Dora Jenkins is someone who genuinely enjoys being in the mix of what is happening around Savannah.
She loves discovering local businesses, attending cultural events, meeting new people, and finding experiences that reflect the personality of the city. Whether she is at a cultural celebration, a networking mixer, or a community festival, Dora is usually doing what comes naturally to her: connecting with people and finding ways to support what they are building.
That energy makes her a natural fit for the Live Like Locals Savannah Ambassador team.
As a Savannah-based entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, community advocate, and founder of Sole of Blaq Pearl, Dora brings a mix of leadership, creativity, and lived experience to everything she does. She is passionate about women’s empowerment, local business growth, cultural representation, and creating stronger communities through collaboration.
A Life Shaped by Leadership and Connection
Dora has spent much of her life stepping into roles that require confidence and responsibility.
As the eldest and only daughter in her family and a U.S. Army veteran, leadership has long been part of her story. Those experiences helped shape the way she approaches both business and community. She understands the importance of showing up, staying committed, and creating space for others to be seen.
What stands out about Dora is that she does not view connection as something that only happens at formal networking events. For her, it can start through a simple conversation, a shared experience, or an introduction between two people who should know one another.
She enjoys learning what others are working on, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping people feel more connected to the city around them.
Building What She Could Not Find
Dora’s business, Sole of Blaq Pearl, grew from a challenge she experienced for much of her life.
She was already wearing a women’s size 7 shoe by the fifth grade. As she got older, stylish footwear became increasingly difficult to find. Many stores stopped carrying sizes before hers began, and the limited options that were available often felt dated, uncomfortable, or disconnected from her personal style.
She knew she was not the only woman facing that frustration.
That realization led Dora to create Sole of Blaq Pearl, a women’s footwear brand focused on confidence, style, comfort, and size inclusivity. The brand serves women who wear sizes 8 through 13, including wide-fit options, with the goal of making fashion feel more representative.
For Dora, the business is not just about shoes. It is about helping women feel seen and giving them the confidence to take up space without apology.
Her journey into footwear manufacturing has required persistence and a willingness to learn. Dora entered the industry without a technical background and had to navigate sourcing, production, sizing, and quality control as she went. Her early experiences taught her to listen closely to her customers and build around what women truly need, not just what looks good on paper.
That process has strengthened both the brand and the community growing around it.
Inspired by the Culture of Savannah
Outside of her business, Dora is deeply interested in the culture, creativity, and experiences that make Savannah unique.
She enjoys traveling, fashion, exploring local businesses, and attending events that allow her to connect with different parts of the community. Juneteenth celebrations, cultural festivals, and networking mixers are among her favorites because they bring together history, business, creativity, and conversation.
Dora is also involved with the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, World Trade Center Savannah, and the Coastal Gullah Geechee & Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Commerce.
Through those organizations, she continues building relationships, learning from other professionals, and staying involved in Savannah’s business and community ecosystem.
She is especially passionate about causes that uplift women, support entrepreneurs, celebrate culture, and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration.
Why She Became A Live Like Locals Ambassador
Dora was drawn to Live Like Locals because the Ambassador role closely aligns with what she already enjoys doing.
She loves helping people discover meaningful local experiences and introducing them to businesses, events, and community leaders they may not have encountered otherwise. She also values storytelling and believes that the people behind Savannah’s businesses and organizations deserve to be recognized.
As an Ambassador, Dora hopes to bring more attention to the places and people that give the city its character.
She plans to attend events, build relationships, share local experiences, and help create excitement around Savannah’s culture and charm. She also wants to be a genuine advocate for small businesses and help strengthen the connections that allow communities to grow.
For Dora, representing Live Like Locals is not simply about promoting what is happening. It is about helping people feel connected to it.
Creating More Reasons to Explore, Connect, and Support Local
Dora brings a strong sense of purpose to her new Ambassador role.
She understands what it means to build something from personal experience, to advocate for people who have been overlooked, and to keep showing up even when the path is not simple. Those qualities are reflected in her business, her community involvement, and the way she supports others.
We are excited to welcome Dora Jenkins to the Live Like Locals Savannah Ambassador family and look forward to seeing the businesses, events, and stories she helps bring into the spotlight.
When you see Dora at an upcoming event, be sure to introduce yourself. She will likely be ready with a local recommendation, an encouraging word, or a connection worth making.
Learn more about Sole of Blaq Pearl by visiting soleofablaqpearl.com or following the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
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