IN CONVERSATION WITH SOFIA OUASSAT
On architecture, entrepreneurship, and creating spaces people emotionally connect to
When Sofia opened Boho Café in Rabat in 2021, the idea was never simply to create another café. The project emerged from a desire to build a space where architecture, atmosphere, food, and human connection could coexist naturally. A place shaped as much by emotion and experience as by design itself.
When Sofia opened Boho Café in Rabat in 2021, the idea was never simply to create another café. The project emerged from a desire to build a space where architecture, atmosphere, food, and human connection could coexist naturally. A place shaped as much by emotion and experience as by design itself.
Originally trained in architecture in France, Sofia returned to Morocco after the pandemic with the ambition of creating a concept that felt both deeply personal and genuinely needed within the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
Today, as she prepares the opening of a second Boho location in Rabat, her journey reflects a balance between creativity, discipline, resilience, and community.
From architecture to hospitality
Sofia’s years studying architecture in France played a defining role in the way she approaches both design and entrepreneurship today. Beyond technical skills, architecture taught her how people emotionally experience space.
“Architecture builds walls, but I wanted to create a life experience inside those walls.”
Over time, she began feeling the need to move beyond designing structures alone and toward creating environments people could actively live, inhabit, and emotionally connect with on a daily basis.
Returning to Morocco happened naturally after Covid, at a moment when she felt the country was entering a new phase of creativity and possibility.
“There was space for a brunch concept that wasn’t just about food, but about creating a true coastal-inspired escape focused on well-being and quality.”
At the time, Rabat still lacked spaces fully dedicated to that kind of experience, which made launching Boho Café feel both risky and necessary at the same time.
Designing an atmosphere, not just a café
Sofia’s architectural background remains deeply visible in the identity of Boho Café. Every aspect of the space was imagined through movement, light, interaction, and emotional comfort.
Rather than seeing design as purely aesthetic, she approached the café as a complete sensory and social experience. From the height of the counter to the layout of the seating areas, each detail was intentionally designed to create a feeling of ease and familiarity.
“Every detail was designed so people would naturally feel at their place the moment they walk in.”
This vision also became one of the café’s strongest differentiating factors. Beyond trends or visual identity, clients became attached to the authenticity and atmosphere of the experience itself.
“In a standardized market, people are deeply sensitive to authenticity.”
That authenticity extends beyond the design. Cakes are prepared fresh every morning, ingredients are carefully selected, and the overall experience is built around quality, warmth, and attention to detail.
Building a second chapter
After the success of the first café, Sofia is now preparing the opening of a second Boho location in Rabat.
The experience of launching the first space taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preparation when navigating construction, logistics, and entrepreneurship simultaneously.
“The opening of the first café became a real school of resilience.”
Today, she approaches this new chapter with greater clarity and confidence, combining her architectural expertise with lessons learned directly from the field.
“The second Boho is not a copy of the first one, it’s a more refined and mature version of the original concept.”
Rather than reproducing the same place, the goal is to preserve the soul of Boho while adapting it to a new environment and new possibilities.
Discipline beyond entrepreneurship
Outside of entrepreneurship, Sofia is also deeply connected to sport, particularly running, marathons, and Hyrox training.
For her, physical discipline and entrepreneurship share many similarities. Both require consistency, endurance, and the ability to continue moving forward even during difficult phases.
“Running and Hyrox taught me not to give up, even when the pressure and exhaustion settle in.”
She compares certain entrepreneurial moments to the “wall” runners experience during long-distance races, periods where fatigue, stress, and uncertainty intensify.
That discipline became one of the foundations helping her remain focused and resilient while managing growth and unexpected challenges.
Creating a place people belong to
As Boho Café continued to grow, Sofia slowly realized the project had evolved into something much larger than hospitality alone.
“The real turning point happened when familiar faces started returning week after week.”
The café gradually became part of people’s routines and emotional lives, a Sunday meeting place for families, a workspace for creatives, and a social space rooted in familiarity and comfort.
At the same time, inclusivity became an important dimension of the project’s identity. The team itself reflects multiple backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, including collaborators with Down syndrome.
“We were no longer just a café, but a space creating connection and inclusion.”
For Sofia, the human dimension of the project remains one of its greatest sources of motivation. Seeing clients enjoy their time and witnessing the pride and growth of her team continues to give meaning to the work behind the scenes.
“Seeing a client enjoy their moment or the pride in my team’s eyes instantly gives me energy again.”
A philosophy rooted in sincerity
When asked what she hopes people remember after visiting Boho Café for the first time, Sofia’s answer goes beyond food or design.
“More than the food, I want people to leave feeling seen and cared for.”
That sense of warmth, inclusivity, and emotional connection remains central to the identity of the project.
Looking back on her journey, she also encourages young entrepreneurs, especially women, to trust their personal vision rather than trying to imitate existing formulas.
“If you truly believe in your vision, that sincerity becomes your strongest marketing tool.”
For Sofia, authenticity is not only an aesthetic choice.
It is the foundation that allows a place, a brand, or an experience to genuinely resonate with people over time.
It is the foundation that allows a place, a brand, or an experience to genuinely resonate with people over time.
Photos & Videos : Sofia Ouassat