An Inspired Chat with Nina Harada of El Sereno

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nina Harada. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Nina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
These past few months have been a nonstop stretch of family obligations, parenting and working, so when a girlfriend had reached out about a mini escape to Zion National Park I was all in. The trip was hard to plan since we live on opposite coasts and are raising small children, but at least flights, hotel and rental car was booked. We went with minimal expectations given our little planning and the unexpected government shutdown, but perhaps that’s what made our getaway perfect. I felt pure joy bounding up the rocky trails, like a kid myself, feeling that freedom of zero obligations except taking in the epic views all around me. That first sunset? Pure joy. That final hike with panoramic views? Joy, peace and gratitude.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Like many kids, I fell in love with art before I knew “artist” could be a career. I started out painting abstract expressionism thanks to my incredible elementary school art teacher, whose lessons I carry with me to this day. As a writer, I naturally infuse storytelling into my work, whether that’s telling the story of a family through portraits, or helping rewrite your story with inspiring collage art that infuses mantras and affirmations into the imagery. I believe art is for everyone and everyone is an artist. We all have the inherit need to see and be seen and creativity can be that connector. I launched my limited edition prints of my original collages. And soon will host workshops for folks to create their own.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My high school theater teacher saw me clearly before I could see myself. She saw that I was a capable artist, able to perform, create, express and teach others to do the same. I lacked the confidence in my early years, but she never waivered in her conviction and that helped me step into my potential.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure. I know it’s one many of us struggle with. Growing up there was a lot of pressure to be perfect, especially academically. Art was a hobby, while the “real” work was in math and science. With the expectation to achieve a career in what my Japanese immigrant mother and her family would be proud of, I think I quieted my inner voice that was telling me to pursue the arts. If I couldn’t become the most successful artist, then why bother? That fear has been hard to shake off. We all struggle with our inner critic and I still do, but I’m learning to quiet that voice and do the thing anyway– make the art, write the essay and put it all out there!

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Connection. I believe that’s the whole point in life; to connect with each other. To have shared experiences, to witness, to be seen and heard, to love.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop worrying about mess– messy kitchen, messy inbox, a messy day. I wouldn’t waste time worrying about the most efficient use of a Friday, but just do what I want to do: make art, play with my kids, drive to the beach just to feel the salt water. None of the other stuff would matter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ninaharada.com
• Instagram: @ninaharada
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/ninaharada