Kia Marie, also known as The Notorious K.I.A., is a trailblazing force in both the fashion and sneaker industries, making waves by redefining women’s role in sneaker culture and bringing sustainability to the forefront of fashion. As a pioneer in the space, Kia elevated thrifting and upcycling before they became mainstream, advocating for style that is both intentional and personal. With a duality in style shaped by her upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and time spent in California, Kia’s content blends high fashion with streetwear, creating a unique aesthetic that stands out in both the sneaker and fashion communities.

Kia’s impact on sneaker culture began as an athlete, where her love for sneakers was born. After an ankle injury made sneakers a necessity, she embraced them as part of her style and used her platform to empower women to wear sneakers confidently. She has collaborated with top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and served as the executive producer and host of Sneaker Fiends, a groundbreaking series that spotlighted women in sneaker culture across the country.

In the fashion space, Kia has partnered with top brands such as Nordstrom, the Gap, Khrisjoy, and H&M, and set the standard for accessible, versatile style with her sold-out Amazon The Drop collection. Her work has garnered over 20 million views on YouTube, and she was honored as part of Ulta’s Muse 100 and the CCNYC’s Creative Class of 2024, which recognize creatives making waves in their industry.

As a dynamic host and media personality, Kia has interviewed cultural icons like Harlem’s Dapper Dan, Laquan Smith, and Angela Yee, regularly lending her voice to panels and events to drive the conversation around fashion, social media, and sustainability forward. Her influence has broken barriers, and she continues to challenge norms while advocating for women to be seen and respected as equals in spaces traditionally dominated by men.