Boi Boss, the young entrepreneur who created his own job opportunity around sustainable fashion

Boi Boss is found at the El Manso hotel (Simón Bolívar 1406 and Aguirre boardwalk). Both the store and the character (Edwin Vera, 20 years old) have become part of the place that accommodates visitors, as well as welcomes all those interested in art. After all, what Boi Boss does is art with second-hand clothes.

Vintage fashion continues to be a trend, and not only does it allow us to be friendly to the environment by giving old garments a chance, but the magic lies in the particularity of the piece. In knowing that no one else or almost no one else, at least locally, is going to have it. But Edwin Vera (Boi Boss) ends up dealing with it, impregnating his style.

The work behind his garments consists of around 4 hours of searching for the pieces; and more hours to cure them, between adding buttons, removing stains, cutting them, working on them to make them unique. "I was always looking for clothes that were not so expensive, obviously," says his own experience. "But with my style, that it be different, that it draws attention, that when I get to a place everyone looks at my clothes and I say: 'yes, I'm here'". The same is what he tries to reflect with his Boi Boss brand, empowerment through clothing for all those who do not feel seen in some way.

With only two decades of life, he savors the emotional gratification of dedicating himself to what he is passionate about, not so much the economic one, since despite the fact that his work takes him all day to do everything: take care of clothes, photos , local attention, management of social networks, etc., the cost of clothing is between $10 and $25.

Advertising

It is sustainable fashion, so the young entrepreneur wants it affordable for everyone.

Boi Boss started two years ago when he was 18 and there is a story behind it. When he came of age, his reaction almost immediately was to start looking for a job. The hunting weeks only dragged on and seemed to bear no fruit, until he decided to lower his arms, stop searching and start what would become his current life project and avatar through which he acts: Boi Boss.

The name refers to “Boy Boss”, which in Spanish would be: “Boss Boy”. Well, that's what he did, become his own boss and also shelter under his mantle 16 more ventures in the 'Club Boss'. The brands are part of the Edwin Vera store. There are glasses, shoes, accessories, and even groceries like granola, if it comes to variety, you don't have to worry about it, since in the small space you will find several options.

He is also the creator and organizer of the Microbazaar; It is given in the same way at the El Manso facilities, before fortnightly, now monthly. Here Boi Boss gives small businesses the opportunity to make him visible. In all editions there are different ventures, from clothing, accessories, food, essential oils and more.

Edwin Vera is also in charge of some of the cultural events that take place in El Manso. Like poetry readings, or music shows by local artists. This June 27 will be the Microbazaar Pride, where you can find independent fashion, vintage, tattoos, piercings and there will be talks. Pride Day or Gay Pride Day is celebrated internationally on June 28 to highlight the struggle of the LGBTI community.

The Boi Boss project, which is everything Vera does for local art, made her want to get up again. After starting with the brand, he went through a period of depression and had to put everything aside, however, returning to what he loved to do "was what he needed to get out of it."

He is not currently studying a formal career, Boi Boss has decided to acquire varied knowledge with online workshops, he says that whoever wants to learn can do it. Thus, he learned how to manage his brand, the networks, and also sales strategies. He doesn't see himself “wasting” years of his life studying a career he isn't sure he'll end up pursuing. He lives the dream of many at 20 years old. He is his own boss and manages his time, but that doesn't mean there isn't effort and sacrifice behind him, he says.

He wants to take on the world and the same desire to help others achieve his goals. His dream is to have a cultural house, where he can open up more people to exhibit his creations in different areas. (AND)