At The Granary, building community means investing in the people and businesses that already give Milton its character.
That’s why The Granary partnered with Milton Main Street Board to fund its Small Business Grant Program, providing $10,000 to help local businesses establish themselves, grow, and enhance the experiences they offer.
As part of our Meet the Grant Winners series, we’re introducing you to the people behind the selected businesses—including Memo Faraj, owner of Monsterful in downtown Milton.
Art, Home Décor and Curiosities
Monsterful is a distinctive downtown shop filled with art, home décor, and curiosities, but the business began long before its storefront opened.
With a background in fashion, Memo has worked as an interior decorator for the past six years. What began as an interior decorating business gradually evolved to include vintage pieces, antiques, and art.
The business initially operated online, particularly during the pandemic. In December 2025, Memo opened Monsterful’s physical location, bringing his different creative pursuits together under one roof.
The downtown space now houses his vintage and antiques business, art studio, painting work and interior decorating services.
Giving a New Business Its Identity
Memo applied to the Milton Main Street Board Small Business Grant Program to help establish Monsterful’s presence in the community while ensuring the business reflected Milton’s unique character.
“The small-business grant really allowed me to set the foundation of what the character of my business is in Milton,” Memo explained.
The grant also helped him develop the way Monsterful presents itself to the community and make a strong first impression as a new downtown business. Memo used the grant to decorate the outside of the business with plants, lighting, and decor.
For a creative business like Monsterful, establishing a clear identity is especially important. Every detail helps customers understand what the shop represents before they begin exploring its collection.
Through support from the Granary-sponsored grant program, Memo has been able to build a foundation that reflects his creative vision while feeling at home in downtown Milton.
Bringing Soul and Character into the Home
Memo’s appreciation for vintage pieces and antiques is rooted in the stories and personality they carry.
“There’s something about antiques and vintage that just has a soul,” he shared.
In a time when so many household items are mass-produced, Memo enjoys helping people introduce pieces with individuality into their homes. Through Monsterful and his interior decorating services, he can help customers create spaces that feel collected, personal and full of character.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to bring a little bit of character into people’s spaces,” he said.
That same philosophy shapes the experience inside Monsterful. Rather than simply selling home décor, Memo offers objects that invite curiosity and give customers an opportunity to find something truly distinctive.
Finding a Home in Milton
Memo has owned his Milton home for 10 years and has lived in the town full-time for six.
His introduction to Milton was an adventurous one: the first time he visited the town was also when he purchased his home.
A decade later, he remains confident in that decision.
After coming from a large city where he often felt like a number, Memo found a much stronger sense of connection in Milton.
“Here, I just feel like I’m really tapped into the community,” he explained.
He has formed meaningful friendships and embraced the area’s architecture, trails, gardens and proximity to the beach—all without being surrounded by the traffic found in many nearby coastal communities.
When he isn’t working, Memo enjoys walking through Milton’s neighborhoods to admire the architecture, exploring the trails, gardening, and spending time at the beach.
A Genuine Sense of Connection
To Memo, community means genuine connection, friendship and relationships.
It’s something he has learned to embrace since moving to Milton and something he hopes to strengthen through Monsterful.
That sense of connection is also what makes independent businesses so valuable. A locally owned shop gives people more than a place to purchase something, it provides a chance to meet the person behind the business, discover objects with history, and form a deeper relationship with the town.
When asked what he would tell someone considering a move to Delaware, Memo’s response was immediate: “Absolutely do it.”
He arrived without knowing exactly what to expect but found a welcoming community and a place that offered an exciting transition from big-city life.
Supporting Milton’s Creative Businesses
Memo’s story demonstrates how a small-business grant can help a new storefront establish its identity and become part of the community around it.
With support from The Granary and Milton Main Street, Monsterful has been able to strengthen its foundation, communicate its character and introduce customers to Memo’s creative vision.
As The Granary grows, we want Milton’s existing and emerging businesses to grow alongside it. Supporting entrepreneurs like Memo is one way we can help preserve the creativity, individuality and local connections that make Milton special.
Congratulations to Memo and Monsterful! We’re proud to support the character you’re bringing to downtown Milton—and excited to see your business continue to evolve.
FAQ:
- What is Monsterful in Milton, Delaware?
- Monsterful is a downtown Milton business offering art, vintage pieces, antiques, home décor and curiosities. It also serves as the home of Memo Faraj’s art studio and interior decorating services.
- How did Monsterful use its small-business grant?
- Memo used the grant to help establish Monsterful’s identity, create a strong first impression and build a business presence that reflects the distinctive character of Milton.
- Who funded the Milton Main Street Small Business Grant Program?
- The Granary provided $10,000 to fund the program, helping local businesses complete projects that strengthen their operations, identities and connections to the Milton community.
- How do I learn more about The Granary or schedule a visit?
- If you would like to schedule a visit, head here. From here you can sign up for more information or reach out to DRB Homes or DR Horton to schedule a tour.