We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marlo Darrington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marlo, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

For me, Da Bohemian Bazaar (DBB) is about more than just fashion — its mission is a movement rooted in self-expression, cultural appreciation, and an unforgettable personal shopping experience. We offer a range of high-quality mixed textiles to Brickell visitors and residents. We aim to service those who appreciate sustainable clothing at a price that doesn’t break the bank. We focus on micro-batch artistry – small runs of handmade, high-vibe goods crafted with care and creativity.

The idea for DBB derived from the need to solve a simple problem for Miami tourists and residents alike – an alternative shopping experience to high-end luxury goods. Miami’s high-end fashion scene is flooded with luxury goods, but I realized people crave something different. Something with soul. As a world traveler, I immerse myself in the artistry of global fashion. From intricate textiles found in Italy to the effortless elegance of French textiles, I saw firsthand the beauty of artisan-made pieces. But these treasures weren’t easily accessible to shoppers in Miami who wanted their style to tell a story. Miami is a melting pot of so many diverse communities. It felt right to bring international brands under one umbrella, literally and figuratively. I am always impressed by South American brands from Colombia and Brazil. The craftsmanship is incredibly well done.

I launched DBB in 2023 as an in-house appointment-only boutique offering private, one-on-one shopping experiences. From the start, my intention wasn’t just to sell clothes—it was to curate a journey. I wanted every client to step into a space where they could discover something meaningful, where every piece had a story and every purchase felt intentional. My goal is to give my customers my undivided attention while we discuss options and price points. This approach quickly resonated, earning DBB five-star reviews, exclusive collaborations, and a growing community of individuals who value community, craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity in products and people.

But what truly drives me is the belief that style should be as unique as the person wearing it. In a world dominated by fast fashion, I want DBB to stand for something different—something unique. Whether it’s our signature Esmeralda Boho Dress, Kezia Skirt, or the in-demand Lena Eyelet Dress, every item is hand-selected to ensure that my customers aren’t just wearing a purchase, but preserving a memory of an experience when we crossed paths.

Looking ahead, I see DBB becoming the go-to boho-chic studio within Miami’s high-end hotel industry, bringing our globally inspired collaborative collections to even more international people. Through our commitment to beautifully curated fashion and a personalized shopping experience, I want to continue empowering people to embrace and express their style—freely and fearlessly.

Fueled by wanderlust and love for the eclectic, Da Bohemian Bazaar curates treasures from around the world for the free-spirited soul.

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’m Marlo Darrington, the founder of DBB, a boutique studio that blends boho-chic fashion. My journey into the fashion industry wasn’t traditional—I didn’t start as a designer or stylist, but rather as someone with a deep passion for curation, storytelling, and a love for hospitality. I’ve had the privilege of traveling extensively, discovering incredible artisans, and seeing firsthand how fashion is more than just clothing—its culture, identity, and personal expression.

DBB was born in 2023 out of a desire to create something personalized. I saw a gap in the Miami fashion scene—where high-end boutiques often felt exclusive and impersonal, and fast fashion dominated the market with mass-produced trends. Not to mention, the spaces lacked personality. High-end stores are cold, and fast fashion brands reek of chaos. I wanted to create a space where people could shop with intention, where every piece had a story, and where the experience itself felt connected. I listen to my customers, which is why DBB started as a pop-up boutique offering private, one-on-one shopping experiences for travelers and locals. I wanted people to feel like they were stepping into a curated journey, not just a store—particularly for hotel guests. Miami can be overwhelming in and of itself. We want to provide an experience of connection with humanity while guests visit our beautiful city.

Our boutique specializes in carefully selected pieces from around the world—Spain, Turkey, Japan—designed for individuals who embrace bold, effortless, and unique styles. We offer apparel, hats, accessories, and resort wear that blend bohemian aesthetics with an urban edge. Our signature pieces reflect this fusion.

What sets DBB apart is our commitment to both craftsmanship and hospitality. We don’t just sell fashion; we offer an experience. Our dedication to customer service has earned us numerous five-star reviews, and our collaborations—such as working with Grammy-nominated Janelle Monáe and participating in Art Basel curated events—have helped amplify our presence.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how DBB has built an organic community of style-conscious individuals who want more than just clothing—they want meaning in what they wear. DBB is about more than just selling clothes. It’s about self-expression, discovery, and making fashion a deeply personal experience.

For those who are just discovering us, I want them to know that DBB is here to offer something fresh, authentic, and globally inspired. Whether you’re a creative visiting for a music festival or a seeker of sun and sand, DBB is for you. And as we continue to grow, we’ll remain true to our mission: to inspire confidence, celebrate individuality, and amplify cultural appreciation.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I believe one of the keys to building a strong team is setting a clear vision for the business and ensuring that everyone stays aligned through transparent communication. I wanted to create a safe space for feedback and constructive criticism. Since DBB’s inception, I have worked with several support staff members, each bringing their own experiences, backgrounds, temperaments, and ideas. As the founder, it is my responsibility to set the tone for both the business and the team.

Additionally, I found an incredibly talented EA who is proactively engaged in every aspect of this company. She is my right hand in everything, and this progress would not have been possible without her assistance. She handles everything, allowing me the freedom to focus on revenue-generating activities—sales. I cannot thank her enough. Her name is Emmanuella Ojo. She is the epitome of overachievement. If you want to succeed in life, you need an Emm. One day, she will run her own company, and I am incredibly proud to have her on my team.

Collaboration and communication are extremely important to me, and I emphasize them across the board with everyone I work with. I also prioritize creating an environment where people feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback. I don’t claim to know everything—that’s why I actively seek out experts who are more knowledgeable than I am, and vice versa. This approach has fostered an environment of trust, innovation, and continuous growth within DBB. In just a year, I have seen how this culture has propelled the business forward, and I know it will continue to pay dividends in the years to come.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I’m constantly unlearning as a business owner is the idea that I need to address every single problem immediately, no matter how small. From SEO to advertising and everything in between, there’s always something demanding attention. The to-do list can feel endless, and with only 24 hours in a day, it’s easy to burn out trying to fix everything at once. But keeping the bigger vision in mind, along with Emm’s proactive, hands-on approach, is what keeps DBB moving forward.

There will always be unexpected challenges, and I’ll admit—some days, I feel deflated. But I’ve also had incredible wins, and I’ve learned that those deserve just as much attention—if not more—than the setbacks. It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong and forget to celebrate what’s going right. Recognizing and leaning into strengths is just as important as addressing weaknesses.

One strategy that has helped DBB this year is setting a clear, focused plan for each quarter. My team and I “priority set” weekly via Zoom, where we align on our key focus areas, track metrics, identify roadblocks, and establish priorities. This process keeps us grounded, aligned, and intentional, ensuring that every action ties back to our vision. It’s a reminder to prioritize wisely, stay level-headed, and embrace the journey—because Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is our story of success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dabohemianbazaar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bohemian_bazaar_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dabohochic/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bohemian_bazaar_