What happens when a thriving business success story suddenly turns into a $1.5 million legal battle?
In this powerful episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Executive Director of Black Theater United Kettia Ming to talk about the highs, the setbacks, and the ultimate reinvention of her career and life. 🎙️
Kettia shares how she built Smarter Toddler from her Manhattan apartment into two commercial childcare centers serving nearly 300 families, successfully sold the business to Bright Horizons, and later reopened new locations—only to face a $1.5 million lawsuit over a non-compete clause based on “as the crow flies.”
After months of mediation and crushing legal fees, Kettia made the difficult decision to settle. The experience ultimately led to a strategic business bankruptcy, a sale to KinderCare, and a deeply personal period that also included divorce.
But this isn’t just a story about loss—it’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and staying present when life takes unexpected turns.
Kettia explains the stigma surrounding bankruptcy, the difference between personal and business bankruptcy, and how running and meditation helped her navigate one of the toughest chapters of her life.
Today, she leads Black Theater United, an organization founded in 2020 to diversify backstage roles on Broadway through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Her upcoming book “Run the Mile You’re In” (releasing May 5th) shares the lessons she learned about perseverance, leadership, and finding purpose in the moment you’re living.
📚 Pre-order “Run the Mile You’re In” on Amazon
🌐 Learn more about Kettia Ming
Website: https://www.kettiaming.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kettiaming/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kettia.ming
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