VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) petty officer from Virginia is making a splash with his latest sneaker design paying homage to the Hampton Roads area.
Kenneth Jones has long had a passion for designing clothes, specifically sneakers. So, when he and his wife were expecting their first child nine years ago he joined the Coast Guard as it allowed him to support his family both financially and physically, along with pursuing his love of fashion.
“I liked what the Coast Guard stood for. We save lives, help within our local communities, and we really make a difference that not many get an opportunity to see,” said Jones.
Now, Jones, who works at the Atlantic Area Communications Command Center in Norfolk, is setting his sights on working in the fashion industry. And to kick it off, he has started his own clothing and sneaker line — KINDM — which he says is inspired by community.
“Kinfolk, family, friends," he told Coast Guard officials. "It’s a kingdom, that makes you, you. It’s about the people around you that build it together."
Virginia Beach-inspired sneakers
The petty officer recently made it in the top 10 of a national design contest with the entry of his custom-made sneakers featuring ocean waves and Virginia Beach's Neptune statue. For a special touch, he even printed "BY VA 4 VA Thank You" on the inside tongue of the shoe.
“People in the Coast Guard reached out to me when my sneaker went viral,” said Jones. “They were telling me they would buy my sneaker!”
Not only has his time in the Coast Guard allowed him flexibility, but Jones told USCG officials that it has provided him an inside look at styles and cultures across the globe.
“I’ve always loved fashion and having moved around during my service, I’ve had the opportunity to see different places, how people dress, and it has been enlightening to me — it’s expanded my view of different cultures and locations across the country.”
Among the various artists influencing Jones, he pointed to Pharell, Pusha T and Missy Elliott — all Virginia Beach natives — as inspirations.
But above all, Jones reiterated that his drive and passion have been fueled by his time serving in the Coast Guard and maintaining a "family-first mindset."
“At my job, in the Coast Guard communication center or at home with my family and fashion, I want to be someone who shows up – who sticks it out and gives it everything I have," he said.
