Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Dorman.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I opened Domicile in Homewood, AL in 2015 as a furniture and decor shop and through the years started introducing and carrying crystals, tarot, oddities and curiosities plus wellness and sexual health items. During the shutdown, selling those items on our website kept me in business and when the shop next door to mine closed I jumped on the opportunity to open a metaphysical shop.
Now after being open a little over a year, I’ve expanded Ritual + Shelter into Domicile’s space and phased that brand out. We offer tarot readings daily, free monthly full moon ritual events plus classes and seminars held each new moon on topics that range from dream interpretation, reiki and energy work, crystals and all things dedicated to each person living their best life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our biggest struggle has been keeping the shelves full during this pandemic, which is interesting because I expected our biggest struggle to be push-back from the non-pagan community but have experienced none (knock on wood). The pandemic isn’t the only reason it’s been difficult to keep items in stock. There’s been a surge of interest in witchcraft and metaphysics as more and more people have become disillusioned with strict, formalized religion. The combination of pandemic related inventory issues and extreme demand have lead to long lead times, a couple vendors closing and global stock shortages. On the bright side, we carry lot of small brands from around the country as well as local artists and creators from Birmingham and surrounding areas.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our tag line is “A magickal place to shop and hold space”. Our main goal is to provide magically minded people a place to be their most authentic self with zero judgment in a welcoming environment filled with love. Our staff are so kind, understanding and FUN! Being a witch myself I’ve experienced how difficult it can be to find like minded people especially in the Deep South and because of the stigma many of the witch shops I’ve been in have a very negative feel. I have intentionally created a truly festive environment and hired staff who are excited and passionate about helping people.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
LOL! Well, only a handful of people knew I was a witch before I opened the shop so that was basically how I came out. There are so many misconceptions about what a witch is, whether from Hollywood or history, the vast majority being negative and villainous. What I’ve learned and experienced is that witches, in general, are open, caring, loving, non-judgmental and weirdly wonderful. Yes, we have an affinity for the dark, spooky and mysterious but that doesn’t make us all devil worshipers or deviants of any sort.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@ritualshelter.com
- Website: www.ritualshelter.com
- Instagram: @ritualshelter
- Facebook: @ritualshelter
Image Credits
Jada Cato
