Meet Elisa Vietri of Moonstruck CLE Vintage

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Vietri.

Hi Elisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved the thrill of the hunt and the stories behind old things. eleven years ago, I turned that passion into reality and opened Moonstruck CLE in Cleveland’s Little Italy. I started as a curated vintage shop for unique clothing and home decor, but over the last decade, we’ve grown into a true neighborhood staple. Today, we bridge the past and the present, not only by saving incredible vintage pieces and scaling them online, but also by partnering with regional makers to stock locally sourced gifts, Little Italy and Cleveland souvenirs. We’re all about celebrating our community, whether you’re shopping with us in person or from across the country.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, but the bumps are where you learn the most. For a retail shop, the challenges are always evolving. In the beginning, it was just the grit of getting a brick-and-mortar storefront off the ground. Lately, the biggest hurdle has been navigating the massive shift to e-commerce, figuring out how to translate a highly tactile, unique in-store vintage experience into a searchable online market. Finding that perfect balance between being a dedicated neighborhood anchor and scaling a digital business takes constant pivoting, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”

As you know, we’re big fans of Moonstruck CLE Vintage. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Moonstruck CLE is a highly curated vintage boutique and community gift shop. We specialize in high-quality vintage clothing, home decor, and unique collectibles. But what really anchors us is our mix. Alongside our vintage ‘finds,’ we stock handmade goods from regional artisans and neighborhood-themed neighborhood souvenirs.

It’s our curation and our commitment to the circular economy that sets us apart. We don’t just fill shelves; every single piece of vintage is hand-selected, researched, and brought back to life. We offer a bridge between eras. You can walk in and find a beautifully preserved 1970s dress right next to a modern, locally made candle. It’s a retail experience that feels deeply personal, nostalgic, and intentionally community-minded.

Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of our longevity and our roots. Thriving as an independent, brick-and-mortar small business for eleven years in Cleveland’s Little Italy is a huge milestone. I’m proud that we’ve built a trusted brand where locals and visitors alike know they are supporting both sustainable fashion and the regional creative community every time they shop with us.”

What makes you happy?
Professionally, two things bring me the most joy: the thrill of the hunt and the magic of connection.

There is an incredible rush in rescuing a forgotten piece of history, whether it’s a stunning vintage dress or a piece of mid-century decor, and bringing it back to life. But the absolute best part is seeing that item find its next home. Watching a customer’s face light up when they find something that perfectly matches their style or sparks a deep sense of nostalgia is incredibly fulfilling.

At the end of the day, making people feel connected, whether to the past, to our local Cleveland creative community, or to our neighborhood here in Little Italy, is exactly why I do what I do.

Pricing:

• Local Gifts & Cleveland Souvenirs: Typically range from $5 to $30. This includes handmade items from regional artisans, candles, stickers, and neighborhood-themed goods.
• Curated Vintage Apparel & Accessories: Generally range from $25 to $150+. We carry everything from accessible everyday vintage pieces to high-quality, hand-selected statement items
• Vintage Home Decor & Collectibles: Typically range from $15 to $100+, spanning from small mid-century kitchenware and unique knick-knacks to larger collectible display pieces.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonstruckcle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonstruckcle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonstruckcle/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElisaVietri
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonstruck-cle-vintage-cleveland
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonstruckCLEVintage