Meet Nina Harada of El Sereno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Harada.

Hi Nina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in L.A. in a family of entrepreneurs, going back generations. In 1929 my great-great grandmother Mama Weiss, who immigrated from Hungary, opened a Hungarian restaurant in the living room of her Rodeo Drive bungalow, often credited as L.A.’s very first pop-up. In the 1990s my paternal grandfather, inspired by his mother, opened a Beverly Hills restaurant of his own, The Players, just off Rodeo Drive. In the countryside of southern Japan my maternal grandfather had his own noodle business. When my mother immigrated to the U.S. she started her own antique store, bed and breakfast and sushi restaurant.

You could say the idea of launching something of my own was in my blood, I just took a little longer to go all in. Like many Angelinos, I’ve had my fair share of creative jobs and endeavors. I had an Etsy store selling vintage clothes, I made paintings, prints and decks I sold on my website, I’ve hosted virtual creative workshops. But now I get to do it all under one roof– of my own little shop Golden Hour Studio in El Sereno.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t know if any road is smooth– or straightforward. More like a bumpy road that can sometimes go in circles. For one, though I grew up around entrepreneurs, I myself have never owned a brick and mortar store. Doing something for the first time is exciting and scary.

I also never had the confidence to fully embrace my creative pursuits and my multi-hyphenate identity. The pressure to pick one “lane” often got in the way of hearing and really leaning into that inner voice. But at the start of 2026 I made a promise to myself to follow my curiosity. Setting this intention enabled me to hear those whispers calling out. When I repeatedly drove by this one little storefront on Eastern Ave. with a “For Lease” sign, the whisper was really, really loud. So, I listened. And here I am!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love showing people the power of connection, experiencing art and being with people in real life. I’ve put a lot of thought and care into curating the store, from the large selection of greeting cards for every occasion, art supplies meant for both kids and adults to sweet little toys, natural and eco-friendly self-care products made in California and gorgeous vintage kimonos from Japan. It’s your go-to for kids’ birthday parties, holiday shopping or gifts for you! I’m really proud that almost everything sold at Golden Hour is either handmade, came from a local business or created by artists from marginalized communities.

But Golden Hour is more than a gift shop, it’s a gathering place where I consider everyone an artist. Being creative is our human right! In the shop there is a bench always stocked with paper, markers and stickers free for anyone to create their own little masterpiece to place on our community gallery wall (or take home!).

I also host creative workshops that are fun, supportive and give adults a permission slip to let loose like you did as a kid. From my monthly Note to Self Art & Journaling Club to SoulCollage® workshops and more, I try to have regular opportunities to gather and create in community.

How do you think about happiness?
Seeing art, making art and giving space to others to explore their creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shop-goldenhour.com/
• Instagram: @shop__goldenhour

Image Credits
Photos courtesy Nina Harada