Kierra Valencia “Kiki” Sheard-Kelly is a celebrated American gospel artist, actress, fashion designer, author, and evangelist born on June 20, 1987, in Detroit, Michigan.

She is the daughter of gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, a member of the iconic Clark Sisters, and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Kierra’s grandmother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, was a trailblazer in gospel music, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped the genre.

Raised in West Bloomfield, a Detroit suburb, Kierra grew up surrounded by faith, family, and music, starting her singing career at the age of five in her father’s church choir. She later graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in psychology, balancing her academic pursuits with her burgeoning music career.

Kierra’s professional journey began at age nine when she appeared on her mother’s debut solo album, *Finally Karen* (1997), earning a Stellar Award for her performance on the song “The Will of God.” At 17, she released her debut solo album, *I Owe You* (2004), which featured the hit single “You Don’t Know.”

The song, inspired by her mother’s near-fatal blood clot in 2001, blended contemporary gospel with R&B and pop influences, showcasing the signature Clark sound of intricate vocal runs and soulful growls.

Her mainstream recognition grew with her feature on Mary Mary’s hit song “God in Me” (2008), which reached number 68 on the US Hot 100 and set a Billboard record by staying on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 74 weeks.

Over the years, Kierra has earned numerous accolades, including three Dove Awards, six Stellar Awards, four Grammy nominations, and one NAACP Image Award.

She also portrayed her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, in the 2020 Lifetime biopic *The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel*, which became the network’s highest-rated original movie in four years. Her contributions to the film’s soundtrack further cemented her influence in gospel music.

In addition to her music career, Kierra has made strides in acting, fashion, and writing. She appeared in the films *Preacher’s Kid* (2010) and *Blessed and Cursed* (2010), as well as the BET reality show *The Sheards* (2013), which followed her family’s life.

In 2015, she launched her fashion line, Eleven60, catering to curvy women and inspired by her mother’s birth year. She has also authored two books: *Big, Bold, and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be* (2021) and *The Vibes You Feel: What I’ve Learned About Life and Relationships Through the Holy Spirit* (2023).

Kierra’s personal life is rooted in her faith and family. She married Jordan Kelly in December 2020, and together they welcomed their first child, Khloe Drew Valencia Kelly, in 2023.

Despite facing challenges, including two miscarriages before Khloe’s birth, Kierra has openly shared her journey, emphasizing her reliance on faith and the support of her loved ones. As a licensed evangelist since 2017, she continues to preach and inspire others through her ministry, music, and entrepreneurial ventures.

With an estimated net worth of $10 million as of 2024, Kierra Sheard-Kelly remains a multifaceted artist and a beacon of hope, resilience, and faith. Her career bridges traditional gospel with contemporary influences, making her music accessible to diverse audiences while staying true to her family’s legacy. Through her art, ministry, and philanthropy, Kierra exemplifies the transformative power of faith and perseverance.