Catherine Nation and Bhavantu at Lulu B's

Upon entering Bhavantu, tucked away on a quiet commercial street behind Ojai's arcade, you are welcomed and enveloped by an aesthetically packed array of clothing, shoes and books, jewelry, and sensual aromas. The store's owner, Catherine Nation, came to this extraordinarily beautiful valley from New York City, where she worked with designer Betsey Johnson for 22 years.

Spending the last 10 years as Betsey's executive vice-president of retail and marketing, Catherine opened 45 stores for the fashion icon. Although her work and lifestyle were creative and exciting, Catherine says, "I never had time in my day to relax. I was so focused on taking care of my career. I forgot entirely about taking care of myself."

In 2000, her 20th year with Betsey, Catherine was diagnosed with first-stage breast cancer. "Cancer was my great teacher," she says, marking a transformational period in which she started listening to her inner, intuitive voice. "I was forced to see that I needed a different existence.and was just not content with the big-job, big-money life I was living. I wanted to change things to stay alive and healthy for my family.and to be at peace - which I was not."

A synchronistic series of events followed - through yoga teaching and training, family and friends - that brought Catherine and her family to Ojai. Making a huge decision to leave Betsey Johnson, she fulfilled her dream of creating a yoga boutique inspired by happiness, tranquility and peace. This place was to be called Bhavantu at Lulu B's.

Lulu B's is Lulu Bhanda's, the yoga studio founded by Kira Ryder - Catherine's close friend and gifted yoga teacher - who provided the retail space for Bhavantu at her yoga studio. In addition to yoga essentials, fashion treats, and anything else she finds beautiful or hip.Catherine intends to carry her own signature line of yoga wear that integrates easily into day or evening.

Catherine believes that yoga - more than just stretching and exercising - inspires an understanding of what we need to be in harmony with our environment and ourselves. Learning about and focusing on the positive aspects of life, Catherine's vision is for Bhavantu to become an oasis for the yoga lover. She is passionately creating a haven for buying something beautiful with a spiritual edge, while encouraging women to age peacefully and with grace.