Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scott Marshall-Miller & Brian Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Scott and Brian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

“If I could turn back time, If I could find a way…”

I remember singing these lyrics at the top of my lungs on a dance floor surrounded by friends, all of us caught up in a captivating moment 20 years ago.

Brian and I had talked about starting a business together since 2008, but each of us were active and committed to our existing careers. Brian is in the medical world, and I was in luxury retail and entertainment as a jewelry stylist. Pondering the balance of our existing careers, starting a family, and the amount of time we would have to invest given travel schedules, we decided to sit tight in our careers as our new business ideas percolated.

With several twists, turns, and a few false starts, we arrived at July of 2019 driving across Texas. I had officially retired, and Brian said to me, “What are you going to do now because you don’t sit still well?” A truth we both knew to be true!

We batted around several ideas and then somewhere between Roswell and Sedona Brian said, “How about we open a place where we fill it with everything we love and have discovered together…and just have fun with it?” Shopping is my “superpower”, so I was immediately captivated. The truth is we both loving searching and finding unique items that make us smile and add a little “whimsy” to our home. While we briefly entertained invitations to open our store in Century City, Sherman Oaks, and Beverly Hills, we felt like “our home” was Studio City and that’s where Restrained Whimsy should be located. In late October 2019 we opened our doors, not realizing “the supply chain issues” and that some empty shelves were the least of our concerns as our skills, talents, laughter, and pivoting abilities were about to be tested. We closed, for the first time, less than 14 weeks later entering a global pandemic.

Monday morning quarterbacking is an age-old pass time. Would we go back in time and start our business sooner or later? It’s not an easy question to answer and depends on your perspective.

If we had started sooner, we would most likely have had a more stable beginning allowing us to reach out to the community and establish ourselves in different ways. We would have avoided the numerous issues the supply chain brought and had a steady flow of merchandise on our shelves. Equally we would have been able to grow and develop a team that was well versed in “whimsy” our artists stories, and how to embrace the fun and magic of who we are while sharing it with those who came for the experience firsthand.

On the other hand, had we opened earlier, Brian and I would not have had the same experience because we lived on two different coasts at the time. Restrained Whimsy would have been established with only me molding and nurturing it rather than us both. One of the business cornerstones for us is the mix of who we are individually and together. It is key to everything you experience from being greeted at the door, to strolling and losing yourself in the multitude of artisan gifts, to the moment we say, “See you soon!” as you leave. Part of our charm is that who you are is important, celebrated, and honored. Be it logical or whimsical. So, there is that.

What if we had opened it later? The obvious factor is missing the pandemic and entering the marketplace as the world opened, ripe for new opportunities. It might have given us more time to keep revising our business plans and put a bit more money away for the adventure. The start would have recognizably been less chaotic though for sure we would have had different challenges. But what would we have missed out on if either of those options had taken place?
In reality, we would open and close three more times over the next 18 months. We joke about it now and even call selling through the door our “Adult Lemonade Stand.” But the truth is that even in the toughest moments, we stayed true to ourselves and each other. We laughed, tried to not take ourselves too seriously, and “pivoted” at every turn that came our way, knowing that something incredible was just around the corner for ourselves and the artisans we partner with every day to tell their stories.

We take pride in who we are. And who that is, is made up of real-life moments that were joyous (our grand opening included the Beignet Box truck), and moments that challenged us beyond what we thought was possible. Equally though, we have had countless amazing times laughing, listening, and bonding with all our guests and friends. We have celebrated numerous birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new births, and more. Equally, we have mourned with those who have lost loved ones. Being a part of a community is about being present, and we are proud to be.

One of the valuable lessons we have learned is that everything happens to shape us into who we are today, even without our input on timing. If we could turn back time, we wouldn’t. Because we genuinely love who Restrained Whimsy is today. Each laugh, tear, and smile has crafted us into who we are as a place where you can come and “be you” as you celebrate and honor someone special.

