‘Tis the season for ghosts and ghouls and all things creepy. And creepy is what Brian Blair knows best. As owner of Pumpkin Pulp, he has transformed his hobby into a full-fledged international enterprise.
Nearly hidden on Granville Avenue, Pumpkin Pulp might be easy to miss, but once you enter the long gravel drive, it is no longer so inconspicuous. Flanking the shop are remnants of Scarevania, a haunted house Blair and his team create each October, looking like a forgotten nightmare. There’s a rickety-looking structure, intentionally designed to look like it’s been abandoned for decades. Next to that sits a stage, which becomes the site of macabre performances and is a centerpiece of Scarevania’s carnival-themed scare zone. It is a sight to behold for horror fans everywhere.
Pumpkin Pulp’s products are a fusion of horror and artistry, highlighting Blair’s passion for the macabre. Specializing in intricate horror masks, props, and decor, the company has become renowned for its high-quality creations that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of the Halloween and horror genres.
Blair’s affinity for horror began watching Sammy Terry’s “Nightmare Theater” on Friday nights as a kid. Classics characters like Frankenstein and the Wolfman set the groundwork for a lifelong obsession.
“I’ve never stopped loving it,” said Blair. “As a kid I always made stuff in my room, like fake hands and little animatronic things – anything to try and creep my mom out. But my budget wasn’t that big back then.”
Roughly 16 years ago, Blair decided to create the first Scarevania. He couldn’t afford to buy much, so he set to work on his own masks. He surprised even himself with how well they turned out. He put them online to see if they might sell, and was almost immediately contacted by people interested in them. Pumpkin Pulp was born.
Pumpkin Pulp’s lifelike masks feature a range of terrifying characters: sinister clowns, creepy dolls, zombies, and monsters of all kinds. Blair says his favorite in the shop right now is a large, abominable-snowman-looking creature with giant horns and fangs, or maybe it’s the zombie princess. Who can pick a favorite?
The early days of Pumpkin Pulp were modest. Blair worked out of a small space, crafting unique, hyper-realistic masks and horror-themed props in his free time. Initially, it was less about the business and more about doing something he loved.
“I’ve always loved this stuff, but I never thought I could make a living at it,” he said. “It kind of took off out of nowhere, right at a time when I needed it.”
As orders increased, Blair had to navigate the complexities of running a business – inventory, scaling production, managing finances – while staying true to his original artistic vision. He had to hire a staff of makers to keep up with demand. And it’s continued to grow. Blair and his team sell their creations online and in the shop. They also travel to Halloween trade shows and horror conventions. Blair likes to joke that his masks have seen many more places than he has, having shipped them to other countries, supplying stores in Germany, Australia and the U.K.
What sets Pumpkin Pulp apart from other creators is the attention to detail and painstaking work that goes into every mask. These aren’t just Halloween costumes; they are pieces of art. Blair’s passion is evident in every product, which has made him sought after by movie directors for his ability to craft realistic and horrifying masks that bring their cinematic visions to life. Blair’s work hasn’t stopped at masks for haunted houses; he has created props featured on the big screen, cementing Pumpkin Pulp’s reputation within the horror community. All the attention has surprised Blair.
“Growing up, I almost had to hide the fact that I liked horror,” he said. “It was looked down on. I just didn’t think there were horror people really out there. So at my first horror convention, I was like, ‘Oh my God, my people! I’m normal. I didn’t know!’ It’s a huge community. It’s a fun community. And everyone is pretty tight and supportive.”
Pumpkin Pulp has also gained attention from notable figures in the entertainment industry. Celebrities such as David Arquette and rock legend Alice Cooper became fans of Blair’s work. Arquette even popped into the shop while visiting the Ball State University campus last year, and Cooper used one of Blair’s creepy dolls in his live show.
“Having people like David Arquette and Alice Cooper show interest in your work is surreal,” Blair said. “These are people I’ve watched on screen or listened to growing up, so to have them appreciate something I’ve made, it’s just mind blowing.”
Blair envisions continuing to grow Pumpkin Pulp while staying true to its roots. He remains dedicated to handcrafting horror products that push the boundaries of creativity, and he’s excited to see where the business goes next. It’s also become a family affair, with his 20-year-old son, Jordan, showing interest and helping out with the business. Blair’s wife, Melissa, also works at the shop, which operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they will likely start to expand hours during the spooky season.
Scarevania is also in the works for the Halloween season at the Pumpkin Pulp location.
While many small businesses struggle to succeed, Blair’s story is unique. He’s found a way to turn his passion into a career while building a global brand from his small-town workshop. His love for horror, paired with his entrepreneurial spirit, has led to a thriving business that brings his visions to life and helps others share in the thrill of the macabre.
“I am very fortunate to make a living at what I love,” he said. “As long as I’m able to keep doing what I love and people continue to enjoy it, I’ll keep going.”
To learn more, visit Pumpkin Pulp online at pumpkinpulp.com, or in person at 1911 North Granville Avenue in Muncie.
