When Mandie Stevenson opened her new age shop in the basement of Hotel Rodney in Lewes in 2015, she was unsure how the community would react to a psychic/medium selling stones and crystals, and offering readings.
But three years later, business is booming. So much so that Stevenson has moved Mandie’s Magical Marketplace to an unmistakable purple house on Kings Highway, near the split with Freeman Highway.
“We outgrew the basement very quickly, and we knew it was time to spread our wings,” Stevenson said. “Parking also became a very big problem in downtown Lewes. I had many, many complaints, and it was hurting my business.”
The new location, 818 Kings Highway, solves the parking problem. It also provides plenty of room for expansion.
“I have always dreamt of having a house to operate my business,” Stevenson said. “I find it to be more warm and inviting, and it’s fun to look around.”
The new shop is much more spacious than her former basement spot. In addition to rooms for crystals, herbs, reading materials, jewelry and other new age items, there is also a space for an altar where people can leave wishes.
“I will collect the wishes every full moon and release them in my cauldron fire every month,” she said.
She also sells cannabidiol, also known as CBD, a marijuana extract that’s credited with helping treat many medical conditions. Stevenson carries Koi CBD.
“People are seeing the health benefits of taking the CBD,” she said. “It helps with every spectrum of your body.”
Pending approval from the health department, Stevenson also plans to add a café where customers can purchase herbal teas, organic coffee and light fare. She plans to call it Coexist Café.
With the ground floor dedicated to the shop, Stevenson will use the second floor for her one-on-one sessions and classes. Stevenson offers several experiences, including life coach sessions, energy healing, cord cutting and in-person readings.
Stevenson urges people to let go of their preconceived notions about Wiccans and psychic/mediums.
“Wiccans are not evil,” she said. “We do not even believe in Satan. We believe in helping others and taking care of Mother Earth and all of her creatures. We believe in positivity and magic through intent.”
She will also continue to do full moon and new moon rituals monthly at the store. Beginning in May, they will resume on the beach in Lewes.
To book a session, go to mandiesmagicalreadings.com or call 302-858-3859. To learn more about Mandie’s Magical Marketplace, search for the store on Facebook.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.