Scott & Brian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In 2015, the founders of Restrained Whimsy, Brian and Scott, embarked on a journey to create a store that would celebrate the perfect blend of two seemingly opposing concepts – logic and playfulness. Brian, with his medical and scientific background, tends to be more reserved, while Scott, with his background in visual design, fine jewelry, and styling, leans towards whimsicalities. Together, they created a store that embodies the essence of Restrained Whimsy.

To us, the name symbolizes a harmonious balance of logic and playfulness, where both are equally celebrated, honored, and embraced. Our goal was to bring together classic and distinctive gift ideas that they have loved over the past 20 years, and in the process, empower local artists whenever possible.

Artisan and specialized products that are unique and unexpectedly incredible, a “find” are key to our search for our guests. We actively look for not only the unique in product, but also the story of the artisan behind it. A story of our spa items includes a mother whose child had such severe sensitivities that she had to develop her own items and found a following that embraces the same needs, and being a vegan product is a bonus? The uniqueness of our products takes some time to develop, but as we step outside of what “everyone is buying” and “other stores best sellers,” we find that your guests gravitate to the discoveries we have made and find the same delight as us. I shop everywhere and when I notice something unexpectedly wonderful…I ask if I can bring it into our store. Artisan gifts allow for a heightened differentiation from the rest of the market offerings while enriching the community and your ability to stand out from the crowd.

Our curation process focuses on locally made items from independent artisans and companies as much as possible, with a few imported products such as diffusers by Marmalade of London. Having both grown up internationally, our roots span artisans globally when they love something. The store takes pride in being home to a large selection of Ojai Olive oils, along with naturally flavored sea salts from Laguna Salt Company, luxurious delicacies from both Letterpress Chocolate and John Kelly, as well as the captivating aromas of Grateful Daily.

Each item is researched and tried before being selected for the store. That means every bath bomb is enjoyed making sure it is refreshing, relaxing, and doesn’t leave a ring. Chocolates are indulged. Plush toys are cuddled. Candles are burned for aroma and ability to fill a space. Purses and totes are reviewed for construction and ease of use, while being exquisite to wear. We carry an eclectic mix of items, including puzzles, cooking items, and toy models. You get the idea. Nothing comes into the store unless both Brian and Scott love it. Decisions don’t always happen fast, but when a choice is made, it is unquestionably embraced by guests.

Restrained Whimsy is a family affair, with our daughter April, 16, also involved in the selection process, especially for children’s books. The family reads each book submitted cover-to-cover, ensuring that positive messages of encouragement, empowerment, and fun remain consistent throughout. Most importantly, books that send the message “It’s okay to be you” and “Be true to yourself.”

As you walk into Restrained Whimsy, you’ll find yourself in a haven of artistic expression and creativity that immediately puts you at ease. The store is carefully curated to create a unique, quirky, and whimsical atmosphere that is both captivating and enchanting. With every step you take, you’ll discover something new that piques your curiosity and sparks your imagination.

The artisan pieces on display showcase a perfect balance between childlike wonder and sophistication, each piece radiating its own character and personality. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating each item, and you’ll find yourself lost in the magic of it all.

Browsing through the store, you’ll feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building up inside you, knowing that you’ll find something special that will make you or your loved one’s smile. The experience is a perfect blend of fun, laughter, and creativity that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Need a little help? Not a problem! We offer custom curated gifts where we take your understanding of the person and occasion, then pull together a variety of possibilities for you to consider. Mix and match to your hearts content. It’s all good with us. We want to empower you so that you are as excited about your gift as the person that will be opening it. Shopping is my superpower…we have your back!

Being true to our mission, vision, values, and ourselves is a cornerstone. We are unapologetically us. Our mission at Restrained Whimsy is to focus on local artisans, and then we branch out from there. We believe that when you walk into a store, you should be able to see yourself and not look too hard. We believe in offering quality items at a fair price. We try everything before it comes into the store. We read every book, so we know that it is about empowerment, believing in yourself, enrichment, and learning something new about being a better you.

