Kelly Mi Li Says Baby Daughter Has 'Such an Attitude': 'Her Favorite Word Is Still No' (Exclusive)

The ‘Bling Empire’ star welcomed daughter Mili with her partner William Ma in April 2023

Kelly Mi Li’s daughter may still be learning her first words — but “no” remains her favorite.

In an interview with PEOPLE at the Unforgettable: The 22nd Annual Asian American Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Dec. 14, the Bling Empire star, 39, opened up about motherhood and raising her 20-month-old daughter Mili.

“She's learning new words now, but her favorite word is still ‘no.’ So everything is, ‘no, no, no, no,’ ” said the reality television star on the red carpet. “Such an attitude. I love it.”

When asked whether she hopes to add any more little ones to the family, Kelly shared she's not quite sure yet. “Because I'm a single child, I always feel like I want to give her siblings,” she said. “I want her to experience what I didn't experience, so maybe in the future.”

She did note that she was “surprised” by “how much guilt” she had for attending the awards ceremony: “Mom guilt is so real,” Kelly told PEOPLE. “She probably doesn't even care that I'm gone, to be honest. Probably having the best time with the grandmas, but I just feel guilty."

Kelly, a star of Bling Empire, a Netflix reality series about wealthy Asians living in Los Angeles, first revealed in November 2022 that she was expecting with her boyfriend William Ma. Though she and Ma were planning to have a child, the news was still “kind of shocking,” she told PEOPLE at the time.

“I'm really, really happy and so grateful that I have such a strong support system,” said Kelly. “My boyfriend is amazing. I literally cannot ask for a better partner in this. And obviously, I've to show off about him any chance I get. But he's honestly so supportive, so amazing and honestly, he's going to be such a great dad.”

She shared the baby’s sex in an adorable Instagram video in December of that year.

Related: Kelly Mi Li Shares Motherhood Update, Admits Feeling 'Guilt' Being Away from Daughter (Exclusive)

In April 2023, the Hot Jiang founder revealed that she had given birth to her daughter Mili Ma. "Welcome to the world Mili! She's finally here after being fashionably late to her own due date!" Kelly told PEOPLE after her daughter was born.

And now, nearing her daughter's second birthday, Kelly said she still wants to be with her “24/7” — especially over Christmas. “I got her a lot of gifts,” teased the mogul ahead of the holiday.

The 22nd Annual Asian American Awards recognized the API community’s biggest and brightest talents in entertainment, arts and culture. The gala featured performances by Wonho, The Jets and 98 Degrees. The show is available to stream on GoldenTV.