WINE TASTING EVENT! This event was second to none. Dr…read more Nat was fun, easy-going, very knowledgeable and funny. Sharing her expertise about wines was quite in-depth yet easy to follow. Instantly I felt at ease and engaged. Although it was my first time attending her events, it will not be my last. The group was intimate (12) and from the looks of it, everyone enjoyed themselves. Not only did we sample wines, but the Sensei educated us on some of the technical aspects of winemaking, to include grape cultivation, and various marketing aspects of running a vineyard or winery. The venue, Cultural Interiors was a good setting for this event as well. Being surrounded by diverse treasures, curated home décor, artisanal teas, metaphysical tools and cultural literature truly enhanced this exploration of wine. Looking forward to the Sensei's next pour decision!!

I gave this business, a beaded bracelet and an amber necklace that my parents had brought to me…read morefrom Africa. The owner was never able to account for its whereabouts when I went back to receive a supposedly fixed piece of jewelry/s. The owner has never contacted me. The owner has not tried to reach out to me the owner and has not compensated me. The owner has not even recognized that she thought it was in a drawer and it wasn't there when I went to ask for it What am I supposed to make up this? What kind of person travels to Africa to bring back artifacts to the United States supposedly to uplift the African heritage prestige and morality so to speak and does not even choose to recognize that she owes me something.

Wish I could leave an actual review, but for a Time Travel Mart that promises to already be…read morewhenever you are, I'm not actually certain if they're open to regular business anymore? I love the Echo Park Time Travel Mart and wanted to give their Mar Vista location a visit sometime while I'm on the west side. Their hours are pretty limited. Google and Yelp claim Friday to Sunday from 12:00-6:00pm, but buried on their own website it says 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Not sure which is more up to date. But I've gone out of my way on two separate occasions when the hours overlap, and both times they've been closed anyway. Their website does warn they're often closed during their hours and to call ahead, but I haven't gotten an answer. (I guess because they're usually closed?) So yeah, if you can catch them when they're open, great! But I wouldn't advise going out of your way for it unless you can call in advance and confirm they'll actually be open.

If you're coming because you saw this on instagram, please dont set your expectations too high!!…read more I'm really happy I found this place by chance when strolling through the area. Then I saw it on my IG feed weeks later and all I could think was how content creators over-hype all these hidden gems in LA. I just notice that influencers put an exaggerated spin on spots like these to make them seem a lot bigger or crazier than they actually are for the sake of views. Not to say they aren't worth visiting, but I think the fun part about these kinda shops is discovering it for yourself or that element of surprise. I've just been severely disappointed by some places I've visited that didn't live up to the expectations set by content creators. It's not the businesses fault, but just how social media works these days. Anyways, it's a small shop that you'll probably get through in a few minutes, but definitely worth checking out. I'm so glad I so happened to stumble upon this place by surprise, and I hope that's how you find it too :)

Absolutely gorgeous stationery store. The owner is lovely and this store is true gem. Easy to…read morepark, brightly lit and just a beautiful space. The curated products are unique and fun. Spent so much time looking at the wonderful products. The owner was so kind and friendly. What a joy! Will definitely return again and again and again.....

How could anyone not love this store? I've been shopping the stationery market for a very long time…read more-- this place is amazing and just what the community needs right now. Incredible selection of unique products wonderfully curated at a very fair price point. The owner Mai is incredibly kind - she has truly created a haven for stationery shopping. There's even a community journaling/letter writing space in the back. So welcoming. Can't wait to go back and see what else she has in store. Everything there is adorable.

I frequent Pygmy Hippo often, it's a neighborhood staple and a spot of joy for myself and my…read morehusband who are constantly getting one another (and others) cards. We bought our Felix the Cat clock here as well as many other birthday/holiday gifts for our friends and family. There isn't another store like it and the owner works so hard to make her shop a friendly and fun place to be in. You'll find things you never knew you needed or maybe even something that makes you smile or laugh. Love Pygmy Hippo forever!

