Whether you call it macabre or mesmerizing, Memento Mori in Hollywood will leave a lasting impression.
Inside, the store has a collection of taxidermied animals, statues and figures made from animal – and sometimes human – bone, various stone carvings, prints and paintings, and many more gifts. In keeping with the store’s name – which translates into “remember death” – all items follow a theme of death and the afterlife.
Cofounders Bradley and Deirdre Hartman said they wished to bring some positivity to counteract the negative stigma toward death when they planned the store. They sell their own artwork as well as that consigned and from throughout the world. Jewelry is produced by local artists and all products made with animal remains are ethically sourced meaning that nothing is killed for the express purpose of making the item.
The couple said the shop generates about $300,000 in revenue annually, largely driven by 90% of the sales being in the shop. They noted that nearly their entire customer base is women and that bestsellers include taxidermized ducklings and chicks dressed to look like witches.
As Memento Mori approaches its 10th anniversary in November, the Hartmans plan to take the shop on the road as a vendor at various gift fairs and themed events. The self-taught taxidermists also plan to start hosting classes to teach the art form.
The pair also recalled perhaps their most serendipitous transaction. One person offloaded a Voodoo doll described as haunted at the store, insisting they take it and asking no money for it. Shortly after, the Hartmans received a customer who wanted to buy something haunted.
The sale was made.
