We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kevin Bouknight a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kevin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The idea started back in December 2019. I was visiting my mom and sister in Dallas, TX and one night I went out with my fraternity brother, Rian. We were sitting in the car talking about where I wanted to see myself and the idea of me moving to LA – I was living in Washington DC at the time (my hometown). Rian immediately was like you need to get an Instagram, “like why don’t you have one lol?” -he said. So at that moment I created one. The name started off as clothed minded and as time progressed I decided to add Lou, which is affectionately my alter ego name. Thus, you have the brand Clothed Minded Lou.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I did not follow the traditional route of going to school for fashion or come from a background where my family was a part of the industry. The concept of style has always been innate to me. I tell this story about when I was a baby and my parents would dress me for church. I would throw temper tantrums if I did not have on a shirt and tie. Anything else my family would put me in I’d have a fit. This was a true indicator of the style and essence of fashion I would exude today.

Stepping into the fashion industry has not been an easy journey, as it shouldn’t be for anyone. My brand started off as a bowtie business – K Knots Bowties (Est. 2008). I was heading to a church service and wanted to wear a bowtie oddly. An old family friend was visiting town and she asked if I had a handkerchief. Within 10 minutes I couldn’t believe how fast she made one for me. At that moment I became instantly infatuated with wearing bowties, but I needed to learn how to make them. She’d left to travel back home and after watching her make the tie I started making them for myself. Patrons at my church eventually inquired about my ties and my business evolved. It didn’t stop there! My undergraduate experience also afforded me opportunities to sell in a student-led store called The Vault and was also featured on the front cover of my school’s newspaper – The Kent Stater.

You’d think after great success that would lead to momentum in expanding and growing. Well, my business did somewhat grow but I became complacent and then turned my focus on finishing undergraduate school and then completing my two master’s degrees. This served as a pivotal time for me because once I finished school life pushed me to focus on what I didn’t know I was hiding from. Fast forward the pandemic came and COVID-19 shifted everything for everyone in the world. But what I began to realize is that shift was the stimulation I needed to turn my business into a brand.

I remember spending the first few months of the pandemic wondering what would be next for me. What would I do since I’m forced to sit here and think about life? I began having these random photoshoot ideas and concepts come to mind and the first thing I did was call my fraternity brother, Kendall, and said we have to shoot these concepts. He is literally the Batman to my Robin when it comes to this. I reached out to a friend to design a logo for me and from there I just began building my brand. I told myself during this process that if I don’t invest in myself then who will?! And ever since I have been using that phrase to motivate me even when I doubt myself.

What I am most proud of as I continue to grow in this industry and evolve my brand is that, I have released the idea of comparing myself to others who do similar work and have shifted my focus on living for myself instead of existing for others. What sets me apart is that there is only one me!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I live by the quote, “The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only a page” -St. Augustine. This quote drives my daily purpose in fulfilling what I have set out to do as I achieve different goals. For me, a person can not grow if they allow themselves to become complacent or comfortable with their normal. In order to grow in a creative process or journey, one has to put themselves in different environments, which will encourage one to learn and adapt to what may be different. Art and the creative arena are constantly evolving and so I believe to remain relevant and informed one has to place themselves in a space to do so.

My goal as a creative is to allow others to be inspired to not only “think outside the box” but to explore and indulge in more of what society deems abnormal. We are individuals for a reason and style is a form of showcasing that to the world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Intrinsically, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I get to live, breathe, and exude my life’s passion. It is not an easy task to realize and accept your life’s purpose, but I can attest once one does you’ll live an authentic and peaceful life. Extriniscally I love to see my clients see the end result/final product. I enjoy putting my love and passion into various looks and concepts I cultivate. When I consult with clients and introduce the ideas I have in mind the concepts aren’t always received with full understanding. In fact, there are times I’ve had clients say, ‘I don’t know about this Kevin!” However, with my resilience and the trust I build with everyone I work with, the excitement and gratitude I receive once everything is complete is more rewarding than any tangible gift. If what you’re doing is not meaningful to the soul of person you’re only entertaining yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clothedmindedlou.com
• Instagram: @clothedmindedlou or @lou_crative
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmlkev/