I’ve had the privilege of knowing Keyla for years. I still remember when she, her brother Kenelly, and their partner Adriano launched a one-of-a-kind, community-first digital marketplace created to spotlight emerging designers in the Boston area. From the very beginning, I knew they were building something truly special.
Since then, I’ve watched Keyla and her team work tirelessly and with unwavering dedication to bring Boston
fashion into the spotlight. Their mission has always been clear: to provide a platform where creativity is celebrated, where artists can showcase their work, and — just as importantly — make a living from it. That vision led to the birth
of Bogosplit.
What was originally planned as a breakfast catch-up with Keyla quickly turned into a late lunch, thanks to our packed schedules — which, of course, made a round of mimosas the perfect addition to the table.
You are a fixture in the Boston fashion scene – what does Keyla want the audience to know about her?
I’m many things. First and foremost, I’m a daughter. I’m also a human who deeply loves and cares for other humans. I’d describe myself as multifaceted—I enjoy diving into creativity, but I also thrive on operations and the strategic planning that brings ideas to life. So yes, I wear many hats, and I embrace them all.
And where are you originally from?
I’m originally from both Haiti and Venezuela. I moved to the U.S. at the age of 9, and Boston has been home ever since. By that age, I had already lived in two different countries, so arriving in the U.S. was a major cultural shock for me. I came from places where kids were always outside playing, neighbors knew each other, and there was a strong sense of community. Suddenly, I found myself in a country where things felt more isolated — and that was difficult to adjust to.
Which culture do you identify with the most?
That’s a really tough question — and honestly, I’m not sure I have a clear answer. I try to take a little bit from each part of my identity. Haitian culture has had a strong and powerful influence on me, and it’s one I stay closely connected to because I truly love its traditions. At the same time, I have a deep love for Venezuela, and the United States is home. I love being able to speak different languages and live within multiple cultures. That blend of traditions and experiences is what makes me who I am.
For someone who’s never met you before — how would you describe what you do and who you are professionally?
Many people don’t know this about me, but I also have a corporate job. By day, I’m a nurse — it was the first career path I chose, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. I currently serve as a Nurse Director, leading a team of nurses who travel to provide care for patients.
And then, I’m also one of the founders of Bogosplit. Through Bogosplit, I get to help cultivate people’s dreams. I have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with so many talented creatives who are building something meaningful — and I get to be a small part of that journey, a stepping-stone as they grow.
At its core, what is Bogosplit all about? What’s the mission that drives it?
Bogosplit was created to support local creatives by providing resources that aren’t readily available. We offer a marketplace where designers can sell their merchandise, and our physical storefront operates like an automated pop-up store. We didn’t want a typical storefront; we aimed to create an experience because shopping local is more than just buying—it’s about connecting with unique pieces that often can’t be found anywhere else.
At Bogosplit, customers know exactly whom they’re buying from. Each designer has their own dedicated space in the store, as well as a vendor page on our website, allowing shoppers to connect personally with the creators. This way, people walk away knowing they’ve contributed to someone’s dream.
Beyond the storefront, we provide marketing support and exposure through various shows and events, helping our designers showcase their art and grow their brands.
How was it born? Where did the idea come from?
The idea has evolved and we’ve pivoted quite a bit. Originally, we planned to offer a digital storefront, but after talking to people and conducting market research, we kept hearing the same challenge: emerging designers struggled to grow because few people knew who they were. Building brand recognition online was tough since customers wanted to see the items, feel the fabric, and try things on.
We launched as a digital storefront during COVID, but during a call with my brother Kenelly and Adriano—who are the tech brains behind the project—we started exploring the idea of a physical storefront. In 2021, we opened our first test store in Brookline. It was so well received that we quickly outgrew the space.
Fast forward to today, we have a much larger storefront in Copley Mall, and we’re excited to keep evolving. Staying innovative is crucial for us to continue supporting our creatives effectively.
You’ve mentioned a few other names during this interview—who are the other key people driving this movement alongside you?
One of them is my brother, Kenelly Cineus and his best friend who has now become like a brother to me, Adriano Pinto. They were the two that started the platform. Kennelly is a creative at heart, he is an innovator. His brain is always going a thousand miles per hour and he is always thinking about different ways to close gaps. Adriano is our technology go to – he touches everything that has to do with our technology strategy and execution. The two of them were the ones that started the whole thing and they came to me and asked me to be a part of it.
You have such a wonderfully diverse group of designers in your store — each with their own unique style, which I really admire. What qualities or traits do you look for in a creative before inviting them to join your showroom?
We really take the time to listen to each designer’s story. We prioritize those who have ready-to-sell products rather than just samples. It’s important for us to collaborate with creatives who have a clear vision for their brand, because at the end of the day, this is a partnership. Our clientele includes both locals and tourists, thanks to the foot traffic from Copley — it’s truly the best of both worlds, and we want our designers to fully benefit from that exposure.
What would you say sets you apart?
We work with both established brands and emerging designers. Our goal is to provide a space where creatives can test their products in a real retail environment. We offer three-month contracts, during which we check in monthly to provide feedback and consulting — highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and sharing customer insights. Sometimes, it becomes clear that the showroom may not be the right fit for a particular brand, and that’s okay. Our integrated technology and data tools are a big advantage — designers can track their clientele and top-selling items directly from their dashboard, allowing them to make informed production and business decisions based on real-time feedback.
As I thank Keyla for her time and candor, I realize it's time to bring our conversation full circle — there's one question I’ve yet to ask, and it might just be the most important one for this piece: How do you define family?
Keyla pauses for a moment, takes a deep breath, and then, without hesitation, exclaims, “Oh my God! Family is everything.” She continues, “It’s the foundation of everything. Family is what you make it — it doesn’t have to be blood-related, and that’s something I’ve learned over time. “When I first came to America, I often felt very lonely. I was always searching for community. Then I had this amazing opportunity to create a platform, and through that, I’ve been able to build my own community. I truly consider everyone who’s a part of Bogosplit my family — they’ve become family to me.” She smiles before adding, “When you cultivate something out of love, everything grows. To me, family translates to love.”
