JohnHart may be recognized for our unique approach to helping our clients buy and sell houses. But anyone who trades in homes knows there’s a lot more to it than the home itself. There’s the community around it. And unless you live in an isolated cabin in the deep forest, you’re going to consider community a major factor. That’s why our marketing team has made it a point to document some of the most unique local businesses it can find. Over the year, we’ve gradually rolled out a series of community spotlight videos. And while many of these were focused on the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood, we feel it’s a great start toward getting the flavor of this beloved city. So, in case you missed them, here are our looks at some of the best Los Angeles restaurants and shops in our first season of JohnHart’s Community Spotlight.
République
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Our mission to document the local businesses of Los Angeles fittingly started in the heart of the city: the Mid-Wilshire District. Here we found a building steeped in the city’s colorful history. But just as importantly, we were introduced to some of the most sumptuous French-inspired cuisine the city offers.
République resides in a building that was constructed by legendary comedian Charlie Chaplin in 1929. At the front of the building, you’ll find a relaxed bakery and cafe. The hind section of the building is reserved for a more formal dining experience.
The founders of République strive to match their stunning flavors with equally impressive service. Their Mid-Wilshire location makes it convenient enough to visit them in person. But if you can’t wait, let our Community Spotlight video serve as your appetizer.
RVM Cutz
5635 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
RVM Cutz presents a black-owned barbershop that at once feels comfortable, familiar, and metropolitan in its sense of style. It’s a sanctuary where you can get your fade touched up 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If that’s not convenient, we don’t know what is.
RVM Cutz artfully exemplifies Mid-Wilshire’s unique fusion of casual familiarity and contemporary professionalism. It’s supported by their commitment to consistent quality, customer appreciation, and a tendency to exceed expectations. If you’re ready to freshen up that look, check out our Community Spotlight video for the details.
Milk Jar Cookies
5466 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
How do you improve the cookie? We couldn’t begin to tell you, but Milk Jar Cookies found a way. This gourmet cookie shop has been bringing sweet relief to the Mid-Wilshire District for years. But they serve up more than delicious flavor, throwing quality experience and gorgeous presentation into the mix.
The vision of former television producer Courtney Cowan, Milk Jar Cookies started with her bringing homemade baked goods to the set. They were always a hit with cast and crew, so she decided to venture out with her own brick-and-mortar shop. Within hours of opening their doors, they completely sold out.
Cowan exhibits nearly as much pride in operating amongst the many small local businesses in the busy Mid-Wilshire neighborhood as she does in her product itself. But before you indulge your sweet tooth, feast your eyes on our Community Spotlight video.
The Wig Shop
5376 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
It’s hard to think of a city that has more demand for wigs than ultra-glamorous LA. So, as one of the largest wig dealers in the U.S., it’s safe to say Mid-Wilshire’s The Wig Shop stays busy. Serving its diverse clientele since 1988, the staff of one of the area’s most successful local businesses have built a reputation for unmatched expertise in their product.
Founder Ryan Tokko sources his own proprietary hair textures on his mission to serve the discerning tastes of his growing clientbase. He also developed easier methods of hair extension application that revolutionized the industry. It’s no wonder The Wig Shop boasts loyal customers including celebrity stylists, noted production studios, and widely recognized influencers. But before you consult them on pulling your look together, take a look at our Community Spotlight video.
Luxe Nail & Spa Boutique
5412 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Keeping with the trend of local businesses bringing quality to the Mid-Wilshire District, the family-owned Luxe Nail & Spa Boutique adds a touch of beauty to the heart of LA. Providing a variety of upscale boutique services such as nails, waxing, and facials, Luxe harbors a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere.
They cite their Mid-Wilshire location as instrumental to their success, explaining that it captures the true essence of LA in its city-meets-community vibe. Therefore, they also note that the Mid-Wilshire District is ideal for tourists seeking the city’s spirit. Catch the vibe in our Community Spotlight video before pampering yourself with one of Luxe’s many services!
Pinky Rose Boutique
5372 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
For over 16 years, Pink Rose Boutique has been bringing bold, unique fashions to Mid-Wilshire from its Pico location. The location was no accident. Rather, it was a tactical move to establish itself as one of the earliest local businesses of quality in a growing neighborhood that celebrated LA’s diversity.
Pinky Rose makes no secret of the key to its success: actively listening to its clients to give them exactly what they want. Especially when what they want is different from the status quo. Check out some of the fashions on display in our Community Spotlight video before seeing what’s new in the shop!
FloraDonna’s Cakery
706 W Lancaster Blvd #103, Lancaster, CA 93534
We took a break from the Mid-Wilshire District momentarily to travel to the Antelope Valley where this female-owned local business has been satisfying sweet tooths (teeth?) in style. FloraDonna’s Cakery opened its doors in 2018, providing not just custom cakes but a little bit of everything. As long as sugar is involved, anyway.
And when they say everything, they mean everything. They offer over 100 flavors with their baked goods on constant rotation. In short: one visit just isn’t enough. Tantalize those taste buds with our Community Spotlight video, then swing on up to the Antelope Valley to treat yourself to the real thing.
Miracle Mile Toys & Gifts
452 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Some of us are old enough to clearly recall the shopping mall heydays of the 1980s and ‘90s. For a child in those times, nothing beat the experience of walking into the mall’s toy store with five bucks burning through your pocket. Browsing Amazon just doesn’t compare, but few kids today will realize it.
Miracle Mile Toys & Gifts brings that distinct magic to Mid-Wilshire with their brick-and-mortar shop. As buyers themselves, the owners ensure their shelves are stocked only with the games and gadgets that would have given them that same excitement. And they’re open everyday through Christmas, so it’s the perfect time to pay them a visit. Take a peek at our Community Spotlight video before perusing their shelves for yourself.
Lee Esther’s Creole & Cajun Cooking
830 ½ E Ave Q-6, Palmdale, CA 93550
If you get a craving for some authentic Cajun food, you may think you’re out of luck in LA. But head on up to the Antelope Valley and, despite the desert terrain, you’ll swear you’re deep in the bayou. That’s because Lee Esther’s serves up some of the spiciest creole and Cajun cuisine you’ll find on the west coast.
Started in 2009, Lee Esther’s takes traditional cajun and creole flavors and gives them a creative twist. And with their strict adherence to quality, you can expect only the freshest ingredients in the mix.
So, if you’re in the mood for authentic Cajun and creole that will make your mouth water, make your way to Lee Esther’s. Just watch our Community Spotlight video while you can, because your eyes will be watering too… it’s spicy!
