After a short yet promising run at their first physical location, Honeymoon Galleria, an extension of Honeymoon Supply Company, is upgrading to a bigger space to host DIY shows, art showcases, and more. I had the privilege of speaking to Helene Philippe, the founder of Honeymoon Supply Company, to get a better understanding of what her new venue has to offer.
What made you want to start Honeymoon Supply Co?
I went to a really tiny Aztec school with about 100 students, from kindergarten to 12th so I did not know many people who felt the way I did about experimental arts and culture such as the DIY music scene. When I was 16, alone and super misunderstood in my tiny school, I pushed myself to find my kind and feel part of a community that could understand everything I am going through and express that through art.
When was Honeymoon founded?
In the 10th grade I got an internship at Gnarburger, a super force made up of Gnar tapes and Burger records. Working there was the ultimate experience to learn about running a business, building real connections and making dreams come true, all while working with and learning from my favorite musicians and artists. Being surrounded by all of their energy gave me the idea to start an organization supporting up and coming artists and support people who wanted to become artists but did not have the resources.
Helene Philippe
Photograph Courtesy Of Morgan Ray
What were the challenges in starting a non-profit by yourself?
To be honest there was only one real challenge and that was fully trusting my instincts, once I allowed myself to become the person I wanted to be, everything came to me and has worked since. I work moment by moment and make decisions that will help the people around me.
What charities do you work with and why did you choose to work with those particular organizations?
We have been working with LA Family Housing, especially their youth program. Their organization houses families until they get back on their feet. It is very beautiful and inspiring to see people transform their lives in as little as one month. I definitely want to work with providing art supplies to more organizations because everyone deserves the creative escape art provides and hope to make that happen!
For someone who has never been to a Honeymoon show, what is the experience like?
It is a magical experience, I always loved going to art shows with creative open-minded people who were being themselves 100 percent. When someone is themselves they are happy and give that happiness to others. I wanted to not only be part of that feeling but also create a space for people to keep discovering themselves.
Noah Salem and Stella De Ville At Honeymoon Galleria
Photographs Courtesy of Talienday
Who are some of your favorite artists that you’ve worked with and why?
Definitely all of them! Every artist I have ever met or worked with has a bit of Honeymoon that was inspired by them. I do want to honorably mention the ones who helped me from the beginning, like The Memories who taught me how to run a business. My friend Brooke, an event planner who discovered me and pushed me to run with Honeymoon. Then my best friends who helped me make it happen, they know who they are.
The Memories At Nothing Fest
Photograph Courtesy Of Nadya Diaz
What does the new location have to offer?
If you have ever wanted to travel to other planets, this is the spot for you! We got blessed by the universe with a multi-room warehouse, where we will have a gift shop, a creative office, a music venue/art gallery, a lounge room/ bar, a virtual reality gallery and in the future a goat petting zone in our garden area! A day at Honeymoon can start with some shopping, where you can pick up some of the showing artist merch. Then move into the Lounge room and bar for a drink before you enjoy traveling to another planet in the VR gallery. Lastly, stay for the night and enter an artist’s world with their live music or art show.
Can you elaborate on the VR aspect of the gallery?
Just like an art gallery where artists show their craft, I would collaborate with different artists and musicians to transport their art into Virtual Reality where it can be viewed in a Headset for a more immersive experience, such as projections or music videos!
Why is it important for people to support their local art scene?
Art has answers to life, it is a creative point of view of being human, making life the fun and interesting experience it should be! The art scene is home for that, nurturing new ideas that will be available for the world to experience and enjoy, giving us more to look forward to.
What have you learned about the scene, yourself, and people in general since opening Honeymoon?
The scene is a beautiful world with doors always wide open, I am truly blessed to be part of it and be connected with the minds that make it what it is and we are floating on a rock in space like an island in the universe. See your existence like a vacation on earth so always remember to have fun and have a Happy Honeymoon with your love for life.
Honeymoon can use your help! To assist Helene with the costs of opening a new venue, click the button below to get redirected to the Honeymoon Galleria GoFundMe.
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