. I’m in love with your mugs and would like to know if you offer an ambassador program.” If that wasn’t an answer to prayer, I don’t know what is!

After connecting with Tosha, the mother of Maddy (the girl referenced in the email), and discussing it with Sean, we knew Maddy was the perfect fit. She became our brand ambassador, bringing her own enthusiasm and creativity to the team. Her first design, “You are Brave, You are Smart, You are Somebody,” captured the heart of what we aim to do, empower and inspire kids. Over time, it became clear that this was more than a collaboration. Maddy’s passion for inspiring kids and creating meaningful products aligned perfectly with our vision.

We decided to make Maddy and Tosha official partners in the business. The connection felt natural, like we had known them for years. Sean and Maddy have become the best of friends, and Tosha and I are building something not only for us but for our children to be proud of as well.

Sometimes, the most unexpected connections turn out to be the most meaningful. This partnership reminds me that when you trust the process and seek guidance, the right people and opportunities will find their way to you.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Pivoting is a constant part of entrepreneurship, and our journey with Kids Inspiration is no exception. From the very beginning, we’ve embraced change as a way to grow and adapt. For example, our business was initially focused on mugs and we had a different name in mind. However, during the trademarking process, we discovered that the name was already taken. While it was disappointing at first, it turned out to be a blessing. Rebranding as Kids Inspiration allowed us to expand our vision beyond mugs to something much more meaningful: creating joy, comfort, and celebration for kids.

We’ve also pivoted based on our customers’ needs. Initially, we thought parents would buy our products for their own kids, but we noticed most purchases were gifts. This insight led us to reimagine our packaging and introduce more giftable items, like journals, plushies, and soon we’ll be launching our own caffeine-free tea. This ethically sourced, delicious tea complements our signature mugs and Muggy plush, offering kids a calming, cozy experience.

Through each pivot, we’ve learned to listen, adapt, and grow. Our ultimate goal is to become the go-to brand for kid gifting, offering curated gift boxes that bring joy and comfort for every occasion. Instead of sending flowers or edible treats, we want people to think of Kids Inspiration as the perfect way to celebrate or support the kids in their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kidsinspiration.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsinspirationllc_shop

Image Credits

Sharlie Brown & Teressa Bartley.