Every now and then, a conversation becomes more than just an exchange of ideas; it becomes a spark. That’s what happened when I sat down with wellness practitioner and author Kelly Wiseman. What began as a casual discussion about resources for a quiet women’s support network quickly evolved into a rich dialogue about community healing, children’s emotional regulation, and the magic behind a tiny, impactful character named Katie Ladybug.
Kelly described their dream of gathering people blessed with what they call “divine wisdom”, those with lived experience, deep intuition, and a heart for serving others. This shared commitment to uplifting our communities set the tone for everything that followed.
Katie Ladybug did not appear through marketing plans or industry formulas. Her beginnings were far more soulful. Kelly recalled a pivotal moment during a yoga class when they suddenly became aware of the nonstop internal chatter that shapes our emotional lives. That flash of awareness inspired the foundation of Katie’s superpower: getting our attention.
The name “Katie Ladybug,” however, had been waiting for decades. In 1999, Kelly’s youngest child spontaneously spoke it while riding in the car. Kelly tucked it away, sensing that someday its meaning would unfold. Years later, it did.
Struggling to capture the character visually, Kelly followed a nudge of divine timing and found an illustrator, a veteran named Matt, who instantly sketched the iconic Katie pose. That drawing unlocked everything. Within two weeks, the entire book flowed out of Kelly like it had simply been waiting for the right moment to land.
Kelly’s wellness philosophy rests on three principles: awareness, intention, and practice. These form the heart of emotional regulation for children and adults.
When I read Kelly’s book, I was struck by its gentle depth. Its language is simple by design, yet it speaks across generations. Rather than instruct, it invites. Rather than dictate, it sparks imagination. Children can find their own meaning, and adults often rediscover themselves in the process.
This is the magic of Katie Ladybug: she doesn’t tell you what to feel, she helps you notice what you already are feeling.
Before embracing authorship full-time, Kelly served as the health and wellness professional at a Central Florida sheriff’s office. They taught yoga and mindfulness to officers who make high-stakes decisions daily.
For the Children Learning to Feel
This article is written in honor of Children’s Day, and for every child navigating the beautiful, messy challenge of understanding their emotions.
Children don’t need perfection.
They need presence.
They need language for their feelings.
They need stories that make them feel heard.
And sometimes, they just need a tiny ladybug to pause and help them notice what’s happening inside.
Katie Ladybug reminds us that awareness is the first step in emotional regulation—and perhaps the most powerful one.
As Kelly and I continue exploring new collaborations, I’m reminded that the work of healing, whether for a child, an adult, or a community, begins with the same simple truth: When we meet people where they are, we make space for them to grow.
