Our role in this sneaker space is vast and can be as expansive as our collections. As we preach connecting the dots to opportunities and empowerment of other like-minded women in this community, we have to take a moment for some recognition. To put it plainly, the ladies of Incorp[HER]ated are changing the game in so many ways. Through their unified landscape of disruptive compassion, they are creating spaces that not only connect brands to culture but give hope to the youth.

Community outreach is a pillar of service and Incorp[HER]ated founders, Khiana and Brittany, are leaders in bridging the gap to opportunities that ensure underrepresented individuals (specifically women and children) have a voice. While many of us harness our strengths to create side hustles, we encounter the ability to meet at the intersection of passion and purpose - and our calling is born.

We were honored to join as one of mentors in Incorp[HER]ated x Champs Sports Air Max Day Workshop. The immersive workshop gave New York area youth the chance to not only ideate a sneaker design, but learn about bringing the concept to life through marketing. In our due diligence to support of the ideas on the virtual workshop, I can say we ended up learning more about ourselves versus just mentoring the kids.

#1 IT’S A WHOLE MOOD…BOARD.

The morning started with a learning session focused on how we can draw inspiration from anything and conceptualize that into product design. We discussed some of the early designs of the Air Max family tree and implemented that knowledge into our own mood boards.

#2 USE YOUR DREAMS TO DESIGN

The middle section of the workshop was devoted to design decisions behind the sneakers. We loved how our team was drawn to nature and art as inspiration. Specifically, how these elements made us feel. The kids made a great connection that sneakers make us feel something and that’s what creates a successful design. Our team, Bon Kicks, picked colorways and materials that drew us to an Earth Day theme and tied into the objectives around a sustainability focus.

Our lunch hour consisted of a power session talking through purpose and finding your way in this digital age. We were so amazed by the kids and assured them that their differences were their superpowers. There are many pressures within this social media generation and we don’t have to have everything figured out, as long as we’re open to always learning within our journey.

#3 CONNECT THE DOTS TO COMMUNITY

The last part of the workshop was all about marketing and presentation. With a diverse group of mentors on the call, we were all able to tap into experiences and passion for storytelling. Through strategic prompts, the kids answered questions around how they would roll out their sneaker campaigns and any community outreach initiatives they would include. It was AMAZING to say the least.

A huge THANK YOU to Incorp[HER]ated x Champs Sports for hosting such an important workshop, adding to the roster of inclusive strategy that Khiana and Brittany have successfully brought to fruition. Learn more below on how Khiana and Brittany are using their platform to cultivate partnerships committed to changing the game.

Learn more: Incorp[her]ated