Enchanted: Magic in the making
by Savanna Bous
Bells chime as the door gives way into another universe: The charmed dimension of Enchanted Mystical Boutique, a quaint shop nestled on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Sprawling fairytale-like script sweeps across the storefront window surrounded by fall flowers and wrought-iron accents. Natural light spills in from the storefront window and mingles with the dimly lit interior as an earthy scent of incense disperses through the air. Rich tones, fringe and fabrics decorate the shop. Celtic music fills the cozy space with arcane notes. The resident 14-year-old shop cat, Persephone, watches the door, waiting to greet the next visitor.
In January of 2018, spirit guides woke owner, Jaime Woodson, at three in the morning. In this unique experience, they directed her to open up a shop focused on fifth dimensional energy (a new level of consciousness pertaining to a sense of ‘oneness’ with people and the planet), and spiritual supplies. Enchanted Mystical Boutique was born from that occurrence. The one-woman store celebrates its first year of business in October 2019.
Woodson took time curating the all-embracing environment of the shop.
“There’s the intent of the store which is what I think people feel when they come in,” Woodson said. “The store was based in love, compassion and allowance which are the three attributes of fifth dimensional energy. I think everything in the store vibrates that. I think that’s what helps the atmosphere of the store.”
The topaz blue walls in the main room are brimming with candles, crystals, vials of oils, jars of herbs, jewelry, books, and handmade artwork. A large portion of the standard metaphysical items sourced from local Iowan vendors.
“It’s not purely a new age store,” Woodson said. “It’s going to have gargoyles, earth elementals, Dragons, and other things I deem important as well as the light-based frequency new age things. I like to have that balance.”
Behind the main room lies the tarot salon. Two cream colored chairs sit parallel from a red velvet upholstered couch. A small table is sandwiched between them with a single deck of tarot cards resting on it.
“The heart of Enchanted to me is the tarot reads, creating community within the pagan community and the people,” Woodson said. The tarot card readings are specifically geared to how an individual can acclimate to new fifth dimensional energy on the planet. Three readings are offered that vary in depth and lengths of time (15-minute, 30-minute and one hour).
Enchanted provides an array of events and classes open to the public. Throughout the month of September, the boutique hosted a dragon workshop, a sigil class and a beginning tarot reading class. Additionally, Pegan Pints is a reoccurring event, showcasing local pubs and breweries in Des Moines and connecting the local pagan community.
Besides catering to all things metaphysical, Enchanted also serves as vehicle for cats to become adopted. Woodson fosters senior cats through Furry Friends Pet Rescue. The felines lounge around the store, interacting with customers as they shop.
“I think that’s why we have such a high success rate here. They’re in more of a home setting so they can be more of themselves. Attract that right person — their forever home,” Woodson said. This is how, Persephone, a former foster kitty became the permanent greeter of Enchanted.
Humans and cats alike can find solace at Enchanted Mystical Boutique whether it be for spirituality or a home.
