HELLO NEW STUDIO
Saying Goodbye to Our Old Studio and Hello to a New Home
It's with a mix of nostalgia and excitement that we announce a big change! We're saying a fond farewell to our cozy studio on Nieto and 2nd and moving into a new space in Belmont Shore. Our new home is located at 4720 E. Second Street #5, Belmont Shore, CA 90803, and we can't wait to open our doors and continue capturing your family's precious moments.
Before we fully settle into the new studio, we wanted to take a moment to honor the space that has meant so much to us. It's been filled with stories, memories, and some of our favorite things.
A Few of Our Favorite Things
The Little Birdie
The little bird in our logo is more than just a design element; it's a reminder of a biblical verse from Matthew 6:25-26, which encourages us to live without worry, just like the birds of the air. This little vintage birdcage, one of my favorite antique finds, has always been a great reminder of that message.
The Kuwaiti Rug
This beautiful, 45-year-old rug has a rich history. It once brought comfort to my beloved's childhood home before traveling all the way from Kuwait. Now, it's been the foundation of countless memories in our studio, adding warmth and color to our space.
The Custom Desk
My brother, Ambrocio, and our friend, Debbie, built this desk especially for me. I wanted a space where I could both edit photos and meet with clients, and they created the perfect solution. It's a true workhorse, and knowing it was built with love makes it even more special. Speaking of workhorses, my friend Dave, a tech genius, custom-built my computers for me. He understood exactly what I needed to run an effective workflow, and they have been absolutely invaluable.
The Vibe of Second Street
I've always loved being a part of the vibrant atmosphere on Second Street. Our clients have enjoyed making their visits a part of a larger day or night out. From the friendly people, like Jim from McCarty's Jewelry who waves at everyone, to the abundance of great food, this neighborhood has been amazing. Both our old and new spaces are full of character and history, and it's been a joy to be in a place with so much personality.
The Art of Display
Our friend Debbie also crafted these simple yet effective gallery shelves. They've been perfect for displaying client artwork and have even inspired some of our clients to create their own family story walls at home. It's a great way to showcase beautiful images without having to commit to a single arrangement.
Designing Your Story
We've intentionally called our space a "design studio" because our main goal is to create beautiful, custom wall and heirloom art pieces for your family. We love helping you choose from our eco-friendly fabrics and materials to design a one-of-a-kind piece that you'll treasure for generations. Our hand-cut leather wraps are a perfect example of the unique details we love to include.
Restored and Revived
This fan, which is now a lovely light fixture, was once covered in dirt and neglect. But with a little TLC and the help of our friend Jeff, it was painted and given a proper lampshade. Now, it adds the perfect texture and warm light to the space.
Comfort and Dreams
The big white pillows and long, sheer curtains have made the studio a peaceful and comfortable place. I've even caught a nap or two on those soft pillows, and they’ve been a cozy spot for our younger clients. The whimsical, curvy frames above them add a touch of magic, perfect for envisioning a child's nursery.
The Old Mirror
I found this heavy, creamy-white mirror in an antique shop and fell in love. I imagined it once reflecting the image of a local Long Beach beauty or a bride on her wedding day. It now hangs above a beautiful antique bookshelf, which serves as a home for our handcrafted heirloom keepsake boxes. As we like to say, these boxes are antiques that just aren't old yet.
A Reminder of Passion
This little Mamiya camera on the shelf was a gift. I've never used it, but its charm and history remind me that time stands still for no one. It's a daily reminder to make blissful memories.
And with that, we say thank you to our old studio for all the memories. We hope the next tenants are blessed as much as we were. This move is just the beginning of something even greater.
Thank you for all the memories!
~Miranda
P.S. You'll see some Taylor guitars on the wall in our new space, but don't ask me to play them! However, you must stop by to visit with Lina in her new adjacent recording studio. In the meantime, you can enjoy her sweet tunes at www.livemusicplease.com.
FAREWELL OLD SPACE