OWNER
Meet the Team
Maris
My name is Maris, I am the owner and creative director here at Black Moth. I grew up never being taught that bugs, bones, or dead things were weird. I was taught by my grandmother to take it with you and show others. She taught me how to salt skins, clean bones, and preserve insects. I personally enjoy collecting tribal masks, Native American artifacts, unusual skulls, and rocks from my Arkansas River trips. Black Moth is an incorporation of my love for teaching, art, creativity, and nature preservation. I am very fortunate to have an amazing team who also shares the same love and passions!
Martin
STORE MANAGER
Hey there, I’m Martin! I’ve been a strong admirer of wildlife and it’s history since I could remember. I loved watching National Geographic documentaries before daycare, and Planet Earth specials after high school classes. Even my birthdays were zoology themed. I always knew I had wanted a career concerning wildlife and preservation, only I struggled to find a place I fit in. Black Moth has become that place for me, and I am forever grateful for my team and my opportunity to widen my horizons here.
Alyssa
STORE MANAGER
Hello my name is Alyssa! I'm one of the store managers here at Black Moth! I’ve been collecting natural history pieces since I started high school and have always been interested in the outdoors. I’ve collected pieces from all over the United States; elk shed from New Mexico, goat mandibles from Hawaii… you name it! I am hoping to continue my studies at some point soon so I’m able to become a Game Warden and spend all my time in nature.
Dan
LEAD CREATIVE
Hello! I’m Dan, the Lead Creative at Black Moth. Funny enough I met the founder and owner Maris in High School where she taught me art for several years before I went on to pursue art in college. After obtaining my associates in Art, I circled back to Maris and landed my dream job as a creative and artist. I get to spend each day caring for the animals in our store and creating fun pieces!
Morgan
DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
Hello! My name is Morgan, the Digital Media Manager at Black Moth. I’ve been a photographer for over 7 years, shooting everything from portraits to weddings. I have always loved being outside and photographing nature, working here I get to photograph sides of nature I never had before. My favorite part is being able to capture the essence of Black Moth and share it online for new people to find and experience what we have to offer.
Valarie
RETAIL ASSOCIATE
Hey friends, i'm Valarie. I've always been drawn to the strange and beautiful sides of nature and love finding creative ways to celebrate them. Working at Black Moth lets me combine my love for art, curiosity, and the natural world all in one place. Whether it's a fossil, framed insect, or a piece of handmade art, i'm all about the details that make things feel meaningful and a little magical.
Princess Diana
BEARDED DRAGON
Heyyy guys, it's me! Your beloved dragon and local legend, Princess Diana. I'm a 2.5 year old male bearded dragon who likes long walks through the store and arugula salads. A lot of you may not realize, but I actually run this castle (Black Moth). My humble servants love to feed me juicy bugs and leafy greens whenever my heart desires. Whatever Princess wants, Princess gets! My servants also love to show me off to the locals where I get head scratches and back rubs alllll dayyy long. Come check out the store, but more importantly, come check out me!!