Daily Inspiration: Meet Alan And Natalie Wan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alan And Natalie Wan.

Hi Alan and Natalie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Neo Happyland is a family-owned business with a story that began in 1994, when my parents, Michael and Linda, opened the shop after immigrating from Hong Kong. In the early years, the store was a small cultural hub for the local Asian community, offering Hong Kong movie DVDs, magazines, gifts, origami, and stationery—things that brought a sense of home and nostalgia to many.

As a kid, I was always fascinated by Japanese anime and model building. My passion naturally shaped the direction of the store. Over time, we began introducing Japanese hobby products such as Gundam model kits, DIY miniatures model kits, collectible figures, anime posters, building blocks and toys. These additions resonated strongly with customers and gradually became one of the most beloved parts of the shop.

In 2014, when my parents decided it was time to retire, me and my wife Natalie made the decision to continue the family legacy. Guided by our love for anime and model kits, we transitioned Neo Happyland into a dedicated hobby store. What started as our parents’ way of building a new life in a new country has now grown into a space where hobbyists and fans can connect, explore, and share the things they love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. Because we always believed in the value of a physical hobby shop, we never built an online store. Our dream was to create a place where hobbyists could walk in, take their time exploring the shelves, and see model kits and displays up close. We wanted people to feel the joy and inspiration that only an in-person experience can offer.

But as the world shifted more and more toward online shopping, staying committed to a brick-and-mortar store became increasingly challenging. And then came the hardships we never expected—COVID shutting everything down, a break-in that left us heartbroken, water leaks, and countless unforeseen obstacles. There were moments when we truly wondered if we could keep going.

Still, we pushed through. What kept us going was the belief that our community deserved a place where they could gather, browse, talk about their favorite series, and feel connected. We continue to hold onto that hope, that no matter how digital the world becomes, there will always be value in having a physical space where people can come together and share their love for the hobby.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professional-wise, I’m an animation producer/director and storyteller. I’ve worked for major studios on projects like TMNT, Blue Eye Samurai, and Star Trek: Prodigy. Besides studio work, I also run a boutique studio called GXS Productions, where we focus on short-form animation. Our projects include Sonic x Shadow Generations: Dark Beginnings and Sonic Racer: Cross World.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
The vibes. I was born in Hong Kong and raised in LA. Los Angeles is basically my second home. I grew up around Chinatown, and I know Silver Lake, Echo Park, Downtown, and Little Tokyo like the back of my hand. I’ve got stories from pretty much every corner of those neighborhoods — it’s all really close to my heart.

Least favorite? The 10 and the 5, lol. They’re packed 24/7. And honestly, the lack of safe public transportation is rough.

Pricing:

• Gundam HG model kits $15-$35
• Gundam RG model kit $31-$59
• Gundam MG model Kit $35-$100
• DIY Miniature model kit $15-$40
• Building Blocks $20-$100

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neohappylandinc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neohappylandco/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/neo-happyland-los-angeles?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
all images credits by owner: Alan and Natalie Wan