Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Harandi.
Hi Lina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started at the intersection of creativity and place. Living in Malibu, I was constantly around extraordinary oceanfront homes, while also working closely with photographers, brands, and creative teams who were struggling to find locations that truly worked, visually, logistically, and professionally. I noticed a disconnect. Homeowners had incredible assets sitting underutilized, and production teams were losing time and money scouting locations that looked good online but fell apart in reality. I stepped in to bridge that gap. I began by offering my own home for photo shoots, learning firsthand what productions actually need – light, access, clear rules, and a host who understands how shoots run. From there, word spread organically. Brands returned, agencies asked for additional locations, and homeowners approached me to manage their properties with the same level of care. Over time, I formalized the business, building systems around curation, operations, pricing, and client experience. Today, I manage a focused portfolio of Malibu properties designed specifically for commercial use, serving premium brands, editorial teams, and production companies. What started as a practical solution became a business model, turning exceptional locations into reliable, high-performing creative assets, without compromising the integrity of the homes or the creative process.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road and I don’t think meaningful businesses ever are. One of the biggest challenges was building trust on both sides at the same time. Homeowners are protective of their properties, and production teams are under intense pressure to deliver. Early on, I had to prove that I could protect the home and support the creative process without compromise. Another challenge was creating structure in a space that’s often informal. The creative world moves fast, but without clear rules, pricing, and boundaries, things can break down quickly. Developing systems that balanced flexibility with professionalism took time and a lot of hands-on learning.There were also moments of personal risk. I was building this while navigating uncertainty, relying on relationships, reputation, and consistency before the business was fully established. Growth didn’t come from a big launch, it came from showing up, solving problems in real time, and earning repeat clients.Those challenges ultimately shaped the business. They forced me to be selective, operationally disciplined, and very clear about my values. That clarity is what makes the model work today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business operates at the intersection of real estate, hospitality, and creative production. I curate and manage a select portfolio of Malibu properties optimized for commercial use, photo shoots, brand campaigns, editorials, and productions. While I’m known for oceanfront locations, I also represent properties with distinctive features that elevate creative work, such as tennis courts, architecturally striking pools, horse ranches, and mountain settings. Every location is carefully vetted for light, access, flow, and production readiness. What sets the brand apart is curation and hands-on involvement. I don’t represent volume, I represent quality. Clients trust that each property in the portfolio delivers both visual impact and operational reliability. What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built through repeat clients and referrals. This isn’t just location rental, it’s creative infrastructure, turning exceptional properties into high-performing creative assets with intention and care.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ve lived in Malibu for 12 years, and there’s truly no better place in the world for me. What I love most is the sense of space, both physical and creative. The light, the ocean, the mountains, the beaches, and the sunsets shape a lifestyle and a visual language that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. I also deeply value the community, especially the long-time locals who make Malibu feel like home.
The challenges come with that beauty. Wildfires, floods, and road closures can make access and logistics difficult, and operating a business here isn’t always easy. But those limitations are also what protect Malibu’s character and in the end, it’s always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/malibuoceanfront
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malibustyleproduction
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@malibuoceanfront




Image Credits
Jack Guy
