CNY Scout

La vie Boujee Bohème

BY AMY BLEIER LONG

Like many, Jamie Ann Owens, Michael Speach and Sarah Spataro struggled with the separation they experienced last spring. The friends held daily Zoom sessions; they would leave their feeds on all day, comforted by each other’s presence. There may have been a glass or two of champagne involved.

During these calls, meaningful conversations about race, wealth and new priorities developed. They didn’t always agree, but they gained better insight into each other and themselves. As the pandemic dragged on, the three wondered what things would, or should, look like going forward and how they could get back to the activities they love — eating in local restaurants, drinking fancy cocktails, traveling and meeting new people. By actively seeking each other out, their communication evolved and created a deeper human connection.

To share what they discovered and to encourage others to live more intentionally, the trio created lifestyle brand The Boujee Bohemians (TBB), which launched in August. The slang word boujee (or bougie, from bourgeoisie) refers to luxury. A Boujee Bohemian could be described as a bit unconventional, curious about themselves and the world, and as one who places high value on self-expression, exploration and worldly experiences.

Their goal is to build a community of individuals who are passionate about being students of life. For Owens, Speach and Spataro (who call themselves the Boujee3), the Boujee Bohemian lifestyle doesn’t apologize for appreciating the finer things or for consumption, but it does advocate a more mindful approach to it. It’s also about understanding each person’s idea of a luxury is different and doesn’t necessarily involve a lot of money.

Four inter-related pillars explain their philosophy: discover, indulge, create and explore. The discover pillar focuses on sustainability and The Warm + Cozy BB Box No. 2, which came out last fall, included a teacup, loose tea and an infuser, raw honey, lip balms, a plaid infinity scarf and pumpkin brittle. Cards introduce the founders and collaborators of TBB.

PHOTOS BY AMELIA BEAMISH, TRAVIS OWENS

“We want people to understand that little changes are effective and if everyone just did something, one little thing, that would make a world of difference.”

SARAH SPATARO

learning how to make choices that help the Earth and improve communities. Spataro says, “We want people to understand that little changes are effective and if everyone just did something, one little thing, that would make a world of difference.”

Indulge is about exciting your senses, appreciating the pleasures of life, be they as small as a cup of coffee or as large as an expensive car, and doing so without guilt. Speach says, “I think that life is too short. That’s why you have to enjoy every moment.” Create is not only about creating physical art or objects. It means determining a vision for your life and happiness and how to get there. Explore evokes the quintessential bohemian wanderlust, but in addition to experiencing places, people and cultures beyond your own, “We want people to take a moment and reflect on [themselves]. That’s one of the most beautiful things that I hope people got out of this experience in general, and Boujee will enhance that,” says Owens.

Whether it’s discussing a hot-button topic or sharing a cocktail recipe, TBB creates content out of love, not obligation. Their blog is a journal — a spontaneous expression of inspiration, excitement or curiosity rather than a pre-planned calendar of content. Spataro jokes, “We really try, but man, we are too bohemian for schedules.” This authentic approach means they might miss a day or a week, but when there’s something of value to share, you’ll find it on their Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Owens, Speach and Spataro invited a collective of like-minded collaborators to post on various aspects of the human experience: spirituality, sexuality, fashion, entrepreneurship, and identities, including those often underrepresented. They aim to create points of connection in the stories shared and draw others into the dialogue.

TBB also curates an e-boutique on a secondary website. Their premier offering is the limited-run BB Box, a curated, seasonal experience. The box includes a half-dozen products by small businesses to touch, taste and smell, plus a link to a digital playlist that provides an aural component. The first two boxes sold out. BB Box No. 3 will be released in January, inspired by the idea of a fresh start. Before approving a product, they research how and where it’s made and test it out themselves. A percentage of the profits is distributed among Black Girls Code, Human Rights Campaign and the Environmental Defense Fund.

Although the group is experienced in hosting events, they chose not to produce any virtually because the sensory experience and personal connection of an in-person event couldn’t be replicated. TBB has a list of workshops and events they plan to roll out as soon as they’re able.

The three acknowledge that though the last year was difficult, connections and opportunities emerged, because of (not in spite of) the pandemic. They feel TBB provides something beyond people’s everyday life and will help them be more introspective and forward-thinking. “We can’t change what’s already happened, it’s done. We need to come out of it, and it needs to be like a phoenix movement,” says Speach. From left, Jamie Ann Owens, Michael Speach and Sarah Spataro. Owens is a content and event creator, Speach is the fourth-generation owner of The Speach Family Candy Shoppe and Spataro is a former antiques dealer and current SUNY ESF student.

For more, visit theboujeebohemians. com and popthatboujee.com.