Day after Flau'jae Johnson's BET Awards red carpet moment, Kia Brooks shares emotional journey from "teen mom to aspiring manager"

Flau'jae Johnson's mom, Kia Brooks, has been her biggest cheerleader in her music and basketball ventures. So, when the LSU star posed on the red carpet at the BET Awards on Monday, she couldn't hold back. Johnson donned a wine-red strapless gown, complementing it with a diamond necklace and high heels.

Brooks posted a photo of the 2023 NCAA champion alongside her brother, Tray Milz, on Instagram on Tuesday. She paired it up with a heartfelt caption, expressing Johnson and her brother's road to success.

Kia Brooks reflected on her motherhood to emphasize perseverance and the pursuit of carving one's journey.

"So to anyone who's been doubted or faced obstacles, I want to say this: don't let anyone define your future. Keep faith in God, stay true to yourself, and trust that your hard work will pay off.

"From a teen mom to thriving manager, I'm living proof that with determination and faith, you can overcome any obstacle and raise amazing determined kids! 🙏🏾💪🏾," Kia wrote.

Flau'jae Johnson immediately made a mark in the college basketball world after helping the LSU Tigers to its first NCAA title in 2023. She averaged 11.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 42.4% efficiency, earning the SEC Freshman of the Year award.

Johnson also built on her musical career in the offseason. She dropped her debut album "4 My Fans" in 2023, her second album "Best of Both Worlds" last offseason and "Flau & B" earlier this year.

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Kia Brooks helped Flau'jae Johnson secure her first major NIL deals

Flau'jae Johnson's mother, Kia Brooks, is also her manager. She helped the LSU guard enter the NIL market by negotiating an endorsement with Puma - Johnson's first major deal. She also spearheaded partnerships with Taco Bell, Meta and other notable brands.

"No, I didn't go to school for this but I feel like, at this point in my daughter's career, I'm way more invested than any other seasoned agent will ever be," she said.

Kia Brooks continues to study the NIL market and its possibilities. Some of Flau'jae Johnson's latest NIL brands include JBL Audio, Mondelez, Apple Cash and Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge.

Johnson took over Paige Bueckers for the highest NIL valuation last year ($1.5 million) and continues to lead the women's basketball.