A Year: A Love Letter to Asheville Raven & Crone

Today marks the day I began to work as manager of the shop in Asheville that changed my life for the better. It's a "metaphysical book shop" as I describe it to some, a "witch shop" to others, and I love the reaction when I say the latter. It's a community center, it's a place of respite, and it's a place I am happy and proud to work, with a vision of a community that stretches far beyond the physical location on Merrimon Avenue.
I first walked into the shop when I moved to Asheville a few years ago. Excited to find something so interesting so close to where I lived, and geographically challenged, I got in my car only to find I could easily walk there. It is literally across the street and down a bit, and there I was. I walked through the door and realized it was a special place, more of a community center than mere store or shop. Soon I spent lots of time there, attending workshops, and buying so many things that I joked HR would set up a direct deposit of my paycheck straight to the store.
At the time, I worked in sales, but the heartbeat of a different life kept calling to me. Through vision board and manifesting, I made one of my dreams come true, and was able to present a paper on Sylvia Plath in Belfast, and spend a few weeks there. I knew I would not be able to return to the life I led once I did this. I took a deep breath, a leap of faith, and jumped. I resigned, and planned to cobble together some part-time jobs while I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up (a familiar scenario).
Sometime during that magical month of November or a bit before, Lisa Anderson, the shop owner casually mentioned "I wish you would come work at the shop." I literally caught my breath, because it seemed like a dream job, and had never even thought to look there for work. Long story short, I did, and it has been one of the best jobs I have ever had. I owe Lisa so much, and she is the best employer/friend/life coach I have ever known. You should all be so lucky to have a Lisa Anderson in your life.
What a year it has been! I walked through the door of the shop on December 5, 2017 as manager and began a year of so many things that it seems like much, much longer. I am proud of what's been accomplished: so many amazing events and workshops, customers from all over the country, vending at two wonderful venues (Mystic South and Goblin Market), gathering local artists and friends who make lovely items that literally fly off the shelves because they are unique and useful. We have a family of staff members I'm so happy to work with, as they bring their unique talents to the shop to create an experience that goes beyond mere shopping. And when my youngest was diagnosed with lymphoma, the shop rallied around us and created an Evan fund, to help with expenses as he deals with the effects of treatment. There is a word beyond thankful, and it resonates with me daily.
My favorite part of each day? When the door opens, the bell jingles, and a customer stands there, breathing deeply, followed by that happy sigh. They know this is a special place, a respite, an experience. So much to look at, so many items that help, so many beautiful objects to enhance their life. It's not just teas, candles, herbs and incense. It's a place to just be. To have a cup of tea, grab a shopping basket, and peruse all the multitudes of treasures we have. It may seem that I took a drastic left turn in doing this for work, but it really is part of a common theme in my life: to help others, to try and make the world a better place through my daily job.  I am happy to say I followed a dream, and am living it. Here's to the first year of what I hope is many at Asheville Raven & Crone. Come visit!