We recently had the chance to connect with Khara Lord and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Khara, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning how to loosen my grip — to pause, to breathe, and to trust that life can meet me without me chasing, fixing, or managing every detail.
It’s a slow burn, but it’s becoming a sacred part of my journey.
My son, Rhodes, has been my greatest teacher in this. His autism diagnosis didn’t change us overnight — and neither has the steady, unwavering commitment to help him thrive. Growth hasn’t been rushed. It’s been layered. Intentional. Patient.
He’s shown me that the most beautiful things don’t arrive on our timeline — they unfold in their own shape, their own size, their own way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Khara Lord Aerts — half the dreamer behind Strawberry Road. Brittainy Taylor is the other 🙂
Strawberry Road is a movement-centered children’s platform that celebrates autism, teaches inclusion through music and dance, and helps kids learn how to be great friends in a way that feels joyful and empowering. At the same time, we support families who are navigating the autism journey and often feeling unseen.
My son, Rhodes, was diagnosed with autism at age two. Walking through that season was beautiful — but also incredibly isolating. I promised myself that once I helped him find his footing, I would find a way to give back to the ASD community that carried us.
That promise became Strawberry Road.
I partnered with my dear friend Brittainy Taylor so I wouldn’t have to build this alone. Together, we sing, dance, and create content that celebrates neurodivergent kiddos exactly as they are. We lead by example, and show others that every brain is beautiful.
What makes Strawberry Road special is that it’s like a modern-day Mr. Rogers for special needs families — but created by a mom who is still in it. I write and sing these songs from lived experience — from the pain, the growth, and the deep beauty of parenting a child with autism.
By pouring into other families, I’ve found that I heal a little more each day too. Brit, aka Binny, has been a major role in showing others how to be a good friend to families like mine who are navigating special needs day in day out. She has two littles of her own, loves singing, rapping and dancing as well, and sharing her heart on Strawberry Road.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My son doesn’t yet realize how profoundly he’s reshaped my perspective. I am so proud of the person he is becoming. He is truly one of the most extraordinary humans I’ve ever had the privilege to know.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are days I think about giving up. The music industry is incredibly competitive and demanding, and balancing that with first-time motherhood — especially navigating special needs — can leave you feeling completely depleted.
Some days I feel like I’m running on empty. But what hasn’t wavered is my grit and my tenacity. No matter how exhausted I am, I’ve never lost the drive to keep showing up. When Brit came into my life I didn’t know how much I needed a good friend. She probably had no idea, either. Having someone alongside your journey to help remind you to keep going is a true gift. I might not have even been completely open to the idea of Strawberry Road if she hadn’t encouraged the idea.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to Strawberry Road for the long haul. This road doesn’t have to be easy — it just has to be worth it.
And it is.
Because these kids and families deserve more than awareness. They deserve celebration. They deserve a seat at the table. Honestly? They are the party.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had ten years left, I would stop worrying so much. I would live slower. I would let the small things be enough. I wouldn’t push so hard for the next big milestone.
I’ve always admired the easygoing, go-with-the-flow people — the ones who don’t feel driven to chase monumental achievements. That has never been me. As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to do something big. To build something lasting. To be remembered for it. That desire feels stitched into my heart.
And I don’t think ambition is wrong. It’s beautiful to want more, to seize the day, to work hard for what matters. But I’m learning that without balance, even good things can steal your peace.
I’m still figuring out how to hold both — drive and presence. Achievement and contentment. And that might be the real work of my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystrawberryroad?igsh=cHIxZ2czMDB5anN1&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GXH4kHY9J/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heystrawberryroad
Image Credits
Erick Anderson
