Just Breathe

Meet Michele Bohbot, breathing new life into Beverly Hills with her passion for family, wellness, longevity, art, and the law of attraction

By Cary Schultz

A portrait of multifaceted excellence, Michele Bohbot balances the roles of a devoted mother of seven, loving wife, award-winning fashion designer, and founder of the Bisou Bisou fashion empire. Not only has she made a name for herself in the fashion world, but Michele also thrives as an inspirational Iyengar yoga therapist and the visionary behind the new, innovative Oxynergy2 wellness center. Embracing the mantra "just breathe," she has made Beverly Hills her home for over three decades.

“I was very shy and not like the other little girls," Michele Reflects on her formative years growing up in Fez, Morocco. It was here that her journey into the realms of clothing and creativity began. Entirely self-taught, her fascination with fashion and design sparked from a simple box of fabric and trims. "I taught myself how to sew, cut, style, and make patterns for my dolls' clothes," she recalls, marking the start of a lifelong passion that would eventually blossom into an illustrious career.

As she got older, Michele's love for art started to shine through. Her love for rock and roll and a tomboyish demeanor masked a deep yearning for artistic freedom, while her conservative French family guided her towards business and law studies at Sorbonne University in Paris. While she was getting her degree, it fueled her passion for art even more. She continued to pursue painting and fashion design in private, nurturing her creative spirit. She also married her husband, Marc, at this time.

“I want to be alive, fully active, and strong enough to be at the weddings of my great-grandchildren.”

After earning her degree, Paris remained home, and she honed her skills as a buyer merchandiser and eventually owned three boutiques in Paris. It was during her honeymoon in Los Angeles with Marc that she discovered a new love: LA's unique charm and vibrancy. "I was instantly obsessed with Los Angeles and, of course, Beverly Hills."

Living in LA really helped Michele’s creativity blossom. She discovered yoga, which reconnected her again with her first love – her creative mind.

All the while, Bisou Bisou, the contemporary clothing brand that she and Marc launched in 1989 after moving to LA, was taking shape. She was inspired by the “California girl” and icons like Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and Gina Lollobrigida. "I've always been particularly drawn to their expressions, especially their mouths and lips. That's what inspired me to name my brand Bisou Bisou, which means “little kiss" in French.” Building the brand was a true labor of love, involving blood, sweat, and tears. “My dream of bringing sexy clothing to the American woman was born and very much inspired by the ‘California girl.”

Bisou Bisou’s success expanded to more American women after an exclusive licensing deal with JCPenney in 2002. “It was about creating contemporary style with great quality, at an affordable price.” This success established Michele as a renowned designer focusing on making women feel good, sexy, and elegant with a French flair. One particularly notable moment was that same year when Michele was recognized with The Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World award. Michele took her growth and focused on channeling her energy into community service, actively participating in charitable initiatives, and orchestrating events to raise awareness and funds for those facing hardships.

Beyond her fashion success, Michele’s life has been deeply influenced by her experiences as a mother and a seeker of wellness. “I absolutely loved being pregnant. So much so that I did it six times, and hit the jackpot with twins during my last pregnancy.” Her journey into motherhood was more than a physical experience; it was a gateway to self-discovery and spiritual growth. “It wasn’t until I had my fifth kid that I started yoga and self-studies. I needed it during this time to keep me sane, running a business and running a large family. My mission in life became clearer and clearer.” In her profound spiritual journey, Michele delved into a deeper understanding of life, particularly illuminated by the challenges posed by rheumatoid arthritis that she had confronted since childhood. This enduring battle encompassed the arduous routine of daily injections endured for a relentless span of three years. Reflecting on her journey, Michele expressed a poignant perspective on growth, recognizing that it frequently emerges from the crucible of pain, expanding one's capacity for compassion.

"The daily practice of yoga opened my heart to the silence of my deepest thoughts and to get in touch with my inner creative force."

Through the lens of personal affliction, her outlook underwent a transformative shift, leading her to the realization that illness is a universal equalizer, capable of touching anyone's life. Rather than succumbing to bitterness, Michele's response was characterized by a profound sense of empathy. The crucible of her own experiences molded not only resilience but also an enduring commitment to understanding and alleviating the struggles of others, fostering a compassionate spirit that became a guiding force in her life's purpose. “These early experiences were foundational in developing my approach to wellness." Michele also acknowledges the role of lifestyle choices in health, noting, "Genetics play a part in our health and aging, but about 80% is determined by our choices and the kind of life we lead. I always encourage people to proactively choose strength and happiness to fortify themselves against potential illness."

When she's not teaching yoga, Michele loves to spend time with her kids and family and get lost in her expressionist painting, pulling inspiration from the elemental forces — earth, air, water, and fire. These elements reflect her deep connection to nature and her philosophy of life.

Her commitment to wellness and anti-aging led her to become a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, ultimately the founder of Namastday Yoga in Beverly Hills. "My goal was to help everyone who came in feel better — mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s been amazing to see the positive impact."

The recent launch of Oxynergy2 last year marked a new chapter in Michele’s mission to promote holistic health as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I lost a lot of people I knew to COVID. A shocking amount.” Nestled in Beverly Hills, the wellness center is a sanctuary of health, offering an array of cutting-edge treatments for wellbeing. "I created the center to address health challenges related to aging, inflammation, headaches, and chronic fatigue." Among its notable treatments is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), renowned for its capacity to enhance tissue repair and brain function by increasing blood oxygen levels. "It delivers fresh and vital oxygen to parts of the body where oxygen cannot always travel to." Oxynergy2 also offers alternative treatments, including a Naturopathic Doctor, IV Vitamin Drip Therapy, Red Light Therapy, PEMF Tesla Coil Bio Charger, Infrared Sauna, Lymphatic Drainage massages, and more.

“It’s very important to be “fearless” and “fashionable.”

"People fly from all over the world to come to Beverly Hills to get treatments, so I knew I had to make my center unique,” Michele emphasizes, acknowledging the high standards of the Beverly Hills wellness scene. The center has earned recognition from the local medical community, particularly for post-surgery recovery, thanks to its advanced treatments that Biohack the body to optimal health. A significant part of Oxynergy2’s success is her partnership with her daughter, Cloe Bohbot, who brings a unique combination of marketing and management skills and staying current with the latest biotech advances. Looking to the future, Michele shares her expansive vision. "I see myself opening more centers, speaking at conferences to advocate for this technology, and sharing evidence and testimonials about its remarkable benefits, which I've witnessed in various cases."

"With the breath of life, everything is possible," Michele explains. “Being fully alive means brimming with energy. This energy propels you towards your goals, driven not just by desire, but by a deep-seated need — sometimes to prove something to yourself or others, or often for reasons beyond explanation. It's essential to be both 'fearless' and 'fashionable' in this pursuit.”

oxynergy2.com | @oxynergy2 | 213-592-0201
113 N. San Vicente Blvd. Beverly Hills,
CA, 90211. 2nd Floor

Valet Parking Available