Creativity, connection, and community are the driving forces behind MUZ Collective, a “lifestyle concept” store and brand founded by artist Lesley Yang. Originally located in downtown Huntington, MUZ Collective recently made the move to the Huntington Mall, embracing the larger space and foot-traffic opportunities that the mall could provide. For Lesley, the move was the next step in the gradual evolution of her career. 

"MUZ started kind of by accident," she said. "I'm an artist, and at first I simply wanted a space where I could create. I came across a storefront in downtown Huntington and thought, why not have a studio that could also become a place for the community? There wasn't really a grand business plan. One opportunity led to another, and gradually it became a store that brings art, design, and retail together.” 

A walk through MUZ Collective is an experience unlike anywhere else in the region. Paintings and crafts made by local artists blend with vintage fashion, unique home decor, and one-of-a-kind gifts to create a welcoming vibe of curious wonder. In the back of the store sits a workshop area where staff and shoppers can have hands-on experiences like candle-making and painting classes. The non-traditional set up and inventory of MUZ Collective is most definitely by design.   

“It's hard to put MUZ into just one category, and that's part of the fun, she said. “It's part art gallery, part gift shop, and part lifestyle experience. We bring together work by local artists, things I make or design myself, and interesting finds from around the world. I want people to feel relaxed, discover something unexpected, and exchange ideas and inspiration.”

A lifelong artist, Lesley's journey to the world of retail is far from typical. After growing up in big cities and a decade working in the high-end luxury fashion industry, Lesley left that career behind to travel the world with her husband. The couple decided to settle in the Huntington region six years ago when the disconnected and fast-paced lifestyle of major metro areas had grown stale. The community-minded, untapped potential in smaller areas like Huntington peaked Lesley’s interest, and she began to put down roots. 

"What I love about this area is the genuine sense of community," she said. "Other local business owners have supported me and even sent their customers my way, simply because they want another small business to succeed. I really treasure that kindness. I also see a lot of untapped potential here. Small businesses can make a real difference to the local economy. MUZ has already created at least five job opportunities, and I believe more creative businesses could bring even more energy and opportunity to the region"

During her travels, she began to notice how similar shopping malls across America had become, often featuring the exact same brands and products. Craving something with true character, she wanted to build a space centered around items that combine beauty and function. While the original downtown location of MUZ Collective launched the brand, relocating into the Huntington Mall marked a significant turning point.

“Being in the mall has given us natural foot traffic, which makes a huge difference. At the previous location, I had to spend so much time just trying to get people to discover the store that I couldn't focus on why I wanted to open it in the first place. Now I can put more energy into art classes, local collaborations, and preparing for the next stage of the business.”

While the retail side of MUZ Collective continues to draw new customers, creating a space for artists to work and collaborate is a big part of Lesley’s vision for the future. 

“I'm also excited about our art classes. They bring local artists and neighbors together. I want MUZ to be a place where artists can share their skills and people can make something, meet new friends, relax, and find inspiration".

For Lesley, the future of MUZ Collective is unlimited. With such a unique and creative approach, it is easy to see the vast potential in the brand. 

"We're just getting started. The physical store is only the first step. My bigger goal is to build a locally rooted brand and platform that can bring products from local artists, makers, and small businesses, along with my own designs, to customers across North America. Starting in 2027, I want to focus more on developing that model. If one day people discover artists and makers from our region because of MUZ, that would mean a lot to me."

Though the future of MUZ Collective is wide-open, Lesley is quick to point out that the most important parts of her journey so far have been the little things. 

"Honestly, the most memorable moments haven't been about sales numbers," she said. "They've been when customers walk in and say, 'This is exactly the kind of store I've been hoping for here.' I love creating those little moments of discovery. That makes me feel like we're filling a small gap in the community.” 

To register for the upcoming “Learn to Paint” art class at MUZ Collective on Friday, November 6, click here!

Check out the full photo gallery from our trip to MUZ Collective and be sure to follow MUZ Collective on Facebook and Instagram for more updates!