Welcome to episode 6 of Black Americans Making Their Mark: Stories Abroad. On this episode we are visiting Duane Lawrence in Xiamen, China. Duane is the youngest of 7 and grew up in Florida. At age 12 he moved from Tampa to Miami, where his creative interests grew. At Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), it cultivated into a desire for designing products, namely athletic shoes. That drive led him to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI where studios included product, furniture and transportation design. The highlight was the Summer 2003 Nike Adrenaline Internship, eight weeks in Beaverton, OR under some of the footwear industry’s leading designers. In 2004, his career began at Converse, where he became the lead designer for NBA superstar Dwyane Wade. With over a decade of footwear industry experience at companies like adidas, Nike and Li Ning, Duane had the opportunity to work with world class athletes, travel the world, and impact culture. After 10 years in the Northwest, he relocated to Oakland, California, offering graphic design, web design and screen printing services to local businesses all while running his own apparel line called KINFOAK. While the Bay Area community offered a second family and various possibilities, in 2018 he was offered a unique opportunity to become the Design Director for Anta Basketball Footwear.  This opportunity took him to beautiful Xiamen, China, steering a team of young talented designers, learning the language and embracing new traditions.

It is highly encouraged to reach out to Duane to learn more about China and or opportunities in the shoe industry.  

Website: http://duanealawrence.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duanealawrence/