Today we’d like to introduce you to Dora Jenkins.
Hi Dora, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Over 30 million women in the U.S. wear sizes 8 through 13, yet most brands stop at size 10. That leaves millions excluded from fashion-forward footwear, an overlooked blind spot in a $200 billion industry. I created a footwear brand to change that.
For women like myself who wear a size 11, it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s a matter of identity, self-expression, and confidence.
I built Sole of Blaq Pearl to meet the unique needs of women tired of being ignored. We offer luxury, size-inclusive footwear specifically designed for the proportions of sizes 8 through 13 where style meets structure. Our signature styles are bold, comfortable, crafted with genuine leather, and versatile enough to wear from the office to the after-party.
Our first design launched in 2019 exclusively in sizes 8 through 13, and it made a statement: fashion doesn’t stop at size 10. That heel was more than a shoe, it was a declaration.
We’re currently working on our next style, inspired by the city of Savannah. It’s a design meant for women to confidently stroll down River Street or dance the night away at Enmarket Arena. It’s giving bold, local, and unforgettable.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not and honestly, I wouldn’t trade the bumps and bruises for anything. Starting Sole of Blaq Pearl was born from a personal pain point that turned into purpose. As a woman with larger feet, I spent years settling for shoes that didn’t reflect my style, confidence, or personality. When I decided to create a luxury footwear brand that truly catered to women wearing sizes 8–13, I quickly realized the fashion industry wasn’t built with us in mind.
The struggles came fast: securing manufacturers who believed in my vision, navigating minimum order quantities, and entering a market that often sidelines niche needs. All while balancing a full-time career and personal responsibilities.
There were moments of doubt, financial strain, and the ongoing pressure to prove this idea mattered, not just to me, but to the countless women who’ve felt unseen in fashion.
But with every challenge came growth. I leaned into my military training, my leadership background, and most importantly, my “why.” Sole of Blaq Pearl isn’t just about shoes; it’s about visibility, confidence, and community. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth every single step.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sole of Blaq Pearl is a luxury footwear brand created for women who wear shoe sizes 8 through 13, a group that’s often ignored in fashion. Our mission is bold yet simple: to ensure every woman, regardless of shoe size, feels seen, celebrated, and confident from the ground up.
What sets us apart is our intentionality. Our brand was built by a woman who knows the struggle of finding stylish shoes in her size. We don’t just extend sizes, we design with these women in mind from the very first sketch.
We specialize in statement pieces that command attention and empower the women who wear them. And beyond the shoes, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Sole of Blaq Pearl is about standing tall, literally and figuratively in who you are.
We’re rewriting the narrative that fashion has limits. Luxury and inclusion can coexist and we’re proof of that.
To the readers discovering us for the first time: Sole of Blaq Pearl is for you. If you’ve ever felt left out of fashion conversations because of your shoe size, we’re here to change that. Our shoes are designed to make you feel powerful, feminine, and unstoppable. Because you, Queen, deserve nothing less.
Is there something surprising even people who know you might not know?
Most people see the polished brand, bold designs, and confident leader but what they may not know is Sole of Blaq Pearl was born during one of the most uncertain and vulnerable seasons of my life. It wasn’t launched from a place of having it all together it came from frustration, prayer, and raw determination.
While I do come across as strong and resilient (and I am!), I’m also deeply sensitive and intentional. Every shoe design, every color, every name in our collection tells a story, not just mine, but of women I’ve met, admired, or been inspired by. There’s heart in every heel and power in every pair.
And here’s one more thing: despite leading teams and building businesses, I still get nervous before big launches or public speaking engagements. But I show up anyway because I believe in what I’m building. More importantly, I believe in the women I’m building it for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soleofablaqpearl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soleofblaqpearl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sole-of-Blaq-Pearl-61569503837325/
