I had the pleasure of stopping into The Cauldron Black shortly after Halloween to take some pictures in their awesome space. I met two of the employees who were both lovely and I am happy to share with you some info about the shop.
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your shop.
The Cauldron Black is a purveyor of fine Occult Goods specializing in a wide variety of items for the burgeoning student to the seasoned practitioner. Once beyond the threshold you will find goods hand-selected from across the globe, representing different cultures and beliefs. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions, whether you need help finding a book, getting an explanation on a unique talisman or aid in creating a personalized spell kit or mojo bag. The Cauldron Black also offers Psychic Readings both in person and over the phone.
The owner, Jacqui Allouise-Roberge, is a natural Witch and ordained High Priestess and Reverend, celebrating Strega, Asatru and Voodoo traditions, has been a practicing Witch her entire life and a Psychic Reader since the age of 13. In 2017 Jacqui founded and opened The Cauldron Black in historic Salem, Massachusetts.
As part of her calling Jacqui ministers to those seeking spiritual and emotional guidance and offers Psychic Consultations and Spiritual Readings, Spell Crafting, Lectures, Workshops and Classes to her clients all across the country.
Jacqui is available for Psychic Consultations and Spiritual Readings that offer insight to your relationships, career and health and will help you find your proper path through Tarot Cards, Palmistry, Pendulums, Guided Meditation, Scrying, Aura Cleansings and Astrology.
The Cauldron Black is located at 65 Wharf Street in Salem, MA and is available online at www.thecauldronblack.com.
What was the inspiration for opening the shop?
After working at and managing several shops in town and getting a background in business management and accounting I decided to become my own boss. I opened The Cauldron Black as an online store in 2016 and after the online platform took off I decided to open a brick and mortar location.
What made you choose the name?
I wanted the name and logo to feature something that is associated with Witches – I didn’t want there to be any doubt what type of shop a customer would be walking in to. A Cauldron seemed like the ideal logo. I also have a collection of antique iron and copper cauldrons so this symbol resonated with me. It also represents feminine energy and this shop is not only witch owned and operated but woman owned and operated.
What made you chose Salem for the location of your shop?
Salem identifies as the Witch City. Witches are free to practice and be open about their beliefs and path. It was important for me to be a part of that community.
What has the biggest challenge been for you as a business owner in the witch city? What advice would you give to someone considering opening a shop in Salem?
The biggest challenge so far has been finding parking! Salem is a beautiful, quaint, New England town with a huge tourist draw and very little parking. I would suggest the new business owners find an alternate route into work other than driving.
What’s one thing you’d want people to know about your business that may not be inherently obvious?
This business is my baby. I take a lot of time and care in choosing what products I will sell and who I hire as a Psychic Reader. I research and select products, vendors and artists based on whether or not what they carry is something I use, would use in the future or suggest to a client. I feel that my name is on the line with every item I stock and I take that very seriously. The same goes for the incredible Psychics that I have working with me. Each of them has given me an amazing reading and I would not hire or promote them if I felt that they didn’t give each and every client 110% all the time.
Is running a business in Salem in October as chaotic as it sounds?
I was very blessed this October season to have an amazing staff. I set up our shop rules, to-do lists, stocking sheets, schedules and had a meeting before we kicked off the month. We were very busy but having a foundation before we started our Halloween season made the crowds enjoyable and manageable. I can’t rave about my staff enough.
Do you have any future or upcoming events you’re excited about or want to share?
I am currently working on expanding our clothing line as well as our body and skincare line. I want to bring magic to the mundane and teach people that magic and spell work start first and foremost with self-care and confidence. That your daily ritual can start with something as simple as using a soap for prosperity or a body lotion for love. I want our clients to come in and find clothing that speaks to the Witch in them and help them celebrate their pagan leanings.
Do you have a product or service that is your specialty? Is there something specific you are known for?
Because we are so new I don’t know that the shop has a reputation for any one service or product yet. The overwhelming feedback we have received is that customer really like the energy in the shop.
Do you do anything specific or special during certain times of the year? October or non.
I will be working over the winter to finalize our 2018 seasonal schedule. We do offer an email sign up list so folks that are interested in finding out the latest info on classes, workshops, events and new products will be in the know.
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