Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Reynolds.
Kendall, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a third-generation entrepreneur born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, I have always been the type to forge my own path. I started Kendall Miles as a passion project from my college apartment at the University go Southern California, I completed my degree in International Relations while simultaneously teaching myself how to design footwear. Subsequently, I received formal training at the world-renowned accessories design university, Ars Sutoria in Milan, Italy, before spending two years in NYC establishing a fashion industry network.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are times of smooth sailing, and there are times great opposition and obstacles. The manufacturing, sales and celebrity placements fell into place naturally and continue to grow at their own speed, but increased awareness and visibility has been a pain point for us. The luxury footwear industry hasn’t seen diversity or innovation in decades, so it’s difficult to attain marketshare when the same brands have been holding onto their customers for many years with little effort. Another pain point for us is building the team. The luxury industry is niche, so it’s not easy to find personnel accustomed to working at this level and willing to work at a start up.
Please tell us about Kendall Miles Designs.
We make luxury women’s footwear out of Florence, Italy. We specialize in creating limited edition quantities of footwear at the highest end, and we offer up to size 44 (US 14) for a more inclusive sizing model. We’re known for our statement footwear that features custom and unique details and embellishments.
I’m very proud that we are a Black woman-owned company working with the same manufacturers as Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, etc., and that we are serving the nice of high quality, beautifully designed shoes in larger sizes.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing in my mom’s shoe closet for sure. She had an amazing collection of Manolo Blahnik, Roger Vivier, Gucci and Prada shoes. I’d spend hours trying on my favorite styles!
Pricing:
- Our price point is $325-1200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kendallmilesdesigns.com
- Instagram: @thekendallmiles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendallmilesdesigns/
Image Credit:
Splash News
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