Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marlo Darrington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marlo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Growth is exciting, but from what we’ve seen across thousands of conversations with entrepreneurs it’s also dangerous if costs aren’t watched closely – sometimes costs can grow out of control outpacing revenue growth and putting the viability of the entire business at risk. How have you managed to keep costs under control?

That is a great question to a real challenge. I am fortunate to have subject matter experts as mentors and consultants with whom I meet with frequently and listen to intently. I remember a mentor saying, “You know you can inventory yourself into bankruptcy.” She really emphasized the importance of understanding my finances. Oftentimes, creatives become obsessed with the aesthetics associated with the brand and as a result, the financial analysis becomes secondary. For a retail startup, finances are not glamorous and sometimes downright ugly.

During my launch year, I was overspending in payroll and inventory. My operating expenses were excessive for my company size. I invested a lot in activities that increase brand awareness. But a deep dive financial analysis exposed a few red flags. I had to decide to cut payroll, budget and retain the services of an QB certified accountant. A small business must be prepared to adjust as needed based on their business data. When my business was trending towards an unfavorable path, I had to not only cut costs, I had to have a spending freeze.

In retrospect, I realized where I was not clear. Since my company is micro in size, I must make data driven decisions. Quantitative data analytics is key for us. If not, I would have a very hard time turning a profit. So I ceased everything. I stopped retaining sales support. I stopped running advertisements. I stopped product placement. I stopped registering for popup events. I stopped procurement of goods and professional services. I used the summer season to develop a strategic plan with SMART goals.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Marlo Darrington. I am the Founder and Creative Director of Da Bohemian Bazaar – a micro retail shopping experience located in Brickell. We have a showroom. We are nomadic in micro retail spaces throughout South Florida marketplaces. Our website is available 24/7.

Da Bohemian Bazaar began as a partnership project in Hoboken, New Jersey. We tested a collection at As You Wish Salon and Spa. The merchandise sold really well during that summer. I decided to keep the momentum going by entering the market in Miami. I was afforded the opportunity to popup at Aloft Hotel and Hotel Indigo, located in Brickell. The hotelier had one condition: the price points had to be affordable to hotel guests. We agreed and I delivered. That’s our unique selling proposition. Think about it. How many times have you traveled and needed to buy something? I found that the retail options at hotels are really expensive in Miami. At Da Bohemian Bazaar, we are customer centric in price, quality and service. We aim to understand and satisfy the needs of our customers. Our company selects brands who share in our brand’s identity. We partner with like minded businesses such as RikRak Salon, located at 1061 Brickell Plaza. The lovely owner, Raquel and I formed a partnership last year and it has been nothing short of amazing. Raqhel has been in the business for 20+ years and she’s always been supportive of me. She’s like my big sister.

Da Bohemian Bazaar is not just a retail shop. Da Bohemian Bazaar is a shopping experience that celebrates individuality, creativity, and sustainability. Our curated collections feature bohemian-inspired clothing, handmade kimonos, and artisanal accessories that speak to creatives, free spirits and style aficionados.

We pride ourselves in offering one-of-a-kind pieces that are repurposed using sustainable means and methods. We have handmade artisanal brands from Spain, handmade robes made of organic cotton from Turkey, Bolga bags from the villages in Ghana and Wayuu Mochila Bags and shoes from Colombia. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece, everyday wear, or something truly unique for your wardrobe, Da Bohemian Bazaar provides a shopping experience that’s as unique to you. We also host pop-up events. We collaborate with the Local Art Club at the Arlo hotel (Wynwood) introducing our distinctive styles to new and exciting artistic markets. Come explore our collection and express yourself creatively in our international wares.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

We are developing a plan to attract and retain local clientele. We are preparing to launch marketing campaigns rolling out a loyalty program with additional perks. We send text/email campaigns to our customers. We capture customer profiles at the point of sale and encourage new customers to sign up for notifications. We hold private sales. This season we plan on organizing various popup events in new markets around Miami such as a Sip and Shop happy hour series, Brunch ‘N Boutique, Shop on Sundays and a plethora of other innovative concepts. This is an area and opportunity for tremendous growth for us and I am dedicated to that objective.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My funding sources consist of a mixture of personal funds, a business grant, a government grant, and a loan from Wells Fargo.We were elated to be a recipient of a business grant while attending the 2023 Flourish Media Conference. One of its co-founders, Vivian Olo is an amazing small business supporter. I am grateful to have made her acquaintance.

We were awarded a 2024 Mom and Pop Grant from Commissioner Eileen Higgins District 5 – Strive 305 initiative funded by Miami-Dade County. I am very appreciative of being recognized as a viable small business deserving of grant financial assistance.

My family has always been supportive of my business endeavors.

I have a long lasting business relationship with Wells Fargo. I went to the branch, sat down with my banker and was funded in seven business days. I invested the money in my business and made frequent capital contributions throughout the year as needed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dabohemianbazaar.com
• Instagram: Bohemian_Bazaar_
• Facebook: Facebook

Image Credits

Sage Aurora – Photography By Sage