Throughout time, those things which are deemed to be “out of the mainstream, occult or of a darker” nature are usually seen as negative, wrong or inappropriate. True beauty can often be found in things that have long since lost their luster…

Thirty+ years of age and happy for all of the mistakes I have made, as each one has posed a learning experience.My lifelong childhood aspiration was to be a chef/restaurant owner. After working in some of the top establishments in the U.S., working in a 3-star Michelin restaurant in Amsterdam, Holland at age twenty-one, and designing my own restaurant, I choose life.

I took a detour into the corporate world for several years, which greatly lacks originality, and is mind numbing. After finally winding up in a hole, depressed and dead broke, I took quite a while to choose a new direction and think about what deep seated interests, unanswered questions and passions I have, and how to pursue them.

Always having had an interest in all things occult, artistic and creative, it became clear starting a Gothic shop was a good fit. I then sold just about everything I owned, cut almost all expenses and began intently working on Obscuria.

Since 2004 the shop has continued to grow, and there are several related specialty shops we will be launching over the next couple years.

Besides participating in the Gothic-Industrial & Alternative scenes, some of my vanilla interests include Vegetarianism, wandering in cold woods, Yogic sciences & Indian philosophy, reading, meditation, cooking, impressionist acrylic/oil painting, RPG’s, out of body exploration and being thankful.

Lastly for any parents reading this, there is nothing inherently evil about the Gothic aesthetic. Like everything else in life, a concept can be utilized for both malevolent or benevolent means, depending upon the desired outcome.