Small Business Spotlight: Harmony Works

Local gift shop Harmony Works is a mainstay of Redondo Beach's Riviera Village. Owner Royce Morales took the time to answer five questions about her business.

Patch: How did Harmony Works get started?
Royce Morales: We opened our doors in March 1994! Never in a million years had I ever thought I would be a shop owner, so it's an interesting story as to how this happened! I had been teaching spirituality and inner development for 15 years at www.placlasses.org. One of my students went camping in Big Sur and had a lucid dream that instructed her to open a place and call it Harmony Works! When she got back and relayed her story to me, my heart started pounding out of my chest and I just knew I was "supposed to" do it with her although not even sure what "it" was! We meditated and asked for guidance since this idea seemed to arrive from other realms! We allowed the direction to unfold and Harmony Works became a shop that focused on earth-friendly, soul-nurturing, made-by-hand items that a meaningful. We partnered in this project for a year and she backed away... leaving me the steward of her dream! One year later she had another dream where she realized that she was just the "deliverer" of the original dream and that I was the one "supposed to" be the owner of Harmony Works! Nineteen and a half years later I know that what she said was true... 

Patch: What's Harmony Works known for?
Morales: Harmony Works is known for carrying unique, made lovingly by hand items that express a meaningful message of some kind. We sell home accessories, art, cards, books, candles, ceramics, etc! Everything is earth-sensitive in some way and often made by local artisans. We are known for having a serene space to come and feel loved and cared about in!

Patch: What's unique about Harmony Works?
Morales: Everything is unique at Harmony Works, and often our items are one-of-a-kind. We have been "green" before it was a household word and are still just as committed to it is unique!

Patch: What's the best part about being located in the South Bay?
Morales: The strong sense of community! I know our customers by name! When we had to move locations this past August the amount of support and true caring we received was mind boggling!! People still come in every day and hug me with tears in their eyes saying they are SO GLAD we re-opened!

Patch: If you could give your customers one piece of advice, what would it be?
Morales: Shop local! Nothing more important!!!

Harmony Works is located at 1911 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information, call 310-791-7104 or visit harmony-works.com.   

This article is part of our new Small Business Spotlight series, which runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on Redondo Beach Patch. Get your business featured.