Born in Richmond, Virginia, Ada Michelle lived in the city until she left for college. From an early age, she developed a deep love for reading and her first introduction came through the Book It! Program sponsored by Pizza Hut, which encouraged children to read by rewarding them with a personal pan pizza. Ada eagerly dove into new stories, driven at first by the reward but soon by a genuine passion for books. That same love for stories sparked her lifelong curiosity for food, travel, and exploration.

With big dreams ahead, Ada pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned her degree. Immersed in the university’s rich diversity, she was introduced to a wide range of cultures and traditions that deepened her appreciation for storytelling and inspired her to continue learning through reading and research.

In later years, Ada discovered she would not be able to have children of her own. Yet her desire to nurture imagination and wonder in others never faded. She found joy in traveling with her best friend who would later inspire the character Lil’ Tink-Tink and together they created memories that continue to shape her creative world.

When asked about the source of her inspiration, Ada simply says, “Life.” Every moment, she believes, is an adventure waiting to be explored.