White Flag Clothing

Interviewed by: Angela Brickley Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia

Tai Bowen

F O U N D E R & C R E A T I V E D I R E C T O R O F W H I T E F L A G C L O T H I N G

Photographer: Abiel Essau Garcia

Tell me about yourself and your brand?

My name is Tai Bowen and I am 25 years old. I am the creative director and founder of White Flag clothing. I am a wife and mother of two girls. I graduated from LSU with a degree in Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in business. White Flag was created during 2020 COVID pandemic by myself to provide an avenue for men and women. We wanted to provide all people a luxurious at a modest demand. We offer a variety of pieces to cater to the everyday person.

What advice would you give an up and coming fashion boutique owner?

To remain authentic and true to yourself and your vision. Patience is key as trial and error will happen. Constantly invest in yourself and brand as your work will speak for itself. Be determined and do not take no for an answer.

What is the biggest misconception people not working in your field have about your job?

That my job is easy and full go glitz and glamor. It's a lot of tireless nights speaking to manufacturers, researching trends, having models cancel at the last minute, and scrapping every idea that you have. People just see sales and don't see the work behind it or how you have to continuously invest in your brand and make constant sacrifices.

What has been the most memorable moment of your business, so far?

My first campaign and shoot. Being able to come up with a story for the first collection and just the process of seeing everything coming to life and being in the moment was priceless. It was the moment my "baby: was born.

What challenges do you have as a fashion boutique owner?

I don't own a boutique but challenges that I face as a clothing brand and online merchant has been to meet the demand of my consumer(s), as I struggle with deciding whether to remain super exclusive or providing more quantities of pieces for everyone to have equal accessibility and inclusivity.

What does your current business model look like?

Currently, I do everything myself with the assistance of my PR team, Talks Brand Group, which makes the decision making process easier as well as meet the demands of press, campaign placements, and organization on many different levels.

Talk us through what your typical day looks like.

My typical day starts before the day begins, as most of my manufacturers are up working around the time I typically fall to sleep. Other than that, I wake up every morning and grab a coffee, check emails, respond to customer inquiries, and fulfill existing orders. In addition, dropping packages off for shipping. After that, I return home to my family and spend time with them.

What do you want your brand to ultimately be and do for others?

I want my brand and clothing to be a place empowerment, comfort, and a one-stop shop for many occasions. In addition, I want to merge the lane of luxury and affordable pricing.

What do you want people to feel when they wear your brand?

Confident, Unique, and a Show Stopper

What goals do you wish to achieve in the future?

I want to focus on expanding my brand to the UK fashion market and open up a store front.

How do you choose what pieces you want to feature in your brand launches?

First, I look at what is trending and then look to high-end couture brands to see what collections are based on. Then, I look to my vision and unique style in attempt to merge them to make something more for the everyday person.

Photographer: Mavricio H.

How would you describe your personal style?

It's contingent on the season. However, if I had to choose a go-to style, it would be classic chic.

Where can people find your website or social media channels?

Where can people find your website or social media channels?

What is the one word that you live by?

Fabulosity

What is your favorite item in your closet?

If I must choose, I would say my lamb skin Chanel crossbody.

If you could choose a celebrity closet to shop in, who's would it be and why?

Erika Jane from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

What's the best style advice you've received?

Less is always more.