Boibá - The Friendship Behind the Brand Making Waves
Boibá. Derived from the Spanish phrase “voy y va”—comes and goes.“En el boibá de la vida, sé feliz.”In life's comings and goings, be happy. Or better yet, start a brand with your best friend.
The Story of Boibá
Meet Pamela Estrada and Sofia Porras—two Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) alumni who turned their shared love for creativity into a thriving brand. Both originally from Guatemala, Pamela (BFA, Accessory Design ’22) and Sofia (BFA, Fashion Design ’22) discovered their passion for design during their years at SCAD. But their journey truly took off after graduation, when they moved to New York and worked at prestigious fashion houses like Kate Spade and Brunello Cucinelli.
“We always knew we wanted to create something of our own—a brand that reflected our vision,” shares Sofia. “At first, we thought the process would be easier (and much more exciting) if we did it together. By joining forces, we could bring out the best in each other and combine our individual strengths.”
After gaining valuable industry experience, the pull of home was strong, and they made the decision to return to their roots. It was in Guatemala that Boibá was born.
More Than a Brand—A Lifestyle
Boibá is more than just a resort and swimwear label; it’s a celebration of life, culture, and the art of creative expression. Designed in Guatemala and crafted in Colombia, the brand merges effortless beauty with expert craftsmanship. From the very beginning, Pamela and Sofia knew they wanted Boibá to stand for more than just fashion.
“Sustainability is a core principle for us,” shares Pamela. “We keep our product drops small and avoid overproduction by only sending items to production that we know will sell. Our atelier is located in Barranquilla, and we’re incredibly proud that our team is mostly women.”
Beyond sustainability, the brand is also about creating opportunities. “We want Boibá to be a place where young women studying fashion design and marketing in Guatemala can come back to and grow in their careers,” says Sofia. “It’s important for us to represent our country and give back.”
Their commitment to purpose-driven design and authenticity guides every decision. But beyond the garments themselves, their love for fashion is deeply rooted in the creative process.
Making Waves in Fashion
Fast forward a year and a half since its launch, and Boibá has already accomplished what many brands take years to achieve. With features in Vogue México y Latinoamérica and Forbes Centroamérica, the brand has made a significant impact in the fashion world. But for Pamela and Sofia, this is just the beginning.
“Our biggest milestone so far has been expanding to boutiques in Miami, Panama, and Guatemala,” says Pamela. “We’re excited to keep growing and connecting with more people who resonate with our brand.”
A Brand Built on Friendship
At the heart of Boibá is the unique bond between Pamela and Sofia—a friendship that has grown alongside their business. “Working with a best friend isn’t for everyone, but for us, it felt natural,” says Sofia. “We were roommates at SCAD and had always been close. We understand our strengths and weaknesses, and that makes our collaboration effortless.”
“For now, we make every decision together,” adds Pamela. “As the brand grows, we’ll establish more defined roles, but for now, being hands-on in all aspects helps everything run smoothly.”
It’s the kind of friendship we all hope to hold on to: one where you grow, support each other, and share a vision that becomes something bigger than both of you. Boibá isn’t just a brand; it’s a manifestation of friendship, creativity, and the beauty found in life’s constant evolution.
To learn more about Boiba, visit https://boiba.co/ or visit their instagram @boiba
