Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Leonard.
Hi Kendra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I always tell people that I lived life backwards- pregnant at 20, a widow at 30, and wondering what’s in store for 40, but here is where I am now… It was after the death of my husband, and me getting passed over for a promotion at Banana Republic after 11 years, that I decided that life was too short- I loved what I did, but could not do that there any more. So I became self employed, opened my first store in 2010, then a year later opened my second store on 11.11.11, and eventually made my way downtown to my third location where I doubled my business, only to have it destroyed in the riots in May of 2020 on the brink of growing my empire and expanding to new markets. My first book, ‘you only live once,’ was in the only unbroken window, reminding me that for 20 years I had said that I would sell everything I own and move to Italy. So that is what I did.
Since 90% of everything I owned was stolen, and it was also during covid, I was at a standstill, not knowing what to do. But I had to get really clear about what I wanted, not what everyone else wanted me to do with my life. So I went on a sabbatical for three months in Croatia before landing in Italy, before finding my footing in Florence. When I came back to Raleigh, I got rid of my beloved store, and went back to Florence to grieve it a second time- the first time it was taken from me. The next time, I chose to release it- knowing that if I gave up something that I loved so much, I knew better things would come in the future. So I took another giant leap of faith and let my life (and my possessions) go.
I released my second book, ‘mind.body.soul.’ and I became an International Master Certified Life Coach, leaving the fashion industry behind. I travelled back and forth every three months from Raleigh to Florence, and in July of 2022, I made the move to Italy permanent. However, the fashion followed me everywhere I went. I had sketched The God|dess Collection and had it lying dormant for years while I tried to reject my internal calling of going back to the fashion industry after becoming a minimalist and exiting the wonderful world of retail- I did not want to go back. But eventually, after visiting France in December of 2023, my late husband’s sister brought me back to life and said she could teach me how to make a pattern and make my prototypes. And there, TAOS was reborn.
Just a few months later, I was signing a lease directly across from my house, and started construction and releasing my pieces one month at a time- to keep with my minimalist as well as zero waste philosophy. I kept the art gallery part of The Art of Style, but now, having a showroom with only my designs, which fit perfectly with my new idea of having a ‘simple, luxurious life.’ Sadly, I had forgotten that I did not want a store, and at the end of April 2024, I was broken into again, so I decided to close the space and operate my private atelier out of my home. Now, I combine fashion with wellness and transformation, designing one of a kind pieces for clients all over the world. For those who only want external beauty, I make luxury items that suit their personality and style. For those who want to go below the surface, I offer private intensives and experiences to guide people through ‘the work.’ Everything I do is by appointment only, and through word of mouth.
However, my mission still remains the same: Find Yourself. That is what I help people do- through clothing and communication, as well as other modalities. In addition, I invented The Substitute after I had a near death scare with pneumonia in 2019, to help people ‘just breathe.’ This luxury breathing device is not only the ultimate accessory, but is designed to raise awareness and consciousness through the simple, profound act of breath. The Substitute is more than an accessory. It is a tool for presence, for stillness, for coming home to yourself. It has also become a movement, through my non profit, The Substitute Society, encouraging a growing community of conscious beings who have chosen to replace the unconscious with the intentional. Where beauty and function unite, and where we can all heal ourselves one breath at a time.
Now, I am working on my third book, in journal format, called ‘the art of living’ and preparing for what is coming next. In the meantime, I am still finding myself, as the journey never ends, and guiding others through 3-7 day ‘Transformative Experiences’ in Florence, Italy, along with ‘Find Yourself Intensives’ for those ready to remember and reclaim who they are and what they were meant to do in this lifetime. I continue to work with the youth and have active interns helping me with all aspects of my businesses, as I guide them during their spiritual awakening, too. We are all in this together… carpe diem.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Um no. No smooth sailing over here… Having my business destroyed in a manner of minutes after ten years of building it was devastating. My decision to not reopen, affected my community and how I used to show up for them, but it did teach me to put myself first, and to stop caring about what other people think about me and my life. Opening a business in Italy, let alone moving here and living here, is not for the faint of heart. It required more patience than I ever thought to have needed, but eventually, I did find peace here. Now I live a slower paced life, and am actually living for the first time, in a present and conscious manner. Now I get to decide how to move forward with intention, and incorporate all the lessons learned. Lastly, having my 23 year old daughter follow me to Italy after I had already been established here for years, gave me a new perspective on motherhood, and what healthy boundaries look like, as our relationship evolves. The challenge I find currently is how to continue to fill my cup before I fill everyone else’s, and to catch myself before a physical issue arrives. Self care is paramount, and so I strive to make sure that my life is consciously designed and lived in a way that is aligned with my values, in addition to my hopes and dreams. Spending time in nature, along with practicing yoga, meditation, breathwork, and journaling daily is my way to ensure that I can handle any obstacle that is thrown in my path.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For years I have helped people find themselves. I do this through Private Intensives and 3-7 day Transformative Experiences in Florence, Italy. My work lies in identity and embodiment. I do this on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level, through inner child and shadow work, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. I am the Founder of GOD (Garments of Desire) a luxury fashion house based in Florence, Italy and I created The Substitute, the ultimate accessory designed to raise awareness and consciousness through the simple, profound act of breath. I am an author of two books (eventually I will write eight), and a speaker, inspiring audiences with my life story of dealing with adversity (being a young mother, a widow, losing my business, and moving to Italy). I am most proud of myself- for following my inner truth and learning lessons so I do not have to keep repeating them, for finally finding peace and designing my life from a more conscious place as opposed to continuing running in the rat race, and for figuring out how to combine all of my gifts and talents into one universal business with many branches. My style, grace, and energy sets me apart from others. I do no dabble in small talk or gossip, I seek the higher truths and work daily to align my inner world with my outer world. I have learned the fine art of letting go, and not being so emotionally attached to people, places, and things, I embrace change as a way of life, and see it as a daily adventure to discover more about myself and others. I don’t care what everyone else is doing or what the trends are. I care about humanity at large and see myself as an integral part of this massive universe to light up the world.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was being in my creative space. I would play dress up, and dance or pretend to sing on stage with a microphone. They say your childhood shows you who you really were before the world got a hold of you. I loved reading and my favorite book was ‘The very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Eric Carl. They also say your favorite book as a child lends itself to uncover your purpose in life. Interesting… transformation. I always just wanted to help people. I also remember running up to people on the playground after they fell and putting my hand on them and praying. I guess I was always interested in the art of healing people, and making them feel better, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ladykendra.netlify.app/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendraleonard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kendraleonard/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-leonard/
