Whether you’re a fan of Netflix’s Bling Empire, a business enthusiast interested in women in tech and finance, or a researcher looking for trustworthy information, this article offers a complete, well-researched profile of one of the most fascinating and multi-dimensional figures in Asian-American media today.

Quick Bio Table

Early Life and Background

Kelly Mi Li was born on November 13, 1985, in Kunming, a city in the Yunnan province of China. She spent her early childhood in China before immigrating to the United States with her mother after her father, a Chinese government official, passed away. Kelly was still young when she arrived in America, and she was raised by a single mother, who worked as a medical professional to support the family.

Growing up in the Midwest, Kelly learned the value of hard work and independence at a young age. She has openly spoken about starting to work at the age of 18 to support herself and her mother. Her upbringing played a central role in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic.

Kelly’s background is also marked by an early exposure to cultural duality. Balancing Eastern values of discipline and family honor with the opportunities and openness of American culture, she used her unique perspective to navigate industries that were traditionally male-dominated—eventually building a name for herself in technology, finance, and film.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Kelly Mi Li is 39 years old, but she has consistently been praised for her youthful appearance, polished style, and public grace.

Physical Description:

• Height: 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 125 lbs (57 kg)
• Hair: Dark brown or black, typically styled elegantly
• Eyes: Brown
• Build: Slender and athletic
• Style: Refined and modern—combines luxury fashion with business sophistication

Kelly is often featured in high-profile fashion campaigns and red-carpet events, but her image is also consistent with that of a businesswoman—strong, confident, and understatedly glamorous.

Education

Kelly Mi Li attended the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where she majored in business and marketing. Her college years were essential in laying the groundwork for her future endeavors in entrepreneurship and brand building.

While she hasn’t pursued formal graduate education, Kelly has always emphasized learning through doing. Much of her business acumen came from real-world experience—investing, launching companies, navigating tech startups, and ultimately pivoting into film and media.

Her educational background gave her the skills to handle corporate structures and communication, while her personal curiosity helped her succeed in creative industries like film production.

His Father and Family Influence

Kelly Mi Li’s father was a Chinese government official who held a prominent position before his death, which occurred when Kelly was still young. His passing deeply affected her family and ultimately became the catalyst for their move to the United States.

Her mother, a dedicated medical professional, took on the role of both parent and provider. In interviews, Kelly has expressed deep admiration for her mother’s strength, saying that watching her mother rebuild their lives in the U.S. inspired her to become independent, determined, and financially self-sufficient.

Though Kelly doesn’t frequently speak about her father, she often reflects on her upbringing as a first-generation immigrant as a major influence on her values and ambition.

Career Beginnings: Tech, Investments, and Real Estate

Before stepping into the spotlight with Netflix’s Bling Empire, Kelly was already a seasoned entrepreneur with ventures spanning multiple sectors.

Key Early Career Moves:

• Tech Startups: Kelly invested in early-stage tech startups in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley. She served as an advisor and brand strategist.
• Real Estate and Insurance: Kelly was involved in real estate development and insurance services, building passive income streams.
• Venture Capital: She developed a network in venture circles, working as an angel investor and helping fund women-led and minority-owned startups.

Through smart investments and calculated risks, Kelly developed a solid financial foundation long before becoming a public figure. Her business portfolio earned her credibility in circles where Asian women have historically been underrepresented.

Transition to Entertainment and Film

Kelly eventually transitioned into the world of film and television production, combining her business savvy with creative storytelling. Her passion for content that reflects cultural diversity and real human experiences led her to co-produce both scripted and unscripted projects.

Production Highlights:

• Executive Producer of Bling Empire (Netflix) – One of the first reality shows to showcase the lives of affluent Asian-Americans
• Documentary Producer – Worked on socially conscious films including content addressing human trafficking and immigrant narratives
• Partnerships – Collaborated with well-known producers and streaming platforms to tell stories with depth and impact

Kelly has spoken about the importance of representation in media, especially for Asian-American women, and she continues to use her platform to amplify diverse voices.

Bling Empire and Rise to Fame

In 2021, Kelly Mi Li gained international fame as one of the lead cast members and executive producers of Bling Empire, a Netflix reality series centered on the luxurious lives of wealthy Asian and Asian-American socialites in Los Angeles.

Kelly stood out for being:

• One of the only self-made cast members
• Open about her past relationship with a convicted tech entrepreneur (Andrew Bush)
• Emotionally raw and honest about love, self-worth, and growth

Her relationship journey with co-star Kevin Kreider became a key plot point, sparking debates about dating, boundaries, and emotional healing.

Kelly used the show not only as entertainment but also as a platform for authenticity and financial empowerment, showing viewers that wealth isn’t always inherited—it can be built.

Net Worth and Business Ventures

As of 2025, Kelly Mi Li’s net worth is estimated between $5 million and $8 million. Her wealth is diversified across industries, reflecting her long-term commitment to entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Net Worth Breakdown:

• Tech Investments: Equity holdings in several U.S. startups, primarily in wellness, fintech, and software
• Real Estate: Investment properties in California and Texas
• Media Earnings: Bling Empire salary, producer credits, backend deals
• Brand Collaborations: Partnerships with high-end skincare, fashion, and wellness brands
• Online Courses and Masterclasses: Courses teaching women how to become financially independent
• Speaking Engagements: Paid keynote appearances at entrepreneurship and diversity summits

Kelly continues to advocate for women building wealth on their own terms, and she frequently shares her personal journey to inspire others to take charge of their finances.

Personal Life and Motherhood

In 2023, Kelly Mi Li gave birth to her first child, a daughter, with partner William Ma, a lawyer and entrepreneur based in California. Since then, Kelly has embraced motherhood with openness and joy, often posting family updates and life reflections on her social media channels.

She describes motherhood as transformative, giving her a renewed perspective on legacy, patience, and unconditional love. Her journey into parenting has added another dimension to her public image—from investor and influencer to modern working mother.

Social Media Presence and Public Image

Kelly Mi Li maintains a strong presence across platforms such as:

• Instagram (@kellymili) – Lifestyle, fashion, motherhood, and motivational content
• LinkedIn – Professional updates, business projects, and media features
• YouTube (in development) – Plans to release financial education content
• TikTok – Lighthearted videos, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes content

She is widely regarded as stylish, intelligent, and grounded, and her audience appreciates her balance of transparency and elegance.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Kelly is actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in areas that align with her personal values:

• Anti-human trafficking efforts: Supporting survivors and awareness campaigns
• Asian-American causes: Speaking out against anti-Asian hate and supporting cultural pride initiatives
• Women in Tech: Funding initiatives that help female entrepreneurs access mentorship and capital

Her work in this area is not performative—she invests both time and money to create impact, often partnering with NGOs and community-based organizations.

Summary – Kelly Mi Li Net Worth: Age, Parents, Bio

This long-form profile on Kelly Mi Li net worth, age, parents, bio offers a comprehensive, reliable, and original look at a multi-faceted entrepreneur and media personality. From her early days as an immigrant raised by a single mother to her role as an investor, producer, and mother, Kelly Mi Li continues to shape her own story with clarity, intelligence, and heart.

She is more than a cast member on a Netflix show—she is a visionary, a cultural voice, and a businesswoman who has inspired thousands to believe in the possibility of success beyond limitations.

Whether you admire her for her business sense, her media influence, or her authenticity, one thing is clear: Kelly Mi Li’s story is still being written—and it’s one worth following.

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