In a recent conversation during NE Coastal Creative’s BLOOM Conference in Newport, Rhode Island, Patricia Olson of the Preppy Podcast had the pleasure of sitting down with Tyler Boe Drexler, a dynamic force in the creative industry. From innovative design ideas to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and marketing, Tyler shared insights that are both inspiring and invaluable. Here’s an excerpt of the conversation. You can listen to Patricia’s full podcast with Tyler here.
Patricia: Welcome everyone to The Preppy Podcast. This week, we’re in a special setting—the Tyler Böe store in Newport, Rhode Island. I’m here with Tyler Drexler. Tyler, thank you for being here.
Tyler: Thanks for having me. I’m so excited to be here.
Patricia: Let’s start with an introduction. Tell us who you are, where you live, and what you do.
Tyler: Sure! My name is Tyler Drexler. I am the Director of Business Development for Tyler Boe, a women’s and men’s lifestyle brand founded by my parents, Sam and Carol Böe, about 15 years ago. We’re here in our Newport store, which has been open for just about the same amount of time. I work on various aspects of business development, including our retail stores, website, social media, and wholesale partnerships with specialty stores across the US.
Patricia: I love how it’s a family affair. Tell us about your childhood. Were you always entrepreneurial and creative?
Tyler: Yes, I was an only child raised in a family deeply rooted in retail and fashion. My father was in the fashion business, and my mother was a photographer. My grandmother was a pioneer in the retail industry. I spent my childhood in showrooms and loved style from a young age. I started working in retail at 14, which is probably illegal now!
Patricia: That’s fascinating. Where did you go to college, and what did you study?
Tyler: I went to SMU in Dallas, Texas. I started as a fine arts major but ended up majoring in communications with minors in English and French. This shift suited me better for my career in fashion and retail.
Patricia: How did Tyler Böe get started?
Tyler: Tyler Böe started as a sweater resource and has grown into a full lifestyle brand with over 300 styles each season. My parents had long careers in fashion, and they leveraged their experience and connections to build the brand. We now have a strong presence in over 500 specialty stores across the US and a growing relationship with Dillard’s.
Patricia: Let’s talk about your career journey. What were some of your roles before joining Tyler Böe?
Patricia: Let’s talk about your career journey. What were some of your roles before joining Tyler Böe?
Tyler: After graduating in 2008, I interned at Chanel and then worked at Theory as an assistant to the creative director. I moved to Hermes, where I did special events and traveled extensively. Finally, I worked at Ralph Lauren as the Director of Global Marketing for Women’s Polo and other brands. Each role provided invaluable experience that I brought to Tyler Böe.
Patricia: What was your role when you joined Tyler Böe?
Tyler: I joined as the Director of Business Development. My focus was on understanding what my parents had built and then elevating it. We relaunched the website, enhanced our social media presence, and worked on improving our marketing strategies.
Patricia: What’s the hardest and best part of your job now?
Tyler: The best part is working with my family and truly caring about my job. The hardest part is that it never really turns off, but that’s also a testament to how much I love it.
Patricia: How do you approach marketing for Tyler Böe?
Tyler: We stay true to our brand identity and focus on storytelling through our collection photo shoots. This approach has helped us maintain a strong brand image and connect with our customers consistently.
Patricia: Who would be your dream customer?
Tyler: We adore Kate Middleton, Blake Lively, and Reese Witherspoon. They embody the style and spirit of Tyler Böe—classic, fun, and timeless.
Patricia: What does preppy mean to you?
Tyler: To me, preppy means classic style—timeless pieces, bright colors, and layers. It’s about having a refined, yet playful wardrobe that stands the test of time.
Patricia: What’s a business tool or resource you recommend?
Tyler: Networking is key. Reach out to people you admire in the industry, maintain those connections, and never be afraid to ask for advice or help.
Patricia: Finally, where can people find you?
Tyler: You can shop us online at TylerBöe.com, in Dillard’s, and in over 500 specialty stores across the US. Follow us on social media @TylerBöeClothing and check out our new TikTok!
Patricia: Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tyler. This has been fantastic.
Tyler: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
The New England Coastal Creative is a media, community and event platform that brings coastal creatives together to ENERGIZE, EXCITE + ENGAGE successful business partnerships and networking. Our resources include panels, speakers, vendors, brands, conversations, industry experts, mentors and friends .
