LaKendra Phillips – Footwear Designer I Ole Miss Alum I Former Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player I Sister in Sole

LaKendra Phillips is a rising talent in the world of footwear design, known for her unwavering dedication, creative spirit, and tireless drive to break boundaries in a competitive industry. With a deep passion for women’s basketball footwear and a commitment to innovation, LaKendra has made her mark by fusing storytelling, performance, and style into every design she creates.

A proud alumna of several prestigious programs, LaKendra has completed multiple courses. From hands-on experience at the Shoe Surgeon Academy to earning her place as an esteemed SOLEcial Studies alumna (special thanks to Sean Williams), LaKendra has continually invested in her craft. She expanded her knowledge through the F.I.T. x Yellowbrick Sneaker Essentials program, the New Balance x PLC Women’s Basketball Masterclass at Pensole Lewis College in Detroit, and most recently added Product Development at Lasell University to her growing list of credentials. Currently, she is enrolled in the Sole Design Masterclass by DeFne Yalkut — deepening her sole skills and learning professional sole design from concept to factory-ready — further solidifying her position as a forward-thinking force in women’s performance footwear.

Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved through a blend of passion, perseverance, and hard work. By day, she operates as a Distribution Supervisor; by night, she transforms into the creative force behind her designs. She dared to dream big—and backed those dreams with hard work, late nights, and a refusal to settle. A proud member of the Sisters in Sole community and an inspiring creative whose innovative designs and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her growing recognition. Though her journey is still unfolding, her impact is already being felt. With every step forward, she continues to carve a space for herself in an ever-evolving industry.

Guided by the wisdom and support of her mentors, Krystal Fortune Gonzalez of Empower Her Sole LLC and Sean Williams of SOLEcial Studies. LaKendra moves with purpose and confidence while envisioning the future of women’s basketball footwear. She stands as a bold example of what it means to lead with vision, heart, and purpose — and we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives…A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 – 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.