Join Mikea Hugley, founder of Makers For Humankind, as she shares her vision for creating functional, impactful products that empower individuals to live intentionally and actively. From launching the Modular Clog to making a direct impact in underrepresented communities, Mikea’s journey in design blends utility with well-being, showing the world that there are many ways to be human. Through the adidas Community LAB, she hopes to gain the resources and support needed to bring this vision to life.

Foundation
& Inspiration

Founded in 2020, Makers For Humankind transforms streetwear by blending utility with well-being. Inspired by the timelessness of Americana and the resilience of inner-city subcultures, we pay homage to the creativity, resourcefulness, and cultural richness of these communities.

By merging the rugged, functional elements of Americana with the dynamic influences of urban life, we craft accessible luxury with a purpose. As a community of Makers we are making functional products that make a meaningful impact on the communities that inspire us.

Why We Do It

To show the world that there are many ways to be human. We're committed to making life better for those around us through products and experiences. By using human-centered design, we blend utility with well-being, creating everyday items that help you do more.

Early Beginnings

Mikea Hugley's journey into design wasn't just about footwear; it was about creating products that make life better for people.

Growing up in Baltimore, Mikea's early fascination with design was sparked by her desire to connect with her father through sports. This led her to develop a deep appreciation for basketball sneakers, particularly the Adidas Crazy 8's, which were worn by her favorite player, Kobe Bryant.

Beyond the court, Mikea would pursue design from an early age, particularly brand identity, which led to teaching on the secondary, university and government level.

Simultaneously managing a design firm—Origin (Goldman Sachs Alum), has worked with several hi-profile clients including Google, Johns Hopkins, The Hatchett Group to name a few. Mikea believes that everyone deserves good design, which has led her to hybrid between both the 2D to 3D design realm, where she can mettle in all her talents and make the world she believes exist.

Her passion for product design and business acumen truly took off during her undergraduate years at MICA, where a project addressing homelessness highlighted the urgent need for basics like socks for the unhoused. This project ignited her mission to create footwear that not only meets basic needs but also symbolizes empowerment and hope. It's not just about making shoes; it's about making a difference.

Key Milestones

Winning the MICA UP/START Competition in 2020 was a significant milestone in Mikea's journey, where she secured $29k to bring her vision to life. During the program, Mikea developed a prototype for a modular shoe designed for essential workers and those on their feet for long hours, such as healthcare workers and retail employees.

The shoe kit included a weatherproof sock, thick sole, and interchangeable screws and straps. This innovative design not only provides comfort and versatility but also commits 10% of proceeds to support the unhoused population. Key figures who helped realize this vision include influential mentors and industry experts like Mac Conwell, Managing Partner at RareBreed Ventures, who was one of the judges and a mentor for the pitch, alongside Xina Eiland, president of X+PR, a mentor from the very beginning of Mikea's venture. These mentors provided invaluable guidance and support, helping to shape the direction and success of the pitch.

adidas

Despite the challenges of 2020, Mikea launched Makers For Humankind with a clear focus on purposeful footwear. Being selected for the adidas Impact Hub “Close the Gap” program as one of 30 companies globally further validated her vision. Through the program, she worked with mentor Richard Stadler, who has over 28 years of experience at adidas America. Richard's expertise in digital selling strategies, forecasting, inventory management, and market growth significantly influenced the development of Makers For Humankind. His background includes managing a $38M wholesale sales division, driving significant market share gains, and providing strong digital presence strategies.

After completing the Impact Hub program, Mikea was selected to be part of the adidas S.E.E.D round-one program, a paid two-year university alternative footwear design program for BIPOC women at the adidas Brooklyn Creator Farm. Though she was not selected for the full two-year program, she had the opportunity to develop her footwear skills—from sketching and mood boarding to presenting her concepts. Her work was critiqued by industry leaders like Dr.Dwayne Edwards, Jason Mayden, Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson, and Liz Connelly, both who were mentors during the adidas S.E.E.D. program, among other notable figures in the footwear industry. This experience further honed her skills and fueled her passion for innovative design.

Global Connections
& Mentorship

Mikea took her passions overseas to connect with Nicoline Van Enter, the world’s leading sustainable footwear forecaster and visionary, and founder of Footwearology LAB in Barcelona. Nicoline’s expertise in creating innovative solutions and improving the footwear industry through transparent, automated, and local-for-local manufacturing systems played a crucial role in shaping the future of Makers For Humankind. Footwearology LAB focuses on R&D, consulting, and education, continually pushing the boundaries of footwear design and manufacturing.

Development
& Collaboration

In the process of developing the "Modular Clog," we also consulted with Suzanne Oude Hengel of Knit in Motion [KiM], a knit development and consultancy studio known for its research and experimentation. KiM bridges the gap between technical expertise and design, focusing on functionality highlighted by a bold aesthetic. Specializing in Stoll flatbed knitting technology, KiM provided tailored fabric solutions for our footwear, ensuring it meets the highest standards of functionality and design.

Currently, Mikea is working with Defne Yalkut from DYdesign, a footwear solutions and design consultancy studio based in Milan, Italy.

DYdesign is known for creating and innovating purposeful products for start-ups and growing technical footwear brands. Defne’s expertise in sole design and her feminine approach to design have been instrumental in bringing the Modular Clog to life, emphasizing the 'human-product connection' through a fashion eye.

Brand Evolution

With these experiences and mentors shaping her journey, Mikea redefined Makers For Humankind into what it is today—a brand that goes beyond footwear. By leveraging her innate skills and building a community of thinkers and supporters, she has set the stage for the future of footwear design. Makers For Humankind now stands as a beacon of innovation, ethical practices, and community empowerment.

Our brand crafts accessible luxury with a purpose, merging utility with well-being. We are dedicated to making products that not only enhance personal well-being but also support the dynamic lifestyles of our wearers. Our commitment to sustainable materials and community empowerment shapes our approach, ensuring each piece we create not only supports but elevates urban living.

Makers For Humankind is more than just a brand; it's a story of impact, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of redefining footwear. We’re committed to ethical practices and empowering communities, ensuring every piece we make not only supports but elevates urban living.

Become a Pathfinder

As a Pathfinder, you’ll be one of the first to try our innovative products. Your feedback will help us refine our designs and make a real impact. Sign up today to join the journey!