About Us
Hi friends! We would like to introduce ourselves. We are Hilarie and Levi Balzer, owners and operators of The Screeching Owl.
We’re a husband-and-wife team, born and raised right here in the community we proudly call home, Candor, NY. What started as a late-night idea while rocking babies to sleep has grown into a thriving small business built on creativity, craftsmanship, and heart.
We noticed a gap in local markets—there just weren’t many products geared toward men. That sparked our journey into laser engraving and custom hat making, turning a home-based hobby into a brick-and-mortar shop. Along the way, we launched our signature hat bar—a hands-on, interactive experience where customers can build their own one-of-a-kind hat.
Every piece we create is made with intention and originality, inspired by the maker community around us and our love for design. Our goal is to be the go-to source for custom headwear and help bring life back to Main Street by supporting and encouraging local businesses.
As a family, we’re always creating, exploring, and finding joy in the everyday—and we’re so grateful to share that with you.
