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SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 12: Zaya Wade, Kaavia James Wade, 2023 inductee Dwyane Wade and Zaire Wade attend the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2023 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

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SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 12: Zaya Wade, Kaavia James Wade, 2023 inductee Dwyane Wade and Zaire Wade attend the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2023 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
We all know Dwyane Wade as a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest guards to ever do it—Finals MVP in 2006, 13-time All-Star, and a true Miami Heat legend. But off the hardwood? He’s just as impressive in a different arena: fatherhood. Back in 2019, Dwyane Wade cracked a joke that his daughter Kaavia has “my wife’s personality with my facial expressions,” and honestly, that couldn’t be more spot-on. Recently, Kaavia’s Instagram reels have hinted she’s inheriting Union’s stage presence and Wade’s trademark side-eye.
And Wade’s no stranger to the spotlight beyond basketball. He founded 59th & Prairie Entertainment, producing films like Shot in the Dark (2017), to cement his off-court legacy. “I wanted to challenge myself,” he once said about entering the entertainment world. From SNL cameos to commercials, Wade’s more than just a baller — he’s got legit screen presence.
While Wade has juggled business and media commitments, Kaavia is stealing the spotlight at home. In a recent Instagram video, she’s seen twirling in a little blue dress with a pink bow during her school play, and the caption reads: “I didn’t choose the stage life… it chose me. 🩰” When Gabrielle asks her, “Tell daddy how you did?” Kaavia gives a proud, “Good.” Honestly? Star behavior already.
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Of course, we should’ve seen this coming. Kaavia James has been serving face since before she could form full sentences. That’s how she earned the title “Shady Baby”—a nickname born out of her now-iconic eye rolls, deep sighs, and legendary side-eyes. Back in 2019, Union told PEOPLE, “She looks just like Dad, but I’d like to think the attitude is from me. She will stare into your soul and tell you about yourself through her eyes.” And yes, she meant every word.
Fast forward to April 29, 2023, and little Miss Drama Queen delivered once again. Gabrielle posted a video of Kaavia on her Instagram, captioned: “When you forgot to defrost the ground beef, and Moms just pulled up to the crib. #Saturday #ShadyBaby.” In the clip, Kaav takes us on a full emotional rollercoaster—shock, confusion, a cinematic pause, then yells, “Mama’s coming!” from behind the camera. That’s not just sass. That’s range. And if Hollywood’s paying attention? They’ve got a star on their hands.
How Kaavia James sparked a movement in baby care and fashion
When Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade had their daughter Kaavia, they quickly realized something was missing from the baby wellness world, especially for babies with darker skin. They just couldn’t find skincare and products made with kids like Kaavia in mind. Gabrielle said it best: “Inspired by our daughter Kaavia, we set out to create baby care products formulated specially for babies with melanated skin.” That little spark turned into PROUDLY, their baby care brand made out of love and real need.
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Is Kaavia Wade the next big star, or just riding on her parents' coattails?
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They started with skincare, made with ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, perfect for melanin-rich skin. But that was just the beginning. As Kaavia grew, Gabrielle and Dwyane noticed there wasn’t much out there in baby clothes that truly celebrated babies of color. So, they created a whole new baby clothing line under PROUDLY, launching it at JCPenney. Think soft onesies, cozy sleepers, cute rompers — all designed to look amazing on every shade of beautiful skin. Gabrielle says, “It’s about representation, quality, and celebrating all families.” And honestly, that feels like exactly what every parent wants.
What makes PROUDLY so special is how real it feels — it’s not just products, it’s a movement. Everything they do is inspired by Kaavia’s bold personality and how she shows up every day. Gabrielle and Dwyane Wade want parents to feel seen and to have choices that honor their child’s unique beauty. As Gabrielle puts it, “We want to always center our work around being the change we want to see while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.” It’s a message that hits home and makes you believe baby products can be so much more than just stuff — they can be love in action.
Whether she’s performing on stage, in front of the camera, or inspiring her parents’ work, Kaavia’s natural charm is clear as day. With her dad’s expressive personality and her mom’s acting skills, she’s already winning people over—and showing that sometimes, the spotlight finds you all on its own.
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Is Kaavia Wade the next big star, or just riding on her parents' coattails?