Rising Stars: Meet Nicole Rourke of MANHATTAN BEACH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rourke

Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a New Yorker, born and raised, and you can trust me when I say that the city shaped who I am (LOL). But in 2013, after years of hustling in NYC, my nervous system was ready for a break, and my heart was calling for something bigger. That’s when I fell in love with California. I moved to San Francisco to start my agency, The Ethereal Agency, with a vision to create something impactful, something that was mine.

Around that time, I began traveling to LA regularly for beauty events. I still remember the moment I first visited Manhattan Beach—it was love at first sight. I knew, without a doubt, that this was where I wanted to build my life and start a family.

In 2016, I made the move to LA, and it felt like a natural evolution. The creative energy here, the community, and the beach lifestyle felt like home in a way that I hadn’t expected. Through it all, my passion for wellness and making a difference has been my driving force.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. I believe that life will always give you challenges—it’s the strength of your character and your willingness to have difficult conversations that truly define you. In 2022, I was pregnant with my second child and, heartbreakingly, had a miscarriage at 20 weeks. It shattered me, but heartbreak can be transformative. I used that pain as a catalyst for growth, asking myself: How can I fall back in love with my body? How can I reconnect with my partner?

These questions sparked my curiosity about sexual wellness and body positivity, and from that, Sex on the Beach was born. I curated 15 plant-based, sustainable brands focused on these themes and partnered with Free People for the inaugural event. Fast forward to today, and we’ve just celebrated our 3rd annual Sex on the Beach event. It has grown to become our largest event, a space for exploration and empowerment.

So, yes, there have been challenges, but they have shaped me. I believe these obstacles, paired with the willingness to face them, lead to the next version of yourself—if you let them.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the founder of The Ethereal Agency, and my work is centered around helping brands in the wellness, beauty, and sexual wellness spaces make a lasting impact. I specialize in creating authentic, experience-driven marketing strategies that connect brands to people on a deeper level—whether through influencer partnerships, event curation, or integrated campaigns.

What sets me apart is my passion for sexual wellness and women’s health, and the personal journey that fuels my work. I’m known for curating unique, empowering experiences, like the Sex on the Beach event, which I created as a way to explore sexual wellness, body positivity, and how we can reconnect with ourselves and our partners. This event has now become our largest, celebrated annually, and has drawn incredible brands and partnerships, including Free People, Beauty Independent,Higher Dose, Wildling, Hummingway, Woo More Play, Eye of Love and Many More.

In addition, I’ve created the Truth and Beauty event and the Cosmic Femme event, both of which focus on empowering women through health and wellness. Next, I’m organizing the LILITH event on 11/11/2024 , which will center on domestic violence and how we can create spaces for healing and transformation around this crucial issue.

What truly sets me apart is the authenticity I bring to every project. My work is driven by personal experience, deep passion, and the belief that real change starts with creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported. My journey has allowed me to build connections not just for the brands I represent, but also for the people who experience the events and products I help bring to life.

My passion is to create change and leave a legacy for my daughter. I want her to grow up knowing what it means to be both a loving, nurturing woman and someone who stands strong in her beliefs. I want to show her that it’s possible to be compassionate and powerful, and that creativity is something she should always embrace. My work and my life are dedicated to making sure she understands that she can be both soft and strong, loving and resilient, and always true to herself.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I incorporate several key practices and resources into my life that help me stay grounded and perform my best, both personally and professionally. I’m a very disciplined person, starting my mornings at 5:30 AM with Kundalini yoga and breathwork, which help me center myself and create mental clarity. This daily practice fuels my creativity and keeps me focused.

One of my favorite ways to recharge is by walking by the ocean. I typically walk 3-5 miles, 4-5 times a week, and this time allows me to clear my mind, find inspiration, and reflect on what’s ahead.

In addition to these practices, I’m always exploring new books, podcasts, and other resources that focus on wellness, spirituality, and leadership. This holistic approach helps me maintain balance and focus as I continue to grow in my work and life. I love poetry specifically Atticuss , Rumi, & R.h. Sin.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theetherealagency.com/
• Instagram: etherealcleanbeauty