Pinning Happiness: misomomo and Bo's Tokens of Queer Cheer Light Up NY NOW

As I ripped and ran through the aisles of the NY NOW Summer Market looking for stories, a vibrant figure stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just another product or display but a person who embodied the essence of what fashion and style look like from the perspective of an actual creator.

Bo, the force behind misomomo, stood out like a citrus-themed light beam of creativity. From her orange hat adorned with a sprout-like leaf to her color-blocked ensemble in shades of yellow, orange, and green, every element of her appearance spoke volumes. But it was her earrings that truly caught my eye – miniature mesh bags filled with tiny sculpted oranges, a whimsical touch that perfectly encapsulated her brand’s ethos.

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Bo’s Interview Starts at the 50:40 Mark

As we chatted and laughed, I knew I had to delve deeper into her story. Bo’s energy was infectious, her style undeniable, and her passion for her craft evident in every word she spoke.

The Birth of misomomo

“I sell primarily pronoun pins,” Bo explained when I asked about her products. “But really, it’s about little tokens of queer cheer – anything that sparks joy in me.”

The origin of misomomo is as charming as its creator. Named after her pets – Miso, the rabbit, and Momo, the childhood dog – the brand began with a simple desire for a specific pronoun pin design. Unable to find what she was looking for, Bo took matters into her own hands. “I was like, surely this must exist already. So I went looking but couldn’t find it anywhere,” she recounted. “I looked up how to get one made. The minimum order quantity was something like 50 units. So I wanted it bad enough. I was like, fuck it. I’m gonna do it.”

That initial run sold out quickly, and misomomo was born.

From Orange County to the Big Apple

Bo’s journey from Orange County, California, to the Bronx, New York, is reflected in her aesthetic. The omnipresence of oranges in her outfit – from her earrings to her hat – is no coincidence. “It’s a few different things,” she explained. “My favorite poem ever is called ‘The Orange’ by Wendy Cope. It just resonates really well.” The fruit also serves as a reminder of her roots in Orange County.

The Challenges and Joys of Small Business

As we discussed the challenges of running a small business, Bo’s insights revealed a depth beyond her playful exterior. “I tried to do it all by myself for such a long time,” she admitted. “I have such specific visions in my head, like really specific ideas of how I want to execute exactly. I’m perfectionistic.”

But Bo has learned the value of collaboration and community. “It can’t really be done solo forever,” she reflected. “If you want to build a scalable thing, obviously, I can set the boundaries, set the intentions, but it’s a group effort. It takes more than one person.”

The Human Connection

What struck me most about Bo was her emphasis on human connection. In an age of online shopping and digital interactions, she finds joy in the face-to-face encounters at markets like NY NOW. “I love the actual interactions, the meeting people in person, like hearing their stories. I love that connection,” she said, her eyes lighting up.

Over the last few minutes of our conversation, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Bo’s approach to business and life. In her world, competition gives way to collaboration, and success is measured not just in sales, but in the quality of relationships formed.

Pronoun Dangle Earrings - she/they by misomomo — Pronoun Dangle Earrings – she/they by misomomo

“Focusing on relationships has made it feel much more meaningful,” Bo concluded. “It has to be sustainable and healthy, and to do that, you need to treat people well, including yourself.”

In the heart of New York City, where the pursuit of success often comes at a cost, Bo and misomomo stand as a colorful reminder that business can be both profitable and personal, innovative and inclusive. It’s a philosophy as refreshing as a sweet, juicy orange on a hot summer day.