We’re looking forward to introducing you to Marlo Darrington. Check out our conversation below.
Marlo, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Some people assume that Da Bohemian Bazaar is just a passion project or a passing phase—but it’s so much more than that. I built this business with legacy and longevity in mind. Whether I continue to lead it or one day choose to sell it, the foundation is solid and the vision is long-term.
What began as a simple desire to help women find pieces that reflect their personality—unique items they wouldn’t find anywhere else—has evolved into a two-year journey of growth, dedication, and expansion. I’ve remained committed to the dream that started it all.
Along the way, Da Bohemian Bazaar has achieved milestones I never imagined: from partnering with some of Miami’s most recognized hotels like Hotel Indigo and Aloft, to being part of Miami Swim Week Spring 2024, and even supporting the Black Moms Miami Valentine fundraiser through inventory donations. These moments continually affirm that this brand is here to stay.
Da Bohemian Bazaar isn’t about chasing trends or making a quick buck. We’re here to reshape the boutique experience—especially for travelers and locals who crave something different. Whether our customers are celebrating an engagement, a graduation, a birthday, or just looking for something special, we want to be part of those memories. That’s what drives us forward. That’s what keeps me inspired as a founder.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Marlo Darrington, the founder of Da Bohemian Bazaar (DBB), a boho-chic boutique I launched in 2023 to offer private, one-on-one shopping experiences for both travelers and locals. DBB specializes in curated fashion pieces from global destinations like Spain, Turkey, and Japan, and reflects a mix of bohemian flair and urban streetwear that speaks to bold, expressive style.
I created DBB with a deep-rooted passion for hospitality, which comes from my background in luxury retail. Providing exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s something our clients consistently acknowledge through our 5-star Google reviews. My mission is to inspire people to embrace and express their personal style freely, and to make every shopping experience feel special and unforgettable.
In our first year, I focused on growing the brand organically—partnering with hotel micro-retail spaces and participating in community events throughout Miami-Dade and Palm Beach County. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe, take part in Miami Swim Week, and collaborate with standout hotels like Hotel Indigo and Aloft.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand DBB’s presence in upscale areas like Brickell and Downtown Miami, and to strengthen our online reach through SEO and improved digital marketing strategies.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The biggest thing that breaks bonds—whether personally or professionally—is a breach of trust. Trust is everything. In business, especially, being known as someone who stands behind their word and lives by their values can make or break your brand. People can sense when something isn’t genuine, and that lack of authenticity shows up in how they engage—or don’t engage—with your business.
As a founder, I strive to be someone who consistently delivers on my promises. Whether it’s through the quality of the products I offer, or the way I nurture and support my team, I want to be someone people can rely on. That kind of integrity matters.
What restores broken bonds, I believe, is empathy—truly seeing people. In a world full of curated feeds, get-rich-quick schemes, and smoke and mirrors, it’s easy to look past your own community without ever really acknowledging them. We’re the most connected we’ve ever been in human history, yet studies show we’re also experiencing record levels of loneliness. That disconnect should make all of us pause and reflect on the kind of lives we’re leading.
I think what has helped me succeed in both life and business is the intention to connect with people beyond the surface. I don’t see people as transactions—I see them as individuals with stories, emotions, and needs. That mindset influences everything I do, from how I hire and build my team to how I engage with customers. It’s that same spirit of care and sincerity that keeps our clients coming back, and why they leave such heartfelt reviews about Da Bohemian Bazaar. We truly care about our customers, and I want every interaction—whether online or in person—to reflect that.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me two invaluable lessons: first, that I can rise above it—and second, that I’m far more resourceful than I ever gave myself credit for. It’s only in struggle that the veil is lifted and you’re forced to confront who you truly are—flaws, fears, and all. But even in that raw, exposed state, there’s opportunity. Struggle, for me, has always been a springboard, a stepping stone—if you choose to see it that way.
One of my biggest life mantras is: I fight to win. No matter what life throws at me, I remind myself that I’m a fighter. That mindset has carried me through both personal storms and business setbacks. It’s not something I could’ve learned from success alone. In fact, knowing I can withstand the hard times gives me a deep sense of peace—because even if success were taken away tomorrow, I know I’d still stand tall and find a way forward.
That’s something I deeply respect in others as well. People who have been through hard, challenging situations carry a unique kind of resilience. It’s not something you can teach—it’s earned. They know how to get scrappy, how to stretch resources, and how to stay grounded when everything feels unstable. Those are the people I want by my side, in both the highs and the lows. Because they’ve proven they can adapt—and more importantly, they don’t fold under pressure.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that I genuinely value teamwork and collaboration. Whether it’s within my circle of friends or with the team at Da Bohemian Bazaar, I’m always focused on creating spaces where everyone feels like they’re co-creating something meaningful—something greater than what any of us could build on our own.
When there’s division, competition, or envy in a space, it’s an immediate red flag for me. I don’t thrive in environments where people feel the need to tear others down to lift themselves up. I believe there’s more than enough room for everyone to succeed. That scarcity mindset just isn’t one I subscribe to, and it’s served me well so far.
I truly celebrate the wins of those around me. When people close to me succeed, I see that as a win for all of us—not a threat. That mentality carries into how I lead. I prioritize creating a safe, supportive space where my team feels empowered to speak up, ask for help, share ideas, and stay focused on a shared goal. When that kind of trust and unity exists, I believe we can move mountains and conquer whatever challenges come our way.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my customers at Da Bohemian Bazaar would miss my thoroughness and my unwavering commitment to going above and beyond. That level of customer service is rare these days, and it’s something I take great pride in.
I’m not just the founder of DBB—I’m a curator. When I step into my workspace, I do so with the intention of creating an experience, not just a transaction. I offer honest feedback, I highlight pieces that will truly flatter each client, and I make it my mission to help them walk away feeling confident, seen, and elevated.
That attention to detail and genuine care for how each customer feels—both during and after their time with us—is what sets DBB apart. It’s why they return, and it’s what they’d speak most highly of if I were no longer at the helm. It’s more than fashion—it’s an experience, and one they’d say is unlike anything else they’ve encountered in Miami.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dabohemianbazaar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohemian_bazaar_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dabohochic/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bohemian_bazaar_
