Meet Dora Jenkins

We were lucky to catch up with Dora Jenkins recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dora, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through lived experience and listening closely to what was missing, not just in the market, but in myself. As a woman with larger feet, I spent years feeling overlooked by the fashion industry. Shoes were rarely designed with comfort, confidence, or dignity in mind for women like me. What seemed like a small frustration revealed a much bigger truth: there was a gap, and it carried emotional weight.

My purpose became clear when I realized that what I needed wasn’t just better shoes. It was representation, inclusion, and empowerment. Sole of Blaq Pearl was born from that realization. It’s more than footwear; it’s about helping women walk boldly into every room without shrinking themselves, apologizing, or settling.

Over time, my purpose has continued to evolve. It’s now rooted in building a community-driven, luxury brand that honors women’s stories, prioritizes comfort without compromising style, and creates space where women feel seen, valued, and confident exactly as they are. My purpose found me when I stopped ignoring what kept calling me and decided to build something meaningful from it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I found my purpose at the intersection of lived experience, unmet need, and faith. For years, I struggled to find beautiful, well made shoes in my size without feeling overlooked or limited. That frustration slowly turned into clarity. I realized the issue wasn’t my feet, it was the industry.

Purpose revealed itself when I stopped seeing my difference as a disadvantage and started recognizing it as a calling. I understood that my journey wasn’t just about shoes, but about representation, confidence, and reminding women that they deserve luxury and comfort regardless of size. Sole of Blaq Pearl was born from that realization. To serve women who have been excluded for far too long and to create something meaningful, intentional, and lasting.

Spreading the Word About You and Your Brand

I am the Founder and Creative Director of Sole of Blaq Pearl (SOBP), a luxury, size-inclusive women’s footwear brand created for women who wear sizes 8–13 and desire both elegance and comfort. SOBP was built with the belief that style should never stop at size 8, and that every woman deserves to walk into every room feeling confident, seen, and empowered.

What makes Sole of Blaq Pearl special is that it is more than a footwear brand. It’s a community-driven movement. Every design is created with intention, focusing on quality materials, thoughtful construction, and comfort without compromising style. I am especially passionate about designing for professional women. Those in corporate spaces, leadership roles, and everyday environments where confidence and comfort matter just as much as appearance.

Currently, I am in an intentional growth phase, focusing on small-batch production, thoughtful manufacturing partnerships, and refining signature designs that reflect the brand’s values. I am also expanding my visibility through features, storytelling, and community engagement, while laying the foundation for future collections, speaking opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives centered on women’s empowerment.

At its core, Sole of Blaq Pearl represents legacy. We are building something that uplifts, includes, and leaves a lasting impact. This is not fast fashion; it is purposeful design for women who walk boldly in who they are.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Self-Belief & Purpose

Believing in myself before anyone else did was foundational. When you’re building something that challenges industry norms, self-belief becomes non-negotiable. My advice to those early in their journey is to get clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Purpose will carry you through uncertainty, delays, and doubt.

2. Willingness to Learn & Ask Questions

I didn’t start this journey knowing everything about footwear manufacturing, branding, or sourcing but I committed to learning. Asking questions, seeking mentorship, and slowing down to understand the process has saved me time, money, and mistakes. Don’t rush to appear knowledgeable; instead, stay curious and teachable.

3. Patience & Strategic Discipline

Patience has been one of my greatest teachers. Building a quality, luxury brand takes time, intention, and discipline. I’ve learned to say no to opportunities that don’t align and to trust timing over pressure. For anyone starting out, I’d say: move with intention, not urgency. Longevity matters more than speed.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I am always open to intentional and aligned collaborations. I’m especially interested in partnering with fashion creatives, manufacturers, community leaders, women-owned businesses, media platforms, and advocacy organizations that value inclusivity, quality, and purpose-driven work.

Those interested in collaborating can connect with me through Sole of Blaq Pearl’s official channels or reach out via social media. I value partnerships that are rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and long-term vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soleofblaqpearl.com
• Instagram: www.instagram/soleofblaqpearl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569503837325