Our Team

Owner/ Curator and Artist

Bea (she/her) founded Novis Mortem in September 2019 and opened the brick-and-mortar location of Novis Mortem Collective in August 2020. She studied fine art and photography in Germany before finding her place in Entomological Fineart and Taxidermy. Growing up in the countryside of Germany she always had a deep connection with nature. Outside of Novis, she enjoys connecting with other artists, bird watching, and raising Leopold. In August 2024 she moved to NYC to improve and grow her art. She also feels honored to have the opportunity to work on study skins for the American Museum of Natural History.

Assitant Manager, Social Media Manager

Emi (she/they) has been part of the Novis Mortem Collective since June 2022. Being an unusual specimen herself, she’s felt right at home with the walls of insects and taxidermy within the shop! Since then, she’s grown a passion for entomology, and an even greater passion for fostering human connection through education in her community. Outside of researching insects, you can find them at a local punk show, cuddling up with their cat, or taking her snake on a walk.

Slayer of Music, Artist & Event Coordinator

Salem (he/him) has been with the Novis team since October 2023. Always having a fascination with critters, he tends to have some fun facts about our bug specimens and taxidermy up his sleeve. Being an artist himself, he loves finding ways to intersect art, entomology, and music history all together! Outside of Novis, Salem is involved in the goth/new wave scene- his favorite bands, at the moment, are The Cure and Lebanon Hanover. Be sure to ask him for the shop’s Spotify playlist.

Mascot, Product Tester

Leopold joined the Novis family officially in April of 2023. He strives to fill the big shoes his brother Samuel left behind. Taking his job very seriously to test all our products and greets everyone in the shop with an overwhelming amount of love (which he contributes largely to his size). His current favorite items are our Axolotls, he will trade any of his toys for any of them. He never fails to let other puppies try out the toys he has tested in the shop. Outside of Novis, he enjoys long walks with his Mom especially in Central Park since his family moved to NYC.