Daily Inspiration: Meet Kevin Bouknight

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Bouknight. 

Hi Kevin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
One would assume I followed the traditional route of going to school for fashion or come from a background where my family was a part of the industry. However, that is not the case. 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 valid indicator of the style and essence of fashion I would exude today. 

Taking a risk and trusting in God is what got me to where I am today. From a particular want to an idea, to visualizing a concept is how my bowtie business evolved into a fashion-lifestyle brand. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
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 bowties, 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 that great success 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 was 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 I began to realize 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. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My goal 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 within their style. We are individuals for a reason, and style is a form of showcasing that to the world. I am a freelance creative director and stylist based in Los Angeles, CA. My work focuses on capturing a moment in time. Clothed Minded services include personal and professional wardrobe consultation (including virtual), assisting individuals in creative ideas for photoshoots, wardrobe and styling for all occasions, and personal shopping needs. 

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. Extrinsically 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. The excitement and gratitude I receive once a project or concept has come to fruition are more rewarding than any tangible gift. If what you’re doing is not meaningful to the soul of the person, you’re only entertaining yourself. 

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

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Let’s start with dislikes, which there aren’t many. There are two strong dislikes I have about living in LA. One is the lack of driving skills that exist. DC (Washington DC) transplants may can attest to this, but there’s a saying that LA drivers are the cousins of Virginia drivers. IYKYK! The other strong dislike is the food – seafood specifically. Coming from the Eastcoast, from an area where we are known for seafood, I have yet to find a place that tastes like home and can make an authentic “Maryland Crabcake”! 

On the contrary, I absolutely love LA. Los Angeles isn’t built for the weak or strong. It’s a city built to allow individuals an opportunity to create their own reality in a “world” that is known to exude fantasies. This city offers beautiful views where you can sometimes get lost in your actuality and get lost in the now. For a creative, there are many avenues to explore in expanding one’s skill set, and that is one major factor that has made me fall in love with our city. 

Pricing:

• CML 2022 Collection Calendar – 25$
• Style Plan (Opening Paragraph) – 70$+
• Personal Shopping (TMOAJ) – 160$+
• CD|Photoshoot Styling – 300$+

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clothedmindedlou.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/clothedmindedlou?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmlkev/