We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Kaizer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Happy Isles came in 2012 when I was working at another vintage shop. People would come in looking for vintage bridal gowns, but that really wasn’t the expertise of that shop. And I thought – there’s something here. The idea of marrying bridal with the high-end luxury vintage business. It really wasn’t something that existed at the time. A few years later, in 2016, Happy Isles was born!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Happy Isles is a bi-coastal vintage bridal salon and designer vintage haven! We opened in LA in 2016 and NY in 2023. The vintage bridal scene was scant when we opened almost a decade ago, and it’s been incredible to see the demand skyrocket over the years. We’re so proud to be a big name in the space, and we hope to continue on our journey for years to come!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As an Angeleno for life, there are too many ways that I could answer! As a mom of a three-year-old in the Miracle Mile area, I’ll first go with a favorite day that we often do as a family. 

Start the morning with a walk to Mad Lab coffee on Pico. My son loves the chocolate almond croissant, matcha for me, and lots of neighborhood hellos for my husband and doggie as they wait for us outside.

Decide on a walk to the Tar Pits, LACMA, or Peterson Automotive Museum. Tar pits usually wins!

Home for family naps and a bit of hanging, then a 5 pm booth at A.O.C. when no one is there. We always get the bacon-wrapped dates, focaccia, and the clams. My son looooves the clams! Best mocktails there too, and tasty dessert.

Other kid adventures we love are the Natural History Museum and the Back to the Beach Cafe at the Annenberg. Easiest and most delicious way to do a beach day!

For parent’s night out, we usually go classic – sit at the bar at Mozza. Sometimes, we get wild and head to n/soto for yummy cocktails and the “Ankimo” or monkfish liver. We also love catching a jazz show and a tuna taco at Vibrato up on Beverly Glen.

My newest West Side obsession is the baguette from Jyan Isaac Bread. Best baguette in the city, I swear! If you’re doing Santa Monica, the Farmers Market there on Wednesdays is the best by far. We try to go every week. And by we, I mean my husband – bless that man!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The entire Happy Isles team! Our LA & NY operations would be nothing without our incredible team. Their humor, style, pop culture prowess, and vast hobbies, tastes, and perspectives are so enriching to our everyday. There’s never a dull moment at work, and the team keeps the vibe high 24/7. 

Website: https://thehappyisles.com/

Instagram: @happyisles_salon

Image Credits
Adele Makulova

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.