We believe that everyone should feel at home in our store, seeing endless possibilities and experiencing the perfect blend of logic and playfulness that is Restrained Whimsy. See you soon!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As you walk into Restrained Whimsy, you’ll find yourself in a haven of artistic expression and creativity that immediately puts you at ease. The store is carefully curated to create a unique, quirky, and whimsical atmosphere that is both captivating and enchanting. With every step you take, you’ll discover something new that piques your curiosity and sparks your imagination.

The artisan pieces on display showcase a perfect balance between childlike wonder and sophistication, each piece radiating its own character and personality. You’ll be amazed by the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating each item, and you’ll find yourself lost in the magic of it all.

As you browse through the store, you’ll feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building up inside you, knowing that you’ll find something special that will make you or your loved one’s smile. The experience is a perfect blend of fun, laughter, and creativity that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

For Brian and me, the name Restrained Whimsy speaks volumes about our creative journey. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between our individual selves and our partnership, which is the key to our success. We work together as a couple and as individuals, constantly communicating, listening, and understanding each other’s perspectives.

The store reflects our unique personalities and tastes, with every item carefully selected to showcase our “whims and logic.” We take pride in trying every book, bath bomb, chocolate, and candle, ensuring that only the best and most delightful items make it to our shelves.

We believe that growth is essential, and we are always looking to the future and planning for expansion. We aim to create a fresh and exciting experience for our guests every time they visit, with new and exciting items to discover. Brian’s natural business strategist instinct complements my creative vision, and together, we make a great team.

Our creative success comes from our commitment to being true to ourselves, our family, our friends, and our guests. We are all on this journey together, and we believe that the joy and wonder that we create in our store can bring people together. It is a journey we all take together and are better for it.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creatives: find joy in color, texture, looks, visuals, and stretching boundaries. v. Non-Creatives: find joy in spreadsheets, analytics, algorithms, numbers, and stretching boundaries.

As a “creative”, it’s easy to pigeonhole a person into a “non-creative” category. Equally it is easy for “non-creatives” to place others into the “creative” group. Though often as we do this, the undertone is “the not so smart fun people” v. “the smart boring people.” Regardless of how you say it, a wedge can be enacted that is unnecessary. By labeling someone in this way we attempt to stand on holy ground that is not ours. When tax time comes around, you are going to be super grateful for someone’s “creativity” with numbers because no one will care the color of pen you use to sign the documents. But mark my word, you like walking into a room that is decorated and relaxing.

Spoiler alert…there is no such thing as a “Non-Creative.” Here’s the deal. Creativity is by definition, “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” Who is to say what medium is the most creative and least creative.

Now my creative skill set is clearly more inspired by color, texture, and crafting something visually captivating to someone walking by casually. Brian’s creative skill set leans far more into spreadsheets, analytics, and logic which are creative to someone focused on reliable projections.

Celebrating what we have in common is far more productive because our differences can also be our strengths when united. We are both creative in our own way. First, you need to be secure in who you are and your creative path. When you can achieve that, then you can celebrate another’s creative path without exception, intimidation, or judgement. RuPaul said it best, “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” Brian and I recognize we come to the table with different sets of creativity and work each day to empower the other. (FYI — don’t think this answer didn’t require his editing skills. :-)

As you grow your business with a partner, remember you are both creative. And if you want to see the finish line, then you need to love the creativity you each bring to the table. Learn to depend on each other’s creativity for the most impactful experience your guests could imagine.

To be fair…on occasion, I think his spreadsheets could you some color, and he thinks my store window displays could use a bit more focus. Both could be true.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.restrainedwhimsy.com
• Instagram: restrainedwhimsy
• Facebook: restrainedwhimsy
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/restrained-whimsy-los-angeles
• Tiktok: restrainedwhimsy

Image Credits
Main Image: Aaron Han