Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan And Sara Green
Hi Bryan and Sara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Miscreant and the Muse began as an online shop in 2019 and really gained momentum during he pandemic by providing communities with handmade masks that were outside the norm. In 2021 we started pop-up shops, traveling to alternative vendor events around Cleveland and Columbus. Our focus has been on celebrating all things spooky, all year round. We started with our own handmade home decor and accessories catering to horror fans, gothic romantics, and anyone looking for an alternative to the cookie-cutter offerings in traditional stores.
Just last year we got lucky and found the perfect space in Old Brooklyn to start our first brick-and-mortar shop. After three years of hustling in the event scene, we were able to expand our offerings to include local and regional artists and carefully curated collections from other small businesses across the country, expanding our offerings to include books, specialty coffee and tea with spooky flair, prints and original art. We pride ourselves on providing entry-level offerings for people interested in the darker side of life – oddities, the occult and gothic maximalism. We have a little something for any lover of the “strange & unusual”!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no – not a smooth road at all! Opening any retail business comes with it’s share of challenges —permits, red tape, and seasonality just to name a few. We definitely had more than our fair share of hurdles leading up to our opening! There was a perfect storm of delays on permit reviews, a cyber attack on the City of Cleveland that kept us from securing our permit and crazy tornados that kept our electricity off for more than a week. On top of that, we need to help people understand that we are not a seasonal shop, but instead a year-round source for that spooky aesthetic that is typically only found around Halloween. Thankfully, our community and fellow small business owners believed in us and jumped in to help when we needed it the most. Small businesses and retailers continue to face an uphill battle as the economy ebbs and flows and uncertainty looms across the country but we don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Miscreant and the Muse?
We describe ourselves as an alternative retail experience and gift boutique, specializing in gothic, horror-inspired, and offbeat home decor, books, accessories, and more. We cater to people who embrace the darker side of life – those whose only opportunity to freshen up their home decor used to come shopping the big-box stores at Halloween time.
What sets us apart? It’s not just what we sell; it’s how we curate and create a unique world for our customers. We’re embracing trends like goth cottagecore (think cozy, enchanted forests with a darker edge), Victorian noir, and Castlecore aesthetics. We treat our shop as an experience, with something interesting in every nook and cranny. Our goal is not only to provide the goods, but provide inspiration for our customers own homes, helping them to visualize the aesthetic for themselves.
And we’re not only about shopping! We’re also a growing community hub. In 2025, we are kicking off workshops where people can learn DIY skills and create their own spooky art and decor. We’re building partnerships with local artists and small businesses to expand our offerings and foster a creative network. We are also creating a Patreon program to help fund harm reduction and educational/activism efforts in the communities we serve, ensuring the scene stays safe and supported.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of creating a space where our customers feel seen, valued, and inspired. We’re proof that the love for spooky, alternative culture isn’t just a seasonal craze—it’s a lifestyle that thrives all year long. So, whether you’re a casual Halloween enthusiast or a die-hard goth at heart, there’s always something here for you
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes – we’re not done yet! We are always expanding our product lines, generating new ideas and trying to bring something new to the market. Watch for even more unique experiences like mystery date nights, scavenger hunts and more to help kill those winter doldrums.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miscreantandthemuse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miscreantandthemuse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miscreantandthemuse