Even though I have moved away from LA, Pygmy Hippo Shoppe is still my go-to place for gifts. The…read moreitems are so fun and unique. Making sure a gift has meaning and is special is very important to me, and that is why I will seek out Pygmy for all my special occasions! Plus, Emi is a rockstar!! And Nate, too!!

Best toy shop in LA hands down. Tons of great outdoor toys, water toys, throwback toys, boardgames,…read moreLego, playmobil, hot wheels, etc. Really awesome selection, kind staff, and nice wrapping for bday parties. Support your local toy shop

I am a new local to Venice post Palisades Fires and i must say this experience is not normal around…read morehere. I went into Huzza to check out an indy toy store as i have 4.5 year old. The curated selection of toys and books were compelling. They "sell" gift wrapping but not really. I was on my way to a date with a woman and i had a small gift for her that i asked to be wrapped. The makes Asisn employee refused. I asked if I needed to buy something and offered to buy a box of pokemon cards. He refused to sell me them - just two packs at a time. Ok - i will take two packs and wrap tmem in a gift bag. Nope I get that it is hard to find good talent for a Sunday afternoon but discriminsting againts you local, well heeled parents seems like a fast track to a 1-star review.

BEST LOCAL ART SUPPLY STORE! I am so grateful to have this in my community, I want them to stay in…read morebusiness forever. Graphaids is a little slice of art supply heaven tucked away with parking! Every person working there is so knowledgable. You can tell they care and actually do art themselves. The store carries so many trusted and amazing brands, from high end products to alternatives with many affordable options. My kids also love going and exploring and can stay there for as long as their mama wants :) They will also special order things if you request it. I would so much rather support them than any online retailer any day. They also care about their community and hold great little events. Truly a special place.

The best place for art supplies! Mike and Rob are the best...Come out and get your Ralph Steadman…read moreArt Kits and join the April 18th art making meet-up from 11am-1pm. In collaboration with The Gonzo Art Trail and Ralph Steadman And Another Thing exhibition at Torrance Art Museum (March 28th through May 9th)

So many great finds here! You'll be allowed in after ringing the bell. The front room is filled…read morewith unique items out on display. Most of the items available for purchase are in the back. Shelves stocked with bowls, mugs, plates, trays, and more of all different shapes and sizes. If you're looking for a collection of products, have no fear. Looking for a gift for a friend? Wanting a piece of art in your own home, perhaps? The staff here are amazing! Helpful and not pushy at all. I ended up leaving with a few great unique selects! A beautiful espresso cup, one of their famous knuckle ring mugs, a candle, a matcha bowl, and an artsy bowl / mug for a friend. I loved these mushroom looking pieces in the front. I thought it was for artistic display only, but they also can be used as a plate / bowl! Expensive, but so so so exquisite. If you purchase a candle from them, you can always go back in to get a refill (not sure how much they charge for that). All of the items were wrapped with the utmost of care. Be sure to let then know if something is a gift for someone too cause they can wrap it in its own separate bag for you.

Wife bought a tea set from Destroyer as a gift for me. We went to Destroyer to exchange it with…read moresomething else and were denied and asked to go directly to Match. We went to Match which is right around the corner and were told that they were closed and that we should come back after the holidays. Today wife goes there and she is blatantly told that they have a no return policy. Do not buy gifts from these people as you cannot return them. I think we will start a claim with our credit card company and see what they can do about this.

I needed a few air plants and was led through a search to Pour Vida. What a cool and funky shop…read more The staff here is so welcoming and friendly and knowledgeable. I picked up a few plants and a pot but came away with so much more. Come to find out that they do hold events here and when you buy a plant here you can report it in their potting section. So cool. They also have little knickknacks sprawled across the entire shop. It really was such a treat and hard to resist buying a bit of everything. I'll definitely be back for more goodies and this would also be a good place for some holiday gift shopping Parking was easy right in front.

So wonderfully friendly and helpful. I made a couple of ugly pieces but it was So fun!read more