Dead Inside Oddities Unearths Lebanon’s Hidden Wonders: Where the Extraordinary Becomes Ordinary
Written by Jake Keiter and featured in our October 25th Print Edition
In a world that sometimes feels like a well-worn, predictable path, there’s a new beacon of brilliance, a place where peculiar is praiseworthy, and eccentricity reigns supreme. As you step onto Cumberland Street in Lebanon, a surreal sensation washes over you. The whispers of awe are tangible in the air. “Whoa, that’s a little weird,” may be the resounding refrain, but here, it’s the highest praise one can bestow. This is the realm of Dead Inside Oddities, Tattoos, & Piercing, an enigmatic establishment that is setting the town abuzz.
Embracing the Unconventional
Owned and curated by the inimitable Brandy Gwynn, this unique space is far from your ordinary shop—it’s a portal into a world of wonder and revelation. Brandy, a connoisseur of the extraordinary and a connoisseur of the bizarre, has a distinctive talent for uncovering the beauty in the unusual and the overlooked. Her new shop is the perfect canvas to exhibit her extraordinary perspective, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the unconventional in the most extraordinary way.
A Creative Collaboration
But the magic doesn’t stop with Brandy; it’s a family affair. Her husband, Erik Gwynn, was the mastermind behind the now-renowned Beneath The Skin Tattoo Studio. Recognizing the need for a fresh start and an updated image, the couple embarked on a journey to rebrand their enterprise. They’ve now breathed life into Dead Inside Oddities, where Erik’s expertise in tattooing and piercing seamlessly fuses with Brandy’s unique vision.
Erik, who once was Brandy’s mentor in the art of tattooing and piercing, has watched with pride as she honed her skills to remarkable heights. In their endeavor to redefine their identity, a unanimous decision was reached: Brandy would be the face and creative force behind the mesmerizing venture they now unveil.
A World of Wonders
Dead Inside Oddities is a one-of-a-kind emporium where piercings and tattoos are the alluring bait that draws you in, but the treasures within are what will keep you captivated. The term ‘treasures’ here is a masterful understatement. From glittering crystals and rare stones to the preservation of forever friends through mummification or the art of wet specimens, you’ll discover a world you’ve never seen before.
Brandy’s journey into the world of wet specimens was sparked by a chance encounter with a roadkill rat snake. It was on YouTube that she unearthed the secrets of preservation, and her first attempt was a resounding success. What began as a hobby has since blossomed into a profound passion. Brandy now envisions obtaining her taxidermist license, with aspirations to apply her preservation techniques to larger animals in the not-so-distant future.
Merging Science and Art
The Gwynns’ dreams for their new shop transcend the conventional retail experience. Brandy, in particular, harbors a fervent desire to merge her displays with an educational initiative. Her aim is to captivate young minds with the scientific marvels of her craft, giving children the chance to perceive a different facet of beauty, one that stands apart from the ordinary. It’s an endeavor to make science and art more accessible, where the lines between life and death blur into an ethereal fusion of beauty.
Life and Death in Harmony
Stepping into Dead Inside Oddities, you’ll experience a breathtaking melding of the living and the deceased. Beauty, in its rawest and most unadulterated form, resides in every nook and cranny of this mesmerizing space. The shop is a testament to the magic that Brandy and Erik are crafting, a place where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, where the unusual is embraced with open arms.
This isn’t just a shop; it’s a sanctuary for those who dare to venture beyond the ordinary. While you’re welcome to peruse the wondrous artifacts that adorn the shelves, don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just a trinket or a tattoo. You might very well walk away with a newfound perspective on beauty, a fresh outlook on life, and an appreciation for the extraordinary, all courtesy of Dead Inside.
Conclusion
In a world where “weird” is just another word for extraordinary, Brandy and Erik Gwynn are creating a haven where the bizarre becomes the beautiful, and the peculiar is celebrated. Dead Inside Oddities, Tattoos, & Piercing is not just a shop; it’s a portal to a world of wonder. Don’t just take our word for it; come and witness it for yourself.
