Locals launch Sonoma Republic clothing line

Young Sonoma entrepreneurs Deanna Gilstrap and Oscar Perez last week launched a new online clothing boutique, called Sonoma Republic LLC.|

Young Sonoma entrepreneurs Deanna Gilstrap and Oscar Perez last week launched a new online clothing boutique called Sonoma Republic LLC.

“Growing up here, we were always exposed to the wine scene and its growing popularity,” said Gilstrap. “Like many, we are proud of our home town and its citizens, and want the opportunity to represent our roots.”

Both Gilstrap, 21, and Perez, 28, grew up in Sonoma, attending Sonoma schools and Sonoma Valley High, before graduating from SRJC’s Gateway high school program and the Treasure Island Job Corps, respectively.

Gilstrap and Perez, who are a couple, noticed the absence of a Sonoma-based clothing line, and set on a quest to provide locals, and everyone alike, with “voguish garments.”

Sonoma Republic offers a diverse range of graphic tees, tanks, long sleeves, crop tops, hoodies, and more.

“We combined our love for Sonoma with urban street wear and art,” said Gilstrap. “Each and every design is both original and comfortable, leaving our customers feeling the garment was made just for them. So enjoy sipping on your wine, and sporting the intoxicating attire that we offer!”

Gilstrap added that in Sonoma there is not a lot for millennials though Sonoma Republic is also aimed at a wide audience, both younger and older.

She noted that stores like Lucky and Rite Aid sell Sonoma items “but you can tell they don’t put a lot of love into them.”

The current line is reasonably-priced, with all items $10-$40. Orders over $50 are shipped free and smaller orders are shipped for a flat rate of $8.

The pair currently run the business out of their home on the west side of Sonoma. Gilstrap, who has a background in fashion design, is working on the business full time. Perez has a day job as the sous chef at Mayo Family Winery.

“We come up with the designs together and test out all of our merchandise ideas on our friends and family,” Gilstrap said. “We travel around the Valley and get ideas during our downtime exploring the town.”

The couple is hoping to secure relationships with local retailers to sell the Sonoma Republic Line; in the meantime it is available online at sonomarep.com.

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