Meet Tai-Sha Boddie | Creator & Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tai-Sha Boddie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tai-Sha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel like a risk is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for a win or a lesson for next time. I was never scared to take the risk of putting myself out there for people to judge, like, love or none of the above. Taking a risk is a mindset thing for me, ya know? I always have the mindset of “what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve made it this far!” When I started Dept of Wealth, I did it because it’s something I liked and when I began to share it with the world there was a possibility that I would be the only that still liked it…but, thankfully there are so many people drawn to the brand that it’s one of the greatest risk I’ve taken.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The funny thing about Dept of Wealth is that it stems from an argument I was having with someone. I can be very quiet and shy at times but then there’s a side of me thats super braggadocios with a mouth like a sailor. Oddly enough that describes my art. Some designs are extremely simple yet say so much. My favorite design – today- is of the legend Mike Tyson where he gives his iconic speech that “he is the best ever. the most brutal and vicious…there’s no one that can stop me” We are told most of our lives to be humble….why? Why not have that complex that you are better than any box that anyone puts you in? Dept of Wealth to me represents those moments where you want to flex who you are! You can be this ultra confident person and still be humble enough to be teachable. The biggest takeaway from this experience so far is that mistakes will be made and that’s ok. The key is to keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok first things first…we gotta coat your stomach before we start drinking so we are going to Mai’s first. Yes, its a hole in the wall Chinese joint but trust me. They have a Chinese soul food menu that can’t be beat with the good tequila behind the bar. After we finish our small smoke (sausage, rice and gravy) then we head downtown Norfolk. A lot of the bars recently closed but Republic is still open and most of the town is there so it’ll be a good time. We can double back here for their Taco Tuesday….the Jerk Tacos *chefs kiss*. Next morning we are going to do brunch at Bay Local closer to the oceanfront. We will most definitely be ordering the jumbo shareable sorbet mimosa and a round of crab balls for the table. Now it’s time to get some gear for tonights festivities so we stop by Made in Norfolk to grab a few things and also walk in just in time to catch a few performances for the open mic night. There’s this cool place close by called Hommage Hall that showcases the greatest coming out of our area. They have the best props for a mini photoshoot. Next up is party time, duh! There is a Traptastic party at the Norva downtown and it’s Drake Night so it’s going to be on a handstand. Before we leave downtown it’s mandatory to stop at Ziggy’s Street Eats food truck to get a rice bowl. It’s been a long weekend but Sunday Funday is what we live for! Lindys Famous Hot Dogs has some of the best all day breakfast ever. There’s probably a day party at Guava or Topics Bistro that’s gonna be a great mid day turn up but don’t over do it. The finale ends at Pier 88 for the all day happy hour and our favorite bartender who makes our top shelf Tequila Sunrise the moment we dot the door.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the love, honesty, and support of my siblings, parents, and immediate friends but the biggest shoutout has to go to my son. At 8, he’s still very brutally honest about how he feels and what excites him. I don’t know many parents that have had the joy of their children bragging on them but it’s a feeling thats unmatched. During our nightly talk I asked him who is the most famous person he knows….right after Lil Baby….there was me, his mom.

Website: deptofwealth.com

Instagram: @DeptofWealth

Twitter: @FreakyTai