What does value mean to you?
As a business owner, would securing funds for your business catapult your vision? Are you prepared to accept outside investors or lenders? These are the types of questions many entrepreneurs ask themselves as they apply for loans, pitch competitions, and grants. Oftentimes, the answer lies in your ability to see the value in your brand.
Every entrepreneur wants to feel like their business has value. Not just monetary value, but the value of impact, influence, and transformation. Marlo Darrington, the owner of Da Bohemian Bazaar, knows her business has true value. By curating a vibrant trendsetting clothing brand, she is dedicated to offering stylish garments that express authentic bohemian goddess energy in her customers. 75% of Marlo’s brand consists of upcycled materials and "one of a kind" patterns. Her passion is to provide styles and patterns representative of diverse cultures. She has something trendy for every occasion while being a proud sustainability retailer. Fans of Da Bohemian Bazaar can rock their unique style while supporting a sustainable brand.
As a previous Small Business Grant Winner from the Flourish Media Conference 2024, Marlo believes in the value she has to offer her community.
“After winning, I was overwhelmed with appreciation. I felt that it was an opportunity to explore more financing as a grant recipient and receive more visibility to my brand.” Marlo noted.
“I originally participated as a vendor at FMC24, but it wasn’t until I learned about the grant opportunity that I then applied. I’m so happy that I did! The community made me feel welcomed and supported. I know my brand is something special but it wasn’t until I met the FMC Tribe that I felt confident in putting myself out there to truly flourish.”
Hailing from the heartland of Kansas City, KS, Marlo's journey took a stylish turn when she ventured into the vibrant world of fashion. While her early days were spent navigating the engineering industry, it was her relocation to the sunny shores of Florida that ignited her passion for style. A brief stint at Neiman Marcus - Bal Harbour revealed her true calling, prompting her to bid farewell to hard hats and embrace a more chic and whimsical path.
In 2022, Marlo made the bold decision to embark on a new adventure, trading blueprints for couture and launching Da Bohemian Bazaar. Inspired by the free-spirited ethos of bohemian culture, her creations offer a fresh twist on timeless styles, celebrating individuality with every stitch.
With an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Marlo's vision for Da Bohemian Bazaar transcends mere clothing; it's a vibrant tapestry that resonates with artists, fashionistas, creatives, and influencers alike. Embracing the mantra of self-expression through fashion, her designs invite you to revel in your uniqueness and paint the world with your personal style palette.
“After winning the Small Business Grant, it has shown me to trust my vision. You have to be laser-focused. Taking the time to be truly dedicated to your craft is essential if you want to flourish.”
As a business owner, it’s important to check in with yourself from time to time. Note what is working and what isn’t, what are the next steps needed to be taken to reach XYZ, and how can you better show up?
We asked Marlo, “What is the next milestone you’re looking forward to?”; she shared:
“Registering my business with the state of Florida! I am so excited to do my taxes too, no joke. This shows me that I am succeeding and that my business is needed.”
Throughout the uplifting atmosphere of the Flourish Media Conference, attendees are immersed in the empowering mantra: "Growth happens through collaboration!" This sentiment resonates deeply, reminding us of the transformative power of unity. Embracing feedback as a catalyst for improvement is paramount to our collective success.
“The ladies at Behind The Leaf are just lovely. I really enjoyed meeting them as they encouraged me to apply, and I am sure glad they did. ♥️”
If you’re ready to apply for the Small Business Grant, you can do so by clicking here.
Good luck:)
