The Kicks Factory podcast launched on the Kudzukian network in January. Kudzukian is an independently-owned branded audio and visual content producer specializing in livestream content across all media platforms. The debut edition of the Kicks Factory featured Duane Lawrence, designer of Dwayne Wade’s first signature basketball shoe, the D. Wade 1 for Converse. Lawrence, who worked closely with Michael Jordan and who has also worked with Lil Wayne and Eminem, was very open and dropped major gems about his career and living a life of purpose and honor, especially during the pandemic.
The Kicks Factory is hosted by designer, creative entrepreneur and sneaker industry veteran Omar Bailey. During the podcast, Bailey speaks with global industry insiders in design and manufacturing, granting listeners access to the inner workings of the sometimes “invisible” side of the kicks game.
Further, The Kicks Factory provides a rare opportunity for lay people to vicariously experience the footwear creation process through the eyes of designers, “shoepreneurs” and innovators. The people behind iconic sneakers drop sacred knowledge and share their journey from conception to inception in hopes of inspiring aspiring designers and future industry leaders to pursue their design dreams.
Bailey has an all-star lineup; in addition to Duane Lawrence, the show features Jason Mayden, former Jordan designer who was recently appointed president of Fear of God; Dwayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Design Academy and E. Scott Morris, creator of the Michael Vick Nike shoe collections.
Bailey is a design entrepreneur who built his reputation working with corporations, small businesses and individuals by listening to their needs and ideas and creating design solutions. He has designed and created footwear for top-tier brands such as Adidas, K-Swiss, New Balance and Timberland, along with athletes and entertainers, such as Karim Benzema, Terry Crews, Questlove and Jay-Z. He began his college career as an industrial design student at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, finishing his studies at the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati. The on-site business and design experience led Bailey to start his own design firm in 2006, followed by the establishment of Omar Bailey Footwear in 2015.
How often is the podcast?
We are currently working on a two-show per month cadence, and each episode is around 60 minutes or less.
Do you find that the podcast is well-received?
The podcast has been going great, and I’ve been lucky to get some amazing guests on so far from designers, professional athletes, educators and more. The feedback has been great, and we will continue to push this show and establish it as a place where you can come and learn about the footwear creation process from every angle. There are so many sneakerhead shows, but this is very different, and we want to shine a light on how sneakers are really developed and created.
Any favorite brands?
I like anyone who is pushing the envelope on innovation, and the only brand that seems to be doing that right now is Yeezy. I also have a soft spot for startups because I know how hard it is to get that kick started, so anyone who is putting the work in and trying to make something from nothing is a favorite. Two brands that come to mind are Q4 Sports and Live True Life — these guys get my support because they are making it happen.
What are your thoughts on sustainability and sneakers?
I think it’s important, and brands like Adidas are doing great work in this area with their “Parley” collection, for example, and leading the way. However, the next thing that needs to happen is these “methods of making” and resources need to be more accessible to smaller brands. Starting a shoe company is expensive, and starting a shoe company with a sustainable focus in mind is even more expensive. The barrier of entry needs to be more affordable for new brands who want to think this way, but at the same time, as a former brand owner myself, I cannot blame someone if they choose not to go in that direction knowing that they cannot maintain the cost.
How much will you give to sustainability?
Sustainability will be one of our focuses on the show; however, we plan on covering many different aspects of the shoe business. One of our upcoming guests (Nicoline van Enter) is a sustainable footwear expert and works with many brands to incorporate these practices into their manufacturing. Our conversation explores this topic, and I intend on having more guests with a sustainable mindset.
Sneakerheads have a brand-new place to go — The Kicks Factory — and listen to compelling stories from those doing extraordinary things, discussing design and creation with the actual creators themselves. Guests speak candidly about their early career aspirations, how they turned desire into reality and the ups and downs of breaking into the game in a free-flowing, transparent conversation with Bailey. His goal is to inspire creatives and educate those along the way about a business that gets so much attention — even though most are unaware of its complexities.
Michelle Alleyne
Supply chain strategist and professor, Instagram: @mshopnyc
Sandra Roy
Social work graduate candidate, Instagram: @altruistic9
