Flau’jae Johnson, the eighth overall pick in the recent WNBA draft, is poised to embark on an exciting new chapter with the Seattle Storm. The 22-year-old basketball star is not just making headlines for her athletic prowess, but also for her dual career as a rising rap artist. Flau’jae credits much of her drive and ambition to her mother, KiaFlau’jae Johnson, who serves as both her manager and primary source of support.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Flau’jae expressed her deep appreciation for her mother, describing Kia as the “visionary for everything.” Kia, a 43-year-old single mother of five, has taken on the role of manager despite lacking formal experience in the field. She has navigated the complexities of both nurturing her children’s talents and managing their careers. This balancing act has required a unique approach from Kia, who has always been determined to provide for her family and create opportunities for her children.
Kia’s journey into talent management was born out of necessity. Having worked as a dental hygienist, she faced the challenges of making ends meet while ensuring her children had access to various activities. “I’ve always had to make my way because the normal check just didn’t cut it,” Kia told PEOPLE. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she began crafting custom gift baskets and preparing home-cooked meals, all while juggling motherhood for her sons Tray (26), Nixon (9), Aythan (2), and Aydin (6), the latter of whom aspires to be a rapper like his older sister.
Kia’s dedication to her children is unwavering. “Nobody’s going to fight for them like I am. I’m always clocked in because they’re my kids,” she emphasised. This fierce advocacy has been instrumental in Flau’jae’s ability to thrive in both the sports and music industries. Kia identified Flau’jae’s potential early on and quickly took on the responsibility of managing her daughter’s burgeoning career. Flau’jae’s achievements include collaborating with notable artists such as Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg, showcasing her versatility as both a basketball player and a musician.
When Flau’jae attended college at LSU, where she contributed to a championship-winning team in 2023, Kia actively worked to secure Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals for her. Flau’jae noted how impressive it was that her mother transitioned from a career in dental hygiene to successfully managing her business affairs. “My mom, like, she never did any of this in her life, so for her to become a full hardcore manager and operate my business, and do it well, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, mom, you are legit,’” Flau’jae remarked.
Now, Flau’jae has secured a year-long partnership with e.l.f. Cosmetics, further establishing her brand. She highlighted Kia’s ability to negotiate high-stakes deals: “I see her on these Zooms and in these meetings closing these million-dollar deals. I think this was always her calling.” Flau’jae believes her mother excels in her role and is a natural businesswoman, in addition to being a devoted parent.
Despite the success, the path of balancing motherhood and management was not without its difficulties. Kia shared her initial struggles in keeping the two roles separate, revealing that she had to learn how to communicate effectively in both capacities. “I used to mix the two, but then I had to separate them one day because of Flau’jae,” she recalled. Now, Kia employs strategies such as texting her daughter and emailing her clients to maintain professional boundaries.
As Flau’jae prepares to begin her WNBA career, her mother’s reliance on distance has evolved. Though separated by miles, with Flau’jae in Seattle and Kia in Atlanta, their communication remains strong. “We talk almost every day still,” Flau’jae shared, noting that she enjoys keeping in touch with her family back home. Kia expressed contentment with this arrangement, citing Flau’jae’s joyful demeanour whenever they speak as a source of happiness for her.
The story of Flau’jae and Kia is one of ambition, resilience, and deep familial bonds. The duo has navigated the intricacies of both personal and professional lives with grace and determination. As Flau’jae steps into the spotlight as a rookie in the WNBA, her mother will continue to be her steadfast supporter, embodying the balance of a loving parent and an accomplished manager. Their journey is not just a testament to their individual talents but a powerful example of how unwavering support can foster success in the face of challenges.