9 African-American Shoe Designers You Should Know

Samanta Joseph

When Samanta Joseph graduated with a degree in information technology several New York companies wanted her for their team.  It would have been good money but a passion for design trumped the paycheck, leading the Guyanese Native to establish Samanta Shoes in 2003.  Her husband Kelvin soon came aboard and together they’ve carved out a space for a collection both stylish and comfortable in a market often tone deaf to this need.  After doing trade shows where wholesalers sometimes place orders but fail to pay, the Josephs decided to build relationships with independent retailers who they could check out prior to extending credit.  Boutiques from here to Europe now carry the line, and if Sanaa Lathan, Rihanna, Tyra Banks and Queen Latifah are any indication of consumer demand, Samanta will be filling orders for years to come.