Lloyd Kahn has long championed a life shaped by doing—by building, trying, failing, and learning through one’s own hands. From his early role in the Whole Earth Catalog to decades of publishing with Shelter Publications, he has consistently valued authenticity, curiosity, and self-reliance.

In an age overwhelmed by digital perfection, Kahn reminds us of the richness in imperfection and the in-between moments. “Start before you’re ready,” he says—an ethos that deeply resonates with how we at NICENESS approach our own craft.

Whether through a handmade home or a small act like growing parsley on a fire escape, his philosophy celebrates the tactile and the real. His words reaffirm that the essence of making lies not just in the outcome, but in the honest process of shaping something with care.

Los Angeles, bathed in sunlight year-round, exudes a distinct charm with its crisp air, expansive skies, and the effortless harmony of sun-kissed skin paired with washed-out shirts and denim. The city’s temperament, shaped profoundly by its climate, stands in stark contrast to the cool sophistication of Gotham-like New York.

Andy, who graciously welcomed us into his Silver Lake home, is a curator deeply embedded in the art and fashion scenes. His shelves, lined with Kerouac’s works and an array of photography collections, revealed a kindred spirit almost immediately. From the living room speakers, the voice of a young Ryuichi Sakamoto flowed — soft, rounded tones accompanied by a gentle crackle of static, enveloping the space in a serene auditory nostalgia.