Kioka Ayanna Abbott

Kioka Ayanna Abbott was born in Lusaka, Zambia to artistic, culture-seeking, native New Yorkers, who returned to the States when she was two. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Hampton University, she pursued a career with a small advertising agency only to discover a yearning to experience something more creatively hands-on. While working as a special events coordinator at Spike Lee's 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, she met the architect designing Lee's home in Brooklyn. Inspired by his work and influenced by the film production environment, her hobby of rearranging and redecorating furnishings transformed into a lucrative and creatively satisfying career choice.

She interned on the 1996 Essence Awards with the production designer, assisted with props on an off-Broadway play and worked on student films designing sets. Thrilled with the challenge of transforming an empty space into a director's interpretation, she continued creating personality rooms on several shorts and independent films.

Most recently, Abbott has parlayed her passion and knowledge of set design into a consulting business. She offers her design eye and expertise to residential clientele, transforming rooms into beautiful and practical everyday spaces. Her work has been published in Heart & Soul magazine.