"The Kiiing's": Our Story

Why do you have 3 i's in your last name?

My husband and I get this question on a daily basis and we love to share the meaning behind it. Our last name is something that symbolizes our foundation as individuals, as well as our family. Neither of us have relationships with our fathers so it was important for us to not carry on a last name that we have no connection to. Instead we wanted to build our own legacy that embodied who we are as a family unit.

My husband, James and I have been together for 13 years and married for 7 years (it will be 8 years this July 🥰). We dated long distance for 4 years before we lived in the same place, which sounds crazy 🤪 I know. However, it was the best decision we have ever made and we are stronger as a couple because of it. When I first met James, I remember him telling me that before we had children that we were going to change our last name. I remember thinking "I wonder what it is going to be?" If you know my husband this thought would have crossed your mind as well. He always has a reason behind everything he does.

In 2015, we took a trip to San Antonio, Texas and we decided to eat at a restaurant on the River Walk. I remember we were waiting on our food and he says "I know what our last name is going to be. It is going to be King; but with 3 i's." I remember looking at him and saying "3 i's...why would we ever spell our last name with 3 i's? People are going to think we are crazy and that we can not spell!" 😂. He responded and said "The 3 i's stand for the Trinity, which is our foundation and I chose "King" because it symbolizes us starting our own domain and legacy." I immediately felt proud and excited about this new change that would soon be a reality.  

Fast forward to 2016, we got married on July 9th, 2016 💕. We purchased the frame above where we had all of our close family and friends write well wishes to us and hung it in your home. I remember during our wedding weekend, we both were looking at it and reading all the heart felt messages our loved ones wrote. James picked up a pen and wrote "Kiiing" right above our photo. This might seem like something simple to you; but it was a solidifying moment for us and we never looked back.

On September 12, 2016, James and I went to court and legally changed our last name to "Kiiing". For for me, this was a HUGE moment, not only for us; but for me. I remember for the longest time wanting to get rid of my maiden name. For me, your last name is something you should be proud of. Whether it is the pride that is carried through your family name, the relationships that are tied to it or in some cases for a female it may symbolize a special bond that is formed between a father and daughter. My maiden name did not have any of these emotional ties; however the moment I stood in front of that judge with my husband and we officially changed our last name is a moment that I will never forget and forever cherish. 

For you to find your forever person and not only be able to build your empire together; but for you to also create a lasting legacy that you both can be proud of is something I will never take for granted. Mr. Kiiing, you are my forever person, my honey, my "fly guy", my babe, the person that excepts me for who I am and loves me unconditionally. I love you and I am forever yours. 

This is one of my favorite stories to share; but it does not end here. As you know my business name has my last name in it, which was very intentional on my part. My company is a reflection of who I am as a person and a consistent reminder that I am here to serve and share the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with.

Being an entrepreneur is one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life. There are days where things are going great, I feel like I am headed in the right direction and I am exactly where I need to be. But more often, there are days where I question my purpose, my decisions and even my abilities. As crazy as it sounds, these are the days that I visit my own website and look at all the work I have created and poured my heart into. The one thing that always stands out is my last name. It reminds me that it is not about me; but it has everything to do with my purpose and the assignment that God has given me. 

So when you support Kiiing & Co. Designs, you are not just supporting me; you are supporting my family, my dream, our legacy and reminding me what my purpose is and it's importance. Thank you for all your love and support. It never goes unnoticed. I look forward to continuing to serve and share my journey with you ❤️