We recently connected with Nicole Bekerian and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Nicole with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my parents, without a doubt. My brother and I were raised to always work hard, be respectful, and to listen and learn. My parents both worked full-time—sometimes taking on extra jobs—but no matter how busy they were, they always made it a priority to show up for us. Whether it was our sports games, school achievements, or just making sure we had quality family time, they never let their hard work take away from what mattered most.
Watching them balance everything taught me that hard work isn’t just about pushing forward—it’s about knowing your “why.” For them, it was about providing for our family and teaching us important life lessons along the way. I started working at 14 and continued throughout high school and college, always balancing jobs while going to school. That experience allowed me to learn in two settings—the classroom and the workplace—helping me develop skills beyond academics. Fast forward to now, I started Simply the Best while working at the place where I built my career—Northeastern University—and I’m still there while I continue building my business and dream.
Most importantly, my parents instilled in me the value of going after what you believe in and doing what’s right. They taught me that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about finding happiness and fulfillment in the process.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Simply the Best (STB) is a jewelry brand built on meaning, connection, and timeless craftsmanship. For me, jewelry isn’t just something you wear—it’s a way to tell your story, to honor the people and moments that matter most. That’s what makes STB so special.
In a lot of ways, STB started with Gibbs—my first dog, my sidekick, my constant for 11 amazing years. He was there through so many chapters of my life, reminding me daily how much love, loyalty, and small moments matter. When I lost him, I found myself searching for ways to carry that love forward. STB became part of that journey—not just a jewelry brand, but a way to create pieces that hold meaning, celebrate milestones, and keep what’s important close.
That’s what excites me most about what I do. Whether it’s a stack of rings marking a new chapter, a bracelet symbolizing an unbreakable bond, or a permanent jewelry experience shared with loved ones, every piece tells a story. And being part of those moments with my customers? That’s what makes this so much more than just a business.
Right now, I’m focused on growing STB in ways that allow more people to experience the brand. I recently launched the Simply Yours Collection, a line of customizable jewelry where you can add birthstones, initials, and personal details to create something truly unique—your own keepsake. I’m also expanding into retail spaces, looking for boutiques, salons, and shops that align with my brand’s aesthetic and values.
Beyond that, I love bringing STB to life through private experiences—girls’ nights, weddings, special events—where guests can get permanent jewelry in a personal, meaningful setting. These are the moments that make STB feel like more than just jewelry, and I feel so lucky to be part of them.
At the end of the day, Simply the Best is about celebrating the people, places, and moments that make life shine. That’s my why, and I can’t wait to keep building on it.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three things that have been most impactful in my journey are patience, believing in yourself (even if you have to fake it at times), and remembering to smile and just breathe.
Patience because things take time. There’s a lot of trial and error, and it’s easy to feel like progress isn’t happening fast enough. But sometimes, the best things—the things you dream about—come from those moments of trial and learning.
That leads to believing in yourself. Some days, it’s hard. You catch yourself wondering, Who am I? Am I good enough? What makes me different? But that’s just it—you make it different. At the core of whatever business you build, you are the differentiator. Your energy, your passion, your unique touch—that’s what makes your business special. Your clients want to see you. And every time someone tells me they follow me and have been waiting to come see me, or that they love my jewelry, or they share the reason behind why they chose a certain piece—it reminds me exactly why I do this.
And finally, remember to smile and just breathe. Pause. Take a step back and see all that you’re creating. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, always looking toward what’s next, but the little moments matter—and they add up. Growing up, my mom always told my brother and I, “In with the good, out with the bad—just breathe.” And that stuck with me. It’s something I come back to when things feel overwhelming. No matter how busy things get, taking a moment to reset, appreciate the journey, and be proud of how far you’ve come makes all the difference.
For anyone just starting out: be patient, believe in yourself, and take the time to appreciate your journey. The best things come from showing up, trusting the process, and embracing every step along the way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I love collaborating and building meaningful connections, whether it’s with fellow creatives, businesses, or retailers who align with Simply the Best’s values.
Right now, I’m especially looking to partner with boutiques, high-end salons, spas, and curated retail spaces that want to bring high-quality, meaningful jewelry to their customers. I’m also excited to connect with event planners, wedding coordinators, and brands looking to offer unique experiences—whether that’s through private permanent jewelry events, pop-ups, or special collaborations.
Beyond retail and events, I’m always open to creative collaborations with like-minded brands, makers, and small business owners who share a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and quality. Whether it’s a joint product launch, a custom jewelry concept, or something totally new, I love finding ways to create something special together.
If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to connect! You can reach out via my website simplythebestbynicole.com or send me a message on Instagram @simplythebestbynicole. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplythebestbynicole.com
- Instagram: @simplythebestbynicole
- Facebook: @simplythebestbynicole
Image Credits
Branding by Elizabeth
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