When you ask Carlena Evans, the visionary founder of Kidsplosion, what drives her, she smiles and says, “All children have talent. All children want to share it.” That single belief has powered a global movement that began in Georgia, USA, and now blooms vibrantly in the UAE — a place she doesn’t just call home, but a country she says she’s “married.”
Carlena’s story is not one of ordinary success — it’s a modern fairy tale wrapped in grit, faith, and divine timing. In 2008, fresh from a divorce and pursuing her graduate degree in education with a two-year-old son, she prayed for purpose. “I asked God to show me the exact thing that only I could do,” she recalls. That night, she had a vivid dream — a vision of children dancing, acting, cooking, and creating; a world where youth were seen, celebrated, and empowered. The next morning, she woke up knowing what she was meant to build.
By 2009, Kidsplosion was born — a youth empowerment organization designed to help children discover, develop, and display their gifts. From local community events to international stages, Kidsplosion became a force of joyful education, transforming how youth viewed their talents. “Every time I see a child confidently showcasing their abilities,” Carlena says, “it’s my proudest moment.”
But destiny had bigger plans for her dream.
While studying in graduate school, Carlena first learned about Dubai — the UAE’s spirit of vision and limitless innovation captured her imagination. “I knew then that one day, I had to bring Kidsplosion here,” she says. Nearly a decade later, in 2018, she finally made that journey — unaware that it would become a chapter of destiny unlike any other.
Standing on the beach in JBR, with her young son by her side, Carlena felt something extraordinary. “I was so inspired, so in agreeance with Dubai’s vision that I needed oneness with it,” she laughs. “So, I told my son I was going to marry Dubai. He found a shell for my ring, agreed to be the minister, and we made our vows right there.”
It was symbolic — but it was also spiritual. “I promised I’d never limit my vision. That I’d use my talents to grow this incredible nation’s story.”
Days later, life tested that vow. Her debit card details were stolen, and her funds vanished — leaving her and her son stranded in a foreign land. “I was terrified,” she admits. “But I called my Airbnb host, who quickly connected me with a family that took us in like their own. They fed us, sheltered us, and reminded me that kindness transcends nationality.”
That moment cemented her love for the UAE. “My vows were real,” Carlena says softly. “God heard me that day. I had nothing — but I was taken care of. Dubai didn’t just welcome me; it protected me.”
Seven years later, she still calls it her UAE Love Story. And it continues to grow — much like her dream.
Through Kidsplosion UAE, Carlena has created spaces where fun, learning, and purpose blend effortlessly. Every year, the program takes on a new creative theme. In 2025, the theme is “Great Power. GREAT Responsibility.” — a message that transforms every child into a superhero, reminding them that the power to change the world lies within.
Her sessions are filled with laughter, music, and movement. “When we’re having fun, the children believe they can do anything. That joy becomes their power,” she explains.
As a single parent who has faced financial struggle, fear, and even being stranded, Carlena knows how to turn pain into possibility. “I’ve done so many ‘impossible’ things that I don’t believe in impossibilities anymore,” she says. “If you want to do something, do it. Everyone should.”
The UAE, she believes, has played a huge role in shaping her resilience. “I love living in a culture that honors faith. It makes life more grounded, more trusting,” she says. “Here, I’ve learned that the impossible is just another word for not-yet.”
For dreamers, her message is clear and unwavering: “If something is inside you that you know you are meant to do, trust that God — or Allah — will make a way. If it is your destiny, it will always work.”
When asked to describe the UAE in three words, she smiles: “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” A poetic reflection of a land that values its past, thrives in its present, and dreams boldly for its future.
And what does the future look like for Carlena Evans and Kidsplosion? She grins, her eyes gleaming with the same fire that started it all. “We need the amusement park! 1-2-3 GO!”
It’s not just an idea — it’s a promise. A dream playground where creativity, learning, and joy merge into one grand celebration of youth potential.
Carlena’s journey — from a single mother with a dream to an international changemaker who “married” Dubai — is a testament to vision, faith, and the magic of believing.
In her own words: “I followed my dream and now I’m living it. My desire is for everyone to follow this example.”
Because sometimes, love stories aren’t about people — they’re about purpose. And in Carlena Evans’s life, that purpose continues to shine as brightly as the city she calls her forever home.
🌍 Learn more:
🔹 Instagram: @carlena.evans
🔹 TikTok: @kidsplosion
