Meet Kiana Montgomery | Publicist and Brand Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiana Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to start my own business was deeply rooted in my personal journey and the experiences I gained while working with top corporate agencies and national brands. These years provided me with a firsthand understanding of the power of strategic communications and storytelling in building success. I cherished the role I played in these partnerships, witnessing brands grow, campaigns come to life, and the profound impact of a well-told story.

When I moved back to Michigan during the height of COVID-19, it gave me a moment of reflection. I realized there were so many boutique, impactful businesses here organizations deeply rooted in their communities or serving niche audiences that often didn’t have access to the same level of strategic communications support that larger brands did. I wanted to change that.

My business was founded with a clear vision: to bridge the gap between large brands and small businesses, and mission-driven organizations. I am deeply passionate about helping these businesses not just survive, but thrive. My goal is to tell their stories in a way that resonates, builds community, and drives real visibility and growth.
At its core, my business was born from a deep love for Michigan and a desire to use my skills to uplift the people and organizations making a difference, especially in the place I now once again call home.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ki Takeaways was built from a genuine love of storytelling and a belief that boutique, impactful brands deserve the same level of strategy, creativity, and visibility as larger corporations. Through my work, I’ve helped businesses — especially those rooted in community, wellness, culture, and entrepreneurship — shape their brand narrative and tell their stories in ways that build real connections and open real opportunities. The impact of this work can be seen in the growth and success of the businesses I’ve worked with.

My approach is unique because I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all communication. I meet each client where they are, honoring their unique voice and journey, and build strategies that feel authentic to them — not just strategies that check a box. What sets me apart is the trust I’ve built with the people and organizations I work with and how our partnerships often turn into long-term relationships where I can grow alongside their successes.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy — especially building a business during COVID-19, right after moving back to Michigan. There were moments of doubt when I questioned if I could make something sustainable while staying true to my values. But I leaned on my experience from working with major brands and corporate agencies, and I stayed grounded in my mission: to serve businesses that are making an impact. That mindset, coupled with resilience, helped me push through the hard seasons.

One of my biggest lessons is that you can trust your instincts and still leave room to grow. Growth isn’t about abandoning who you are — it’s about refining who you are in service of a bigger vision.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my story and my brand, it’s that I’m committed to helping entrepreneurs, creatives, and community-centered businesses be seen, heard, and celebrated—with the same heart, strategy, and excellence that I’ve given to the biggest brands in the country.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would want them to experience the best of what Metro Detroit has to offer — from wellness to amazing food to our incredible small business community.

We would definitely start our mornings with Pilates sessions at Push Pilates — it’s the perfect way to ground yourself before a busy day, and it’s such a welcoming, positive space. After that, depending on the weather, we’d spend some time walking downtown Detroit, checking out the shops, grabbing a coffee, and taking in the energy of the city.

For dinners, Oak and Reel would be a must — it’s one of my favorite spots for an elevated dining experience. I’d also take them to Vecino for a fun, lively meal with amazing food and atmosphere. If we wanted a great night out, we’d head to The Ivy for drinks or dinner — the vibe is unmatched and it’s a great way to experience Detroit nightlife.

No trip would be complete without spending a day in Ferndale. I love supporting local businesses, and Ferndale has such a strong community of restaurants, shops, and bars that each bring something special. It’s the kind of area where you can spend the entire day — start with brunch, shop small boutiques, hop around for cocktails, and end the night somewhere with live music or a cozy patio.

Throughout the week, I’d sprinkle in visits to Detroit’s museums, check out a Tigers game if the season’s right, and make sure we support some of the amazing Black-owned businesses and creative spaces around the city. Detroit has such a rich, layered culture — I’d want my best friend to leave feeling like they experienced the energy, resilience, creativity, and soul that makes this area so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I have to dedicate my shoutout to Major — my former supervisor, who has become a mentor and a true friend and sounding board in my life and career. Working under Major’s leadership was a transformative experience for me. She saw my strengths even before I fully realized them and pushed me to lean into them confidently. At the same time, she challenged me to grow in the areas I needed to sharpen to become a stronger, more strategic publicist.

Major created an environment where I felt supported but also accountable — a balance that made a lasting impact on the way I show up for myself and my clients today. Even now, she’s someone I can call to share ideas, talk through strategies, and continue building the thought process that keeps me evolving personally and professionally.

I’m genuinely grateful for her mentorship and friendship. Having someone who believes in you, challenges you, and celebrates your growth is an invaluable part of any journey, and Major has been that person for me.

Website: https://kitakeaways.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiana_thepublicist/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiana-montgomery-17375712b/

Image Credits
Dee Hughes Photography