Kelly Mi Li, known from the show Bling Empire, recently opened up about her experience as a new mother. During her appearance at the Unforgettable: The 22nd Annual Asian American Awards at the Beverly Hilton, she shared some heartfelt thoughts about her daughter, Mili, who is now 20 months old.
Kelly welcomed Mili in April 2023 with her partner, William Ma, shortly after Bling Empire concluded. When asked what surprised her most about motherhood, Kelly joked, “How much guilt I have for being here right now!” She noted that while her daughter probably enjoys spending time with her grandmothers, the guilt of being away from Mili often weighs on her.
Kelly’s relationship with her mother, Emily, has also seen improvements, especially since the birth of Mili and their joint venture into the food business with their chili sauce brand, Hot Jiang. She shared a touching piece of advice from her mother: “Don’t be as hard on her as she was on me.” This advice resonated with Kelly, highlighting a shift in their dynamic.
Talking about Mili’s development, Kelly shared that her daughter is picking up new words, although her favorite seems to be “no,” which she uses with enthusiasm. It brings a smile to Kelly’s face to see Mili express her growing personality.
As for expanding her family, Kelly expressed uncertainty about having more children. Although she wants Mili to have siblings, her experiences as a single child make the decision complicated.
The awards night honored outstanding figures in the Asian American Pacific Islander community, featuring performances from various artists and saluting talents in entertainment and the arts.
Kelly’s journey of motherhood, alongside her evolving relationship with her own mother, reflects the balancing act many women face as they navigate personal and professional lives.
