Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Gates.
Hi Julia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was about 10 years old, I visited my first farmers’ market with my family. I was in awe learning that people could have their own tiny stores that can be set up anywhere. From that point I always knew I wanted to have a pop-up shop; I just didn’t know what or how.
Fast forward about 6 years to when I was introduced to the world of metaphysics by a lady at my first job who would use a pendulum at work. She explained to me what it was and told me I should visit a nearby crystal shop. I went to the store and was blown away by everything there. That experience started the years of heavy metaphysical research that led me to the present.
In May 2021, I reconnected with someone from grade school who introduced me to spell jars. I thought they were so fun and therapeutic to make, and I caught on to what all of the herbs mean really quickly.
In June, I was hosting an episode of The New Utah Podcast and was interviewing a group of small businesses called the Neighborhood Hive. One of the women, Jen, from Olio Skin & Beard Co., mentioned a little market they had started hosting. I showed her some photos of my jars and was invited to have my own booth at the market!
One thing led to another and now I’m doing pop-ups all over the Salt Lake Valley and filling online orders from all over the world!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely been a learning curve. My first batch of spell jar products all had melted wax on them from old candles. The wax melted in the summer heat and made a huge mess! I’ve also gone through a lot of trial and error with new product ideas and price points to find what fits the community’s budget and needs.
While there have been a lot of bumps in the road, I don’t regret them and am grateful for the things I have learned.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Pleiadian Altar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Pleiadian Altar is a woman-owned metaphysical shop with an emphasis on community togetherness. All of my crystals and products are ethically sourced or hand-made. Anything imported is always in line with the fair trade act, and I try to involve other small businesses wherever possible.
Being open to my customers is my top priority. I don’t believe in gatekeeping or judging someone because of their age, religion, etc. My business is an open book, and I especially love teaching the community about metaphysics and witchcraft. I strive to reduce the stigma around the word “witch” as well.
All of our metaphysical supplies can be found on our website or Etsy shop (ThePleiadianAltar). We have a little bit of everything to cater to anyone’s needs.
Please note, we do not offer products that are endangered or closed practice such as white sage and palo santo.
How do you define success?
I think if you are proud of what you are doing and you don’t have any regrets about it then you are successful. Never compare your success to someone else’s because we are all living different lives.
Pricing:
- Psychic readings are $15 and up. I currently have 3 readers from around the country that you can book with. (Schedule on our website www.thepleiadianaltar.com)
- Crystals all range from a few cents to a few dollars each. I believe starting a quality collection shouldn’t cost a fortune!
Contact Info:
- Email: thepleiadianaltar@gmail.com
- Website: www.thepleiadianaltar.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/the.pleiadian.altar
- Facebook: facebook.com/ThePleiadianAltar
- TikTok: @thepleiadianaltar
Image Credits
Bryton Bluth, Nicole Holt, McKinley Reinhold, and Sarah Vigil.
