When I started Salvē, I knew it needed to speak to the modern woman—one who values homemaking and career building in equal parts, invested as much in design theory as in food, politics, parenting, art, and culture.
While some internet (and real-life) trolls still think a love for homemaking equates to ‘tradwife’ and outdated gender norms, I’d argue that finding beauty in a world this fraught is a small act of resistance, and that boxing women in like that is exceedingly unproductive.
I’ve often wished more brands ventured into these murky waters, and while Salvē remains a lifestyle brand at heart, I see room to explore that intersection through women already walking the line. Room to Think is an ongoing interview series with women in design and culture who navigate that space with confidence.
I’m thrilled to introduce Katie Bowes, co-founder of The Post Supply as our first subject.
Tell me about yourself! Where you grew up, your career, family, and passions.
I grew up in Connecticut, the only girl with two brothers. I spent most of my childhood in the woods behind our house getting lost in my imagination. I went to college in New Hampshire where I studied English and Art. Studying abroad in London during my junior year only solidified my love and appreciation for art, writing and travel.
I moved to New York City after graduating and started my career in publishing. After several years I moved on to work as a freelance prop stylist for about a year before finding my way to merchandising. I worked for two different companies growing my buying and merchandising experience in NYC before moving to Maine and working in LL. Bean’s corporate office. After I had my first child, I spent several years working freelance as a consultant for small businesses looking to start or grow a retail component before being ready to embark on my own business. We launched The Post Supply online in 2021 and opened our brick & mortar in Portland, ME in 2022.
Who or what shaped your taste? Was there a specific person, place, or moment?
I feel really inspired by my mom. She filled our home with special items — pieces she'd made herself, things us kids created in art class, and treasures she'd found on trips or in shops she loved. She's the one who taught me my love and understanding of quality. Our home felt lived-in and welcoming, never precious, but you could always tell how much she cared about how it felt for all of us. The windowsills were lined with bud vases and fresh-cut flowers, photos, ceramic pieces, and all kinds of little discoveries.
What’s a passion you have that has nothing to do with design?
I love to garden. There is nothing as satisfying as a good weeding or as harvesting food and flowers you have tended to since their planting. I love to get my hands in the dirt.
I know you love design and beautiful things and experiences just as much as I do... does that ever feel at odds with other sides of yourself? How do you balance both?
The friction I feel most is between growing my business and being present for my kids. Trying to scale within the constraints of school schedules can feel like running through mud. I feel guilty taking weekends away for trade shows, and guilty when I'm not at the store because I'm home with my children — it cuts both ways. But I know I'll never get these years back, so I try to hold onto the fact that flexibility is the greatest gift I can give them. This is a marathon, not a race. There will be a season when my kids are grown and I have all the time in the world for every show, meeting, and event.
These house dresses are all about feeling comfortable and confident lounging around at home. When you get home from work, what’re some things you do to make yourself feel good?
When I get home from work, the first thing I do is switch out of work mode and into mom mode — I immediately shed anything that isn't soft or comfortable. I also love coming home to a clean space — any mom knows there's no truly relaxing in a mess. Taking a few minutes to tidy up before I leave in the morning is a gift I give my future self. Returning home also means reconnecting with my kids after a day apart — them at school, me at work. Lately that's meant walks around our field together, phone left behind, just present.
What does your home look like right now? Describe a corner or nook you particularly love.
A window seat was one of the things I wanted most in our new home, so it was one of the first things I set up — piled with sheepskins and pillows until it felt properly cozy. Now it's my happy place in the kitchen, looking out onto our field covered in wildflowers. The house is still new to us since we just moved in, but this little corner felt like home right away.
How are you styling your Salvē house dress?
It is peak summer in Maine right now so I am tossing this over my bathing suit and slipping on flip flops and heading to the beach!
Let’s hear your favorites: Book, recipe, song, home item, fashion, and beauty item.
You can follow Katie on Instagram here | You can read Katie’s Substack here | You can shop The Post Supply here
That’s it!
Xx,
Serena
You can shop Salvē here.