Boston's Best Exposed the Reality of Retail

Recently Umbria Steakhouse in Boston’s North End hosted a panel discussion featuring fashions finest brick and mortar business owners and a room filled with aspiring designers, field related professionals looking for guidance in the industry.

The event began with a networking hour for attendees to bring their business cards, meet fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and trade professionals. Guests mingled amongst gourmet appetizers and antipasto curated by DePasquale Catering within the beautiful brick and holiday décor that the North End of Boston brings to the city.

The discussion began with Moderator and CEO of CCHIO agency also BelGioco Media Angela welcoming everyone to their seats and introducing the agency as a being at the forefront of creativity in fashion, hospitality, and entertainment. Their mission is to elevate brands through meticulously crafted media strategies and exceptional event management who forge meaningful connections and partnerships. Their focus is to guide designers to create more than just a dress, to build a business.

She then transitioned into the scheduled panelists that represent the success of retail business. Yolanda Cellucci: Owner of Yolanda’s in Waltham for 30 years, who created a one stop shopping experience for women from products to bridal. With over four decades of experience, Yolanda has built multiple successful ventures and continues to personally shop for clients and at 91 years old histing “Style and Glamour” Tv Show continues to inspire new generations through innovation and resilience. Alan Rouleau: is a bespoke master tailor and style authority who has owned and operated retail locations from Newbury Street to Boston’s North End. Known for precision, craftsmanship, and timeless menswear, and now accessories and custom jeans Alan brought deep industry knowledge of both the art and business of tailoring.

Keyla Williams is a co- founder and marketplace owner of the vibrant boutique Bogosplit in Copley Place. A destination known for spotlighting emerging designers and bold fashion statements. As a curator of creativity and culture, Keyla bridges retail with storytelling and community. Closing out the list of panelists was; Dina Akel is the founder and CEO of Vieira Luxe, an award-winning bridal and eveningwear boutique and the creative force behind Vieira Luxe Couture. She is also the founder of New Hampshire Fashion Week, making her one of New England’s most influential fashion leaders.

The focus of the conversation was about honesty, insight, and real experience. The wins, the losses, the pivots, and the strategies that work in today’s retail landscape. Retail is not just about selling products. It’s about relationships, resilience, branding, and staying relevant in a world that changes constantly. After all the wealth of insight that came from the panel, the room was opened to questions for the expert panelists. CCHIO agency commented, “ The interaction with the professionals and those starting out was absolutely heartwarming, the mission for the event.” Contuining, “ An achievement of the evening was when emerging patented adaptive clothing designer, amputee Sandi DeRuntz asked the panel very in depth financial number crunching questions. It was the most beautiful moment to see industry specialists provide such specific value to an aspiring creator that came into the room looking for that information.”

The evening ended with CCHIO agency giving gratitude to Michael Rose Photography, Depasquale Ventures, Umbria Steakhouse also DePasquale Catering for the wonderful hospitality and delectable dishes with a beautiful table spread of authentic Italian appetizers. From there the room opened to interactive networking, fashion community holiday celebrations and connections to make 2026 a successful year in the industry. For more information on the event or to get involved visit www.cchioagency.com