Mona Gracen is originally from the Finger Lakes region of Central New York but currently finds herself in the Disney World region of Central Florida.
She started Monalala Dolly in the early 2000's. It was primarily a doll-making business and she was the sole designer. Her work was featured in DOLLS Magazine and the regional television news did a segment on her dolls. She was also featured in her local newspaper. Monalala disbanded shortly after the birth of the artist's first child, but all was not lost.
Inspired by her new daughter, Mona began creating new designs in print, apparel, clay, and fabric. These new designs would become the basis for Lulakiti (which was named after her daughter and her beloved cat). In addition to her design work, Mona also penned and illustrated two children's books based on Lulakiti characters.
Lulakiti Designs creates original dolls and stuffed animals using the finest organic materials, as well as hand-dyed and embellished children's garments. Mona has dreams of expanding into paper products with cards, prints, and note papers in the not so distant future.