SHE’S SO BOSTON: Meet Keyla Bogosplit, AKA Bogosplit Showroom Owner

Once a month, we want to highlight really cool women who are doing really cool things around Boston in this cute little segment we like to call “She's So Boston”. This month, we are featuring Keyla Bogosplit who is the owner of Bogosplit Showroom! 

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to where you are today?

I come from a family with a deep passion for fashion and retail. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity—my grandparents owned multiple shops in Haiti and my mother studied fashion design. Inspired by my family’s legacy and driven by a desire to innovate, I co-founded Bogosplit with my brother and his best friend. Our aim was to create a unique platform that supports independent fashion and beauty brands, blending tradition with innovation.

What inspires you to do the work you do or to pursue your current activities?
Is there a particular moment or event that significantly influenced your journey? My inspiration comes from a desire to empower small businesses and a passion for creating opportunities where they are often overlooked. A pivotal moment for me was during a trip to a bustling market in Port-au-Prince as a child, seeing firsthand the vibrant entrepreneurship that thrived despite numerous challenges. This experience instilled a deep respect for the hustle and creativity of independent vendors.

Can you share a challenge you've overcome in your journey, and what you learned from it?

One major challenge was the initial skepticism from others who doubted the viability of an automated pop-up retail concept. Overcoming this involved countless pitches and demonstrations of our business model’s effectiveness. I learned the importance of persistence and refining our message to clearly convey the vision and potential impact of Bogosplit.

What achievements are you most proud of, and why?

I am most proud of the impact we have been able to make in our city for local vendors.

Our Storefront currently in Copley Place Mall - Boston, MA  Specializing in Supporting local vendors through an automated pop-up concept is currently hosting 52 local vendors. 

We have Assisted over 300 vendors in New England over the past year. We were Awarded "Best of Boston - Best Way to Shop Indie" by Boston Magazine. In 2023 we hosted over 44 vendor-focused events in 2023 including a collaboration with the City of Boston and Mayor Michelle Wu, for an automated Artisan pop up Market activation that was hosted at Boston’s City Hall Plaza.

Can you highlight a collaboration or partnership you've had with other local women or organizations that was particularly meaningful?

One particularly meaningful collaboration was the Women’s Month panel we hosted, which brought together local women from diverse fields in Boston, including education, retail, fashion design, and real estate. During this event, we not only shared stories and experiences but also celebrated the contributions of these women to their respective industries and the community.

Additionally, every partnership with women-owned small businesses is deeply meaningful to me. Being able to provide a platform through Bogosplit that supports and sustains their entrepreneurial dreams keeps me motivated and proud of the work we do. These collaborations not only help keep local dreams alive but also foster a supportive network that empowers women entrepreneurs in our community.

How has the community of Boston influenced or supported your endeavors?

The community in Boston has been incredibly supportive. From local officials to everyday consumers, the encouragement we've received has been a driving force behind our success. This support has enabled us to innovate further and strengthen the local economy by supporting small businesses.

Are there any women in Boston or beyond who inspire you? If so, who and why?

I am deeply inspired by several remarkable women who exemplify resilience, innovation, and leadership. My mother is at the forefront, an immigrant who bravely moved to America and single-handedly raised two children. Her strength and perseverance are the bedrock of my own determination. Additionally, I am continually motivated by Mayor Michelle Wu’s transformative leadership in Boston, which champions inclusivity and community involvement.

The women on my team, like our creative director Liya Kay and events curator Linda Ramirez, are also pivotal inspirations. Their creativity and dedication not only enrich our work environment but also drive the success of our initiatives. These women, alongside many other change makers in Boston and beyond, play a crucial role in motivating me to push forward and innovate within the fashion and retail industry.

Aside from your work or the activities you're known for, what are you passionate about?

Beyond my professional life, I am passionate about travel and cultural exploration. These experiences enrich my perspective and inspire creativity in my work, allowing me to bring fresh ideas and practices to Bogosplit.

How do you find balance between your professional, personal, and community engagements?

Finding balance is challenging but essential. I prioritize by aligning my activities closely with my values, which helps me decide where to devote my energy. Regular reflection and open communication with my team and family ensure I don’t overlook personal or community commitments.

What's something not many people know about you that you'd like to share?

Something not many people know about me is my profound love for the beach. My ultimate dream is to live in a beach house where I can enjoy endless summers. I find the waves of the ocean not only soothing but also incredibly grounding. There’s a certain calmness even in the turbulence of the waves, which I see as the perfect metaphor for life—no matter the turmoil, there is always underlying tranquility if you look for it. This perspective helps me navigate the ups and downs of both my personal life and entrepreneurial journey.

Bogosplit in the media: 

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/best-of-boston-archive/2022/bogosplit/

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2023/01/10/bogosplit-copley/

https://www.boston.gov/news/boston-artisan-market-new-city-hall-plaza-activation-announced