Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
My name is AdELA. I was born in Durban, South Africa, raised in sunny South Florida, and now proudly call Atlanta home.
Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?
I love the people the most! Atlanta is full of southern hospitality and smiles and kindness.
Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?
Hunny & Koko is a joyful children’s brand inspired by my real-life dogs-Hunny, Koko, and now Penny. What started as a heartfelt way to leave a legacy for my pups quickly turned into a full-on creative adventure. I began writing storybooks based on their playful personalities, adding humor, heart, and a little mischief along the way. As the stories grew, so did the brand—with the release of our original children’s music album Chase The Happy. What began as a passion project has become a growing world of lovable characters, uplifting stories, and meaningful music. It brings me so much joy to watch kids connect with Hunny, Koko, and Penny and to see their imaginations light up with every read, listen, and laugh.
If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?
Just go for it—full steam ahead. There’s no such thing as an overnight success. It takes time, passion, and consistency. But the first step? That’s everything. And listen to your gut-only you know what is best for you.
What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?
When I do read-alouds and see kids light up—instantly learning the character names and asking a million questions—I know they’ve connected. That moment right there is why I do this. It’s not just about the stories—it’s about creating a world where children feel joy, curiosity, and connection. When Hunny, Koko, and Penny become their friends, I know I’ve done something meaningful. That’s the heart of Hunny & Koko.
Where do you see your company in the future?
I would love to see Hunny & Koko in stores and on TV one day. The more people I can introduce to these characters to, the better. This isn’t just a brand to me—it’s my way of bringing positivity into the world. It’s my small mark.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
People often think creating kids’ content is easy—but it’s not. Children are smart, curious, and they know what they like. That’s why making something that’s clever, thoughtful, and visually engaging takes real intention and heart. With Hunny & Koko, I pour that care into every detail—from the stories and characters to the colorful world of Whisker Woods. I want our brand to reflect that level of thoughtfulness, creativity, and integrity. I never want to put anything into the world that doesn’t meet the highest standard. Because kids deserve the best.
What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?
Getting into a new business is a daily challenge. You’re not just putting your ideas out into the world—you’re learning how to build the plane while flying it. Every day, I’m navigating something new, whether it’s creative, technical, or business-related. And while it’s not always easy, it’s always a learning experience. That’s the journey—growing, adapting, and staying committed to the vision.
What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?
Michael Jackson hands down.
Any shoutouts you want to make?
I just want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported Hunny & Koko so far. Whether you’ve read our books, watched our videos, or streamed our music—your support means everything. I honestly couldn’t do this without you. Every message, share, and smile reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. Thank you for being part of our world. There’s so much more to come!
Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?
www.hunnyandkoko.com