Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlo Darrington.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of self-expression—through design, through culture, and especially through fashion. Before launching Da Bohemian Bazaar, I spent over a decade working in luxury retail and procurement. That experience taught me the value of hospitality, attention to detail, and what it truly means to create an unforgettable customer experience. But over time, I started to notice a gap: so much of what was being sold lacked heart, soul, and story. I wanted more—something more personal, more intentional, and more globally inspired.
That’s what sparked the beginning of DBB in 2023. What started as a pop-up boutique offering private, one-on-one shopping experiences for travelers and locals quickly grew into a destination for curated fashion finds from around the world—places like Spain, Turkey, and Japan. I wanted to create more than a boutique—I wanted to create a vibe. Something that reflected Miami’s dynamic spirit but also honored the craftsmanship of global artisans.
From setting up inside hotel micro-retail spaces to collaborating with incredible talents like Grammy-nominated Janelle Monáe, I’ve been on a mission to fuse bohemian ease with urban edge. The response has been beautiful—our Google reviews alone speak volumes about how our guests feel when they shop with us. And for me, that’s everything.
I’m proud to say DBB is more than a business. It’s a community. It’s a platform for self-expression. And it’s a love letter to travelers, creatives, and anyone who wants to wear their story as boldly as they live it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but that’s part of what’s made the journey so meaningful. Building DBB from the ground up came with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was going against the grain of Miami’s fashion scene, which is dominated by either high-end luxury or fast fashion. I knew I wanted to create something different—something that felt personal, soulful, and intentional—but carving out space for that vision in such a saturated market wasn’t easy.
Early on, I faced the challenge of educating people on what DBB even was. It wasn’t just a boutique—it was a curated experience, and getting that message across required time, consistency, and trust-building. Managing everything from sourcing to marketing while creating a boutique-level shopping experience with limited resources tested my patience and perseverance.
Another struggle has been balancing the pressure to constantly “do more” with the importance of staying rooted in the bigger vision. There’s always a never-ending list—SEO, marketing, events, collaborations—and as a founder, it’s easy to feel like everything needs your attention immediately. I’ve had to learn (and unlearn) how to delegate, how to pace myself, and how to celebrate the wins, big or small.
But the real game-changer has been building the right team. Finding support staff with aligned values took time, but when I found Emmanuella—my EA and absolute right hand—things began to shift. Her proactive, all-in energy has allowed me to step back and focus on revenue-generating activities and vision-casting, which has helped DBB grow tremendously.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been worth it. Every challenge helped shape what DBB is today: a brand rooted in intention, community, and culture.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
DBB is more than a boutique—it’s a curated experience rooted in culture, storytelling, and intentionality. We’re a fashion studio that blends boho-chic aesthetics with an urban edge, specializing in globally sourced pieces from Spain, Turkey, Japan, and beyond. We offer apparel, hats, accessories, and resort wear for those who want their wardrobe to reflect both style and soul.
What sets us apart is our approach. In a city like Miami, where fashion often feels either cold and exclusive or chaotic and disposable, DBB exists in the middle: warm, intentional, and deeply personal. We started in 2023 as a pop-up boutique offering private shopping experiences for hotel guests and travelers seeking more than just a quick retail fix. We wanted them to step into a curated journey, not just a store. That sense of hospitality is woven into everything we do—from the way we source pieces to how we treat every customer like family.
We’re known for merging high-touch service with global craftsmanship. Our five-star reviews speak to the connection people feel when they shop with us. We’ve also had the honor of collaborating with icons like Grammy-nominated Janelle Monáe and being part of Art Basel events, which helped amplify our reach while staying true to our roots.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the community we’ve built. DBB has become a space where style-conscious individuals can find pieces that reflect their individuality, not just follow trends. We don’t chase fast fashion. We stand for self-expression, discovery, and culture. Everything we do—from our sourcing to our styling—is about making fashion personal again.
For readers just discovering us: DBB is here to offer something real. Whether you’re a creative, a traveler, or someone looking to add depth to your wardrobe, we invite you to experience the brand. You’ll walk away with more than just a look—you’ll leave with a story.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is connection—with people, culture, and purpose. Everything I do through DBB is rooted in the desire to make people feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. Fashion is just the vehicle—we’re really in the business of storytelling and intention.
I’ve always believed that what we wear should say something about who we are. It should feel personal, not performative. That’s why DBB focuses so much on curated pieces, one-on-one shopping experiences, and a warm, hospitality-first approach. I want people to walk into our space and feel like they’re a part of something—something that honors craftsmanship, individuality, and human connection.
Why does that matter? Because in a world that’s moving fast and constantly trying to tell us who to be or what to wear, I think people are craving authenticity. They want to be reminded that they matter, that their style means something, and that there’s beauty in slowing down to choose things with intention.
For me, it’s not just about running a successful business. It’s about creating a brand that resonates—one that has heart. That’s what drives me every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dabohemianbazaar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohemian_bazaar_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dabohochic/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bohemian_bazaar_
