Roxy Dalhouse-Bowden is a third-generation artisan inspired by effortless living and personal flair. She designs clothing that transforms with the individual.

NHN: Tell us about you and your artistic journey.

Roxy Bowden: I come from a family of artisans. My grandfather was a furniture artist, my grandmother was a fashion designer. My mom became a cake artist, and now she’s in the drapery business. She married an upholsterer. They have an upholstery and drapery business in Palm Beach County that’s been there for about 30 years. My aunt is a seamstress. Art’s in my blood. I went to school for television broadcasting. I didn’t know I was going to end up in the artisan world. I wanted to do something else. But, of course, I ended up right back in it.

NHN: What kind of art do you create and when did you get started?

RB: I’ve always done some form of art. I started out with handbags, clothing. A friend of mine was a fashion show producer, and she loved what I did. I tinkered around with stuff for myself, and she would ask me to make collections for her shows. This was probably about 8-10 years ago. I would do it on the side because I have my other business and eventually people kept asking me about shows and where they could buy my clothes. I had no plans of making any clothes to sell, but it kept going and that’s how I ended up being a fashion designer.

NHN: When did you realize creating art was something you wanted to pursue?

RB: Even in broadcasting, I ended up doing the artistic part of it. I would do set design, wardrobe. I loved informing people in broadcasting, but the thread of being creative was there. Even if I wasn’t doing that work, I was doing it for friends. This idea being able to visualize what I wanted and creating it…it was like a magnet that keeps pulling you to try more things. And like most artisans, you try a lot of things before you find the thing that you’re staying with.

NHN: What is your most recent artistic accomplishment?

RB: The official launch of House of Roxy B is my latest accomplishment. I’m going full steam ahead with accepting that I am a fashion designer. When you didn’t get formal education on something, it takes a while to get in your head that what you do is who you are, and you don’t need anybody’s permission or approval to do what you know how to do. That’s where I am at on the artistic journey now.

NHN: Most rewarding/challenging projects?

RB: The most rewarding is my clothing getting to a space where I’ve found my niche. I also find it rewarding the way women respond and even how I respond when I try on a piece of garment that I made. Being able to make people feel powerful and free, of effortless living, that’s been the most rewarding. The most challenging is getting your brand out there and manufacturing. Luckily, I know how to sew given my background and that’s the way I’ve been able to progress. I know a time will come, and it’s already here, that I will need to get bigger production and that is the scariest part.

NHN: What does a day in your creative life look like?

RB: Because I create my own garments, the process is mostly me working in my work room, going out and hunting for fabric, pattern making, marketing. It’s a one-man operation from week to week.

NHN: Who inspires your art? 

RB: Iris Apfel, who I’ve been super blessed to meet twice. She embodies the whole idea of freedom in your style and being adventurous. Also, my grandmother, my aunt, my mom. They’ve been the epitome of fashion my whole life. 

NHN: Besides art, what are your passions?

RB: I love the process of witnessing and helping other people come to realizations about life. My friends call me their little sage. So, they’ll call or refer other people to talk things through with me. My dream is to have a boutique and I’ll have a small office in the back. Bring tea, since my pastime is to drink tea, and talk about life. That’s the whole idea of House of Roxy B; it’s a house. I envisioned a house, where my customers come to my boutique and we’re interacting, talking about life, talking about deep things, spiritual things, anything. 

NHN: Future projects? 

RB: Right now, I’m looking to expand the offering. I’m looking to add candles and things that lean into the “house” aspect of House of Roxy B.
You can follow along with Roxy and House of Roxy B on Instagram @houseofroxyb, online at https://www.houseofroxyb.com/.