Nicole Eberhardt

Raised in Michigan in a family of architects and engineers, Nicole Eberhardt grew up surrounded by design. After moving to Los Angeles and building a career in Interior Design, she settled in Oxnard and transitioned to managing a yoga studio. Along the way, Nicole became a yoga teacher and a mother of two – roles that reshaped her priorities and vision for the future.

After years of dedicating time and energy to helping grow other businesses, Nicole realized it was time to build something of her own. Nicole wanted flexibility to be more present for family while channeling a lifelong passion for creativity and community.

In 2022, Nicole took a leap and opened Bougie Beach Collective, a small retail shop inspired by the idea of a creative collective where local makers could share their work.

The concept quickly evolved. While Nicole initially imagined a space focused on artisan goods from local creatives, customers gravitated strongly toward clothing. By listening closely to shoppers and adapting the product mix, Nicole leaned into fashion and expanded the shop. Within six months, Bougie Beach Collective moved into a larger space, setting the stage for continued growth.

Nicole connected with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) in 2023 after a recommendation from a fellow Ventura business owner. Through WEV’s Thrive program, Nicole began working with a consultant who became a sounding board during some of the most challenging moments of early entrepreneurship.

In the first year, Nicole faced several hurdles running a new retail business while caring for a young child with health challenges and navigating a difficult employee situation. With guidance from a WEV business advisor, Nicole developed tools and skills that strengthened the business, including creating an employee handbook, refining marketing strategies, and learning to confidently manage staff.

Nicole credits those consultations with helping bring clarity and focus to the business. Together, Nicole and her advisor reviewed sales trends, evaluated marketing ideas, and explored practical strategies for growth without unnecessary expenses. This support helped Nicole refine product offerings, expand clothing inventory based on customer demand, and implement community events like in-store “Sip and Shop” gatherings.

Since working with WEV, Bougie Beach Collective has experienced significant growth. Sales have increased substantially, Nicole expanded into a larger location, and the business has grown to employ a small team. Nicole has also begun designing and producing custom merchandise while continuing to highlight products from local and women-owned brands.

Today, Bougie Beach Collective is more than a retail shop—it is a community hub. Nicole takes pride in remembering returning customers by name and creating a welcoming space where people feel seen and valued. Locals stop in to say hello, beachgoers wander in while visiting the coast, and longtime customers return year after year.

Looking ahead, Nicole plans to continue expanding the shop’s offerings while strengthening relationships with local makers. Nicole is also preparing to transition the business structure to support long-term financial growth and hopes to increase personal income from the business in the coming years.

For Nicole, success is not only about sales. “Success to me is making an impact in the community by supporting other women-owned businesses,” collaborating with local creators, and building a business that reflects creativity, resilience, and connection.