Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyana Franklin.
Keyana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The idea for Kidz Con started to sprout in my head when I began realizing trying to shop for your kids while they’re tagging along is quite the struggle. There’s nowhere you can go and get everything done all in one-stop, and the majority of the time kids are getting antsy and aren’t enjoying the experience.
As a mother to a 4-year-old, I saw first hand how quickly he would get bored on our shopping excursions. So I thought, what better way to change this than to create a full-fledged shopping experience that everyone in the family can enjoy, but especially the kids!
I first began doing my research, which was crucial. After reaching out to other convention owners to receive input and advice, I decided to go for it. My team and I got started right away with the planning process. I had a vision, and we’re continuously working towards meeting and exceeding that vision.
My mother and grandmother are two of the most influential individuals in my life. They raised me and have greatly impacted my life. They were both teachers and also involved in event planning. With the loss of both of them, I wanted to create something that would make them proud and carry out their legacy.
I knew an over-the-top experience like Kidz Con that celebrates and cares for children while making them smile would do just that. I’m still learning and growing every single day, but I’m proud of how far Kidz Con has come so far, and I know they would be too.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it has most definitely not been a smooth road. It has been quite the bumpy and challenging road. The biggest challenge has been getting others to believe in your dream when it hasn’t been done before. People don’t know exactly what to expect when they hear about it for the first time, so it’s really important to me that we help others envision it along with us.
Along with this challenge came many other struggles in all areas, such as finance and logistics. Going through this process for the first time came with a lot of unexpected finances and learning how to navigate through the never-ending questions that you just don’t think about until you’re in the middle of it all.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kidz Con story. Tell us more about the business.
Kidz Con is the first kid’s convention that is a B2C event. Kidz Con is a two-day interactive pop-up installation celebrating and inspiring everything kids. The event displays the best in children’s fashion, toys, and lifestyle brands. There are various fun and exciting elements available for everyone in attendance to enjoy!
I’m the CEO & Founder of Kidz Con. I would say I’m most known for my eclectic creative director skills when it comes to kids photo shoots for my children’s fashion company Candy Lane Kidz. I’m most proud of the outcome of all the photoshoots I’ve directed so far. Seeing the reactions of the kids and parents to my projects is my favorite feeling and truly validates everything I’m working towards.
In all, I do I think of it from a kid’s perspective. If I was a kid, what would I want my wardrobe to look like? Kids want to have fun, wear bold clothes, rock the crazy hair, eat yummy sweets, and that’s exactly what I aspire to bring to the world of Kidz Con — building a Kids World one day at a time.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Definitely a Kidz Con in three cities two times a year.
Pricing:
- Adult $15 and Child $10 for general admission
- July 27th and 28th and the Reef
Contact Info:
- Address: 1933 S Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90007
- Website: www.kidz-con.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Kidzcon
- Facebook: Kidzcon
- Twitter: Kidzcon
Image Credit:
Jora Frantzis (Photographer)
Drini Marie (Makeup Artist)
Jasminee Voner (Hair Stylist)
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