The Alchemist Den – An Eclectic Apothecary Store Specializing In a Curated Collection of All Natural Products, Bulk Herbs, Apothecary Goods, Jewelry, and Imported Goods
The Alchemist Den is the black-woman owned business. They (he and his wife) own a storefront called “The Alchemist Den” and really want to highlight and honor the paths that led them to each other, to start their own respective natural lifestyle brands, Millenheirs which caters to men & unisex products as well as Love & Light Healing which focuses on the feminine & healing products/ services. So, each of their respective brands were complimented and enhanced as they came together.
There were several factors that contributed to the how and whys (i.e. They experienced a dramatic health issue that ultimately led them losing a great paying and fulfilling office job, a dramatic divorce while simultaneously losing thousands of dollars and a grand house that they had just worked to build for them, now ex and her dependents, gifting each other DNA tests for paternal research and confirmation after 35+ years of neither of them knowing, a sudden fostering of two siblings with substantial matters of the concern, late grandmother or great grandmothers and their impact and influence, navigating social/economic/political happenings and Covid shutting down vending efforts and workshops to finding/developing the storefront, and various other experiences they had to undergo to position them for this divine alignment and navigating releasing the baggage/trauma endured to lead them to wanting to manifest through mindfulness, etc).
That said, The Alchemist Den brick and mortar storefront is loosely named based on the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• “The Alchemist is a classic novel in which a boy named Santiago embarks on a journey seeking treasure in the Egyptian pyramids after having a recurring dream about it and on the way meets mentors, falls in love, and most importantly, learns the true importance of who he is and how to improve himself and focus on what really matters in life.”
• “In the novel, even alchemy, the central symbol of the book, entails coaxing metal to achieve its own Personal Legend to turn into gold. As a result, the idea that all individuals should live in the singular pursuit of their individual dreams emerges as primary theme of The Alchemist.”
One of the most famous quotes from The Alchemist is, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”. This quote is said by the old king is one of the most popular works of Paulo Coelho. It is even more interesting, because the contradictory statement about some impossible obstacles – a robbery, staying in an endless desert or just lack of drive to fulfill the dream – follow it.
• The Alchemist is a must read because It shows that obstacles to one’s personal legend are merely obstacles – not blockades. It challenges you to think about your own personal legend. It explores the meaning of “living the dream”. It encourages you not to delay the living of your legend.
• Alchemy symbolizes both self-development and the value of life.
The store is located in Austell, GA just outside of Atlanta. From the coins in their pocket, they were “divinely guided” and “divinely elevated” with the opportunity to establish a beautiful vintage feeling modern version of an apothecary style metaphysical shop selling herbs, oils, crystals, smudging products, the natural hair/ body/skin care, as well as divination and altar tools for a variety of spiritual practices. The store boasts of attention grabbing wooden panel walls, a beautiful natural slate accent wall, and other earth, water, fire, and air elements as an ode to alchemy and manifestation aspiring force field, the alchemists being the generators. The ambiance intends to create a safe multi-sensory space for their community to find growth, release, and find a tiny peace of mind in a revitalizing den of refuge. It is the beginning of a dream to expand into a more extensive, expansive space and conglomerate.
The agglomerate would include the living apothecary & learning center, cognitive gaming, music & immersive experiences, sustenance-based restaurants, fashion & design, studio(s), & spa related facilities. They want to talk about how the current metaphysical shop in Austell is aspiring to change the face of the magical landscape here in the metropolitan area, shifting paradigms in their community while endeavoring to manifest said dreams and inspire the same in others.
Their combined story began in 2011 as decades of their individual spiritual journeys crossed paths that would plant the seeds that have turned into The Alchemist Den. They are a space where the people feel comfortable navigating their spiritual path, however that looks to them. They are intentional with the music being played, the incense they burn, the layout of the store and location as it was ironically established in a notably historic building-the city’s first jail which purportedly housed the indigenous & people of color as well as the practitioners traditionally accused of practicing witchcraft.
Equally as significant and notable, the location in downtown Austell was Historically recognized as a therapeutic and is neighbored by Lithia Springs “known for its sacred The Indian medicine-incorporated in 1882 under the name Salt Springs and later named Lithia Springs as resorts began developing around the town’s famous springs, which supposedly had medicinal value”.
Because they strive to provide a place where customers can find tools that aid them along their path to ascension, enlightenment, and healing, the merkaba seemed a befitting icon for their “Alchemist Den” logo. Merkaba, also spelled Merkabah, comes from a Hebrew word meaning chariot, or vehicle, and can also be defined also as light, spirit, and body. The Merkaba Symbol is a shape made of 2 intersecting tetrahedrons that spin in opposite directions, creating a 3-dimensional energy field. You can activate this vehicle of light around your own body with practiced meditation and breathing techniques. The Merkaba is said to provide protection and transport your consciousness to the higher dimensions. The Merkaba shape reminds them of the potential power they can wield when they unite their own energies in pursuit of connection and growth.
The goal of expanding on their brand story include:
• PR & notoriety
• Securing funding • Securing Resources • Expanding the brand(s) • Growing customer base
One of the most prominent angles that make their businesses unique is their ase. Ase or ashe (from Yoruba àse), according to Wikipedia is a Yoruba philosophical concept through which the Yoruba of Nigeria conceive the power to make things happen and produce change. As denoted, “In addition to its sacred characteristics, ase also has important social ramifications, reflected in its translation as “power, authority, command.” A person who, through training, experience, and initiation, learns how to use the essential life force of things to willfully effect change is called an alaase. Rituals to invoke divine forces reflect this same concern for the autonomous ase of the particular entities. The recognition of the uniqueness and autonomy of the ase of persons and gods is what structures society and its relationship with the other-world”.
Though the company has found success throughout the pandemic, they have both still maintained multiple positions and jobs, working unyieldingly despite the significant economic downturn and impact. They are currently seeking to progress, expand, and pioneer their dreams through availing opportunities, technology, & innovation!
