Survival of the Fittest

Sharon Olloqui

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Five months after Sharon Olloqui opened her clothing boutique Ensemble in Oceanside in May 2008, a financial tsunami rocked her storefront and countless other small businesses across America. Olloqui talks with us about surviving the storm.

How did you get through the Great Recession? I paid attention to every cent—every penny that came in and went out of the store. I’m lucky because I have a background in merchandising and that proved to be a huge help. I watched and learned what my customers had to have. Fortunately, there aren’t any other boutiques like mine nearby.

Are there clothing lines that have become your mainstay? I don’t want to give away my secrets, but a few of them are: LAmade, and I love HippyTree, a local Hermosa Beach surfer-style men’s line. Ember Arts Jewelry is lovely. It’s a boutique line started by San Diego native James A. Pearson, inspired by some jewelry he’d bought on a trip to Uganda.

Are you feeling hopeful these days? Think you’re through the worst of it? 2012 was my worst year to date, so it’s tough. But I love what I do and it’s worth it. I’m trying to make the Oceanside ‘hood a little hipper and a little cooler. It’s a diamond in the rough.

Are there any new businesses coming in that could attract more shoppers? If only the Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen restaurant was closer. It’s only a mile away, but boy could that place bring in some serious business. They’re building a boutique Marriott across the street. It’s slated to be completed in 2014, and I’m counting on it to bring more traffic to the store. My locals love me and that gets me through, but I’m not getting any younger.

Ensemble interior