Max Connect was thrilled to welcome Vivien & Fernanda Böhme, two fashion-forward sisters from Rio de Janeiro who founded Böhme Boutique, a Utah-based clothing store that provides high-quality, modest fashion for women.
Raised in Brazil, Fernanda and Vivien moved to Utah when they were 8 and 9 years old. They quickly learned the importance of a strong work ethic and dedication due to working alongside their parents cleaning corporate sky-rises after school. In 2006, the Böhme sisters decided to launch a fashion brand with a physical retail presence.
Up against a weak economy, a lack of retail experience, and zero outside funding, their road to success wasn’t an easy one. But thanks to Vivien’s mind for business and Fernanda’s eye for fashion, they were able to open up their first permanent store in 2008, funded only by a credit card. Fernanda and Vivien opened a second location the following year with a new aesthetic. Unfortunately, retailers nationwide took a hit during the 2013 holiday shopping season, receiving about half the foot traffic as normal.
Böhme stores struggled financially from 2013 to 2014 and needed a line of credit. After receiving one, Vivien and Fernanda were able to turn things around and continue to grow the company through rebuilding and cash management.
The company was in a solid financial position in 2015, increasing brick-and-mortar sales and launching an online store. From 2016 to 2018, Böhme’s online sales grew from less than $500,000 to more than $6 million, while overall sales grew nearly 30%. With 16 stores across the western US and a thriving online presence, it’s clear that they’ve found their niche by focusing on helping their customers find their style and making them feel their best.
Böhme’s successful women’s apparel company has garnered national attention. Böhme has been named one of the Top Women-Run Businesses on the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies and featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, US Weekly, and Cosmopolitan Magazine. Most recently, Böhme was awarded the SBA Utah Top Business of the Year. Vivien and Fernanda were named the Utah recipients of the Small Business Person of the Year awards and Sandy Business Person of the Year.