Kreepy Tiki and Old Ghosts: Bring New Art and Spirit to Downtown Hollywood

Passing by Melina's at 2010 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020, enroute to an estate sale to shop for the store, they spied the store's iconic vintage-designed sign and windows.

"Wow," said Valiente, "wouldn't it be great if we could find a shop that looks like that?"

Little did they know that the estate sale they were visiting was at the home of Melina's owner, the much-loved Hollywood Doyenne Elsie Johns, who passed away last month at a 100 years young and it was indeed available for rent!

"It was like divine intervention," said Nicole. "We got along really well with Elsie's family and it took off from there -- it was a perfect fit!"

Valiente and Nicole have been working together for about eight years. First, she helped run the business side of Kreepy Tiki, which at that time also included a bar, music, and frequent themed events. Then about four years ago, they closed the bar and partnered to open Old Ghosts, a unique art gallery and emporium with "a huge range of old, weird stuff and original art, from the Victorian Era to the '60s," explained Nicole. "It's an eclectic art collection of almost anything that's old."

Kreepy Tiki and Old Ghosts enjoy a great loyal following, both locally and on social media. "People travel from everywhere," she noted. The partners love the increased walk-in traffic at their new Hollywood location.

"We've been amazed at how crazy busy it's been already here," Nicole continued. "There are so many people, the events are awesome and it's great how the city is so heavily involved. It's truly a different world from where we came from, where we were so isolated. Here, the other local businesses have been so friendly -- everyone helps each other out with promoting…it's wonderful."

Valiente has been a Tattoo Artist for over 20 years and along with his Kreepy Tiki team does work from the simple to the extreme. Old Ghosts has a constantly evolving collection and is as much a museum as a retail store. They also offer photo shoot packages, prop rentals, custom-made and hand-painted sideshow banners. The feeling in the store is welcoming, unique and definitely weird!

Elsie would be really happy!

"Yup," said Valiente. "That's what everyone says."

Kreepy Tiki and Old Ghosts is open from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. The shop is closed on Mondays.

To get a sneak peek at what to expect, visit: www.oldghostsftl.com. Or: www.kreepytikitattoos.com. Or look them up on social media. For further information, call: (305) 803-9014. Or E-mail at: oldghostshouse@gmail.com.

Downtown Hollywood offers on-street metered parking for $1.50 per hour, as well as municipal garage parking for $1 per hour. Municipal garage locations are on 251 South 20th Avenue (between Harrison Street and Van Buren Streets) and at 251 North 19th Avenue (between Tyler Street and Polk Streets).

For more information about redevelopment projects, businesses and events in Hollywood's Downtown and Beach Districts, call the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at: (954) 924-2980 Or visit: www.HollywoodCRA.org