At just 21 years old, ASU student Kenna Rettew has turned an at-home hobby into a booming business, designing custom shoes for Olympians, NFL players, MLB All-Stars, and NASCAR drivers. It started when she was just 16, doodling on sneakers during lockdown. One of her first big clients? Simone Biles.
From that moment on, Kicks by Kenna took off. Kenna soon landed her first NFL cleat design gig, working with teams across the country. Now, she’s been featured on ESPN, paints live at charity events, works with every major sports team in AZ, and has even painted kicks for a former president.
We sat down with the young entrepreneur to talk all things art, business, and what it’s like living a dream come true.
Were you one of those kids doodling in class instead of paying attention?
I was! I actually used to get in trouble for it. My teachers would be like, “Kenna, listen!” but I couldn’t stop.
Was art something that just came naturally to you?
Yes, mostly. I took a few art classes when I was really young, but I’ve been self-taught for the most part.
Fast forward to 16—COVID hits, and you’re on lockdown. How did that turn into launching a business?
It was such a weird time. I saw a YouTube trend of people painting shoes for celebrities and thought, “I could do that.” I didn’t even have social media at the time—my mom was the one who posted my work on Facebook. And from there, things took off.
Do you remember your first custom shoes?
Yes! They were for my little brother. I painted Chinese dragons and gold dripping all over them.
At what point did you realize this could be a business?
There were a few people painting shoes as a hobby, but I saw the potential. And my mom was my biggest supporter.
From your little brother to an Olympian—that’s a huge leap. How did you land your first big client?
My first big client was MyKayla Skinner, an Olympic gymnast. My gymnastics coach had a connection, and she had heard about my work. She reached out, and I painted a pair of custom shoes for her commemorating the Tokyo Olympics.
And then came Simone Biles. How did that happen?
Through Michaela! She helped connect me, and I got to deliver Simone’s shoes in person at an Olympic event. It was surreal.
Then things unfolded designing cleats for NFL players...
Yep! Bradley Bozeman from the Baltimore Ravens was looking for a cleat artist for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign. My mom and I reached out, and he gave me a shot. I remember sitting in math class, thinking, “I need to get home and make NFL cleats!”
And NASCAR, too?
NASCAR is an incredible organization. I did custom shoes for five of the drivers and got to personally hand them off at a VIP event.
You’re also deeply connected with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
I’m on their activation team—the hype crew! I tried out and got the spot. It’s been an amazing experience, and surely opens doors to working with players and staff.
What’s the process of designing a pair of custom shoes?
It’s a mix of different paints and coatings, all hand-painted. The prep work is super important, and the final clear coat makes them waterproof and durable.
What kind of shoes work best for painting?
Leather and canvas—Nike Air Forces, Jordans, Vans, and Converse.
How do you juggle now being an ASU student and balancing school?
Sleep is the last thing I think about. My professors know about Kicks by Kenna, and most are super supportive.
Beyond shoes, you’ve expanded into painting jackets. One standout piece was for ASU quarterback Cameron Skattebo’s girlfriend. How did that project come together?
Cam reached out and wanted a custom-painted jacket for his girlfriend to wear to the games. We worked together to come up with a design that incorporated ASU and his personal brand. The whole process was exciting, but the funniest part was when he came to pick it up. I didn’t realize he was standing at my door for like 20 minutes just chatting with my dad! By the time I finally ran out to greet him, I was still in my pajamas. It was a little chaotic!
Bucket list client?
Taylor Swift. Hands down.
What’s your ultimate goal for Kicks by Kenna?
I want my own studio—somewhere people can come and enjoy creative space. A place where artists can explore and build their own version of Kicks by Kenna.
What’s your advice for young artists looking to turn their passion into a business?
Believe in yourself. Sky’s the limit if you go for it.
instagram.com/kicks_by_kenna
"Being the only female featured artist at the MLB All-Star Game a while back was incredible. When ESPN aired my story, my Instagram exploded!"
"Some people have a clear idea, but my favorite projects are when they trust me to create something special."