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Kettia Etienne Ming's Inspiring Memoir: RUN THE MILE YOU'RE IN

Kettia Etienne Ming is not just another entrepreneur; she embodies resilience, creativity, and determination. A first-generation Haitian-American, Kettia is set to release her memoir, RUN THE MILE YOU'RE IN: One Founder's Journey Through Success, Loss, and Reinvention on May 5, 2026. This gripping narrative unfolds her remarkable journey of establishing a $7.2 million childcare business in Manhattan, and the emotional and legal hurdles she faced along the way.

A Unique Beginning

In 2002, Kettia was a working mother of three, struggling to find quality childcare in a bustling Manhattan. Frustrated and inspired, along with her husband Robert, she turned to entrepreneurship, founding Smarter Toddler. Initially, it started as a concept formed during midnight conversations on their couch. Over twelve years, their established business grew to two thriving locations, employing 36 staff members and serving over 160 families.

The Big Break

The breakthrough moment arrived in 2014 when Bright Horizons Family Solutions, one of the largest childcare companies globally, acquired Smarter Toddler for a staggering $7.2 million. What many saw as a triumphant end, Kettia viewed as the beginning of a harsh fight. Just two years post-sale, Kettia opened a new center in the Financial District, only to be slapped with a $1.5 million lawsuit from Bright Horizons alleging a breach of a non-compete agreement that they interpreted as a violation by a mere 100 feet.

Navigating Legal Challenges

Despite the seemingly overwhelming odds, Kettia refused to back down. The stress of litigation mounted as she fought from a stairwell, accusing a Fortune 500 company while grappling with personal trials. A judge initially ruled against her, yet instead of accepting defeat, Kettia appealed and faced months of exhausting mediation. Ultimately, the settlement she reached came at a significant emotional and financial cost, crippling her new venture before it could even take off.

Trials Beyond Business

As if the legal struggles weren’t enough, Kettia’s journey took her through the dark corridors of personal crises, including bankruptcy and a ten-year-long medical mystery. The unraveling of her marriage added another layer to the complex tapestry of challenges she faced. Yet, against all odds, Kettia emerged not just as a survivor, but as a phoenix rising from the ashes.

The Heart of the Memoir

At its core, RUN THE MILE YOU'RE IN is anchored in a compelling philosophy Kettia developed through her experiences in life and 13 marathons. Rather than showcasing resilience as a performance metric or promoting the notion of 'bouncing back', Kettia emphasizes the importance of presence—focusing on the moment at hand.

This memoir invites readers into her personal revelations:

• - A heartfelt insight into the midnight conversation that sparked the inception of Smarter Toddler.
• - A raw portrayal of the rollercoaster ride of negotiations with one of the world's leading childcare services.
• - The heart-wrenching narrative of her lawsuit and the ensuing emotional fallout in losing and fighting against a corporate giant.
• - A candid discussion on the realities of conducting business as a Black woman in New York City, including discriminatory remarks from would-be investors.
• - A personal exploration of the burdens of managing a collapsing business while ensuring the well-being of those around her, while having no outlet for her own distress.
• - Lessons learned from running marathons and how they became metaphors for survival through tumultuous times.

A Call to High-Achieving Women

RUN THE MILE YOU'RE IN resonates particularly with high-achieving women who often bear the weight of many responsibilities while maintaining a façade of strength. It speaks to the strong friend that people often overlook, the one who projects confidence in public while feeling overwhelmed within. Kettia writes not only for herself but for every woman carrying the silent struggles of ambition embedded within their lives.

About Kettia Etienne Ming

Kettia Etienne Ming is more than a successful entrepreneur and a debut author; she is also a champion for Black theatre artists through her role as Executive Director of Black Theatre United. Having illustrated her journey through trials and triumphs, Kettia invites us to embrace the journey and live in the moment we are capable of owning. With plans to inspire others with her story, her memoir is bound to be a beacon of hope and strength for many.

Pre-order RUN THE MILE YOU'RE IN now on Amazon and prepare to be inspired by Kettia's journey.