As the autumnal shift approaches and the leaves start to change color, we’re reminded that the season of the witch is almost here.With that in mind, we decided to call upon some of our favorite magic makers to discuss more than just their occult wisdom—we want to hear all about how they started their platforms, grew their businesses, and manifest money.
We spoke to five witches and mystics to learn about their best business practices and what inspires them. Read on to learn their secrets.
Bri Luna, Owner and Creative Director of The Hoodwitch
Tell us about your company.
The Hoodwitch is an online platform where witches throughout the world can unite and revel in their magic. It’s an inclusive platform for WOC to unite. Our social media blends art, magic, and culture as a tool to inspire the witch within us all. We also run an online store and blog.
Was this your childhood dream job?
I always embraced being free. Working a 9-5 job never was alluring to me. Being an entrepreneur was always a dream for me—it’s in my blood. I come from a long line of hard workers and professional business owners.My grandmothers inspired me. I wanted to honor my heritage and the magical ladies in my neighborhood who worked at the botanicas. My ancestors, spirits, heritage, and passions inspired me to create The Hoodwitch.
What is the most valuable and rewarding part of your work?
Inspiring people to help them expand their reality and minds through art, culture, and magic. It feels great to be a part of a platform that helps WOC be seen. The most rewarding thing for me is making magic and astrology inclusive for everyone.
When did you start to see growth in your business? How and why?
Once we launched the online store, I began to see exponential growth in my company. Two years later, I’ve added an assortment of quality crystals and vintage magic books. The store has come a long way—from my original pop up store to my online store. I have a wonderful blog at The Hoodwitch with insights from myself and other witches in the magic community, as well as weekly horoscopes.
Anything new you are adding to your services and site this autumn?
We are adding new products to the store such as candles and yearly horoscopes to the blog. I am also in the midst of creating my own tarot deck and potentially a book. There are lots of new and exciting things in the works at The Hoodwitch. Stay tuned.
Jessica Lanyadoo, Girlboss Resident Astrologer, Host of “Ghost of a Podcast,” and Mystic
Tell us about your company.
I’m an astrologer, psychic medium, and animal communicator. I consult with clients, am a podcaster (listen to my show, Ghost of a Podcast), a resident astrologer at Girlboss, a writer of horoscopes, and a lover of self-care. I’m thrilled to announce my forthcoming book, Astrology for Real Relationships, Understanding You, Me, and How We All Get Along.
What is the most valuable and rewarding part of your work?
Hands down, it’s helping people help themselves.
Was this your childhood dream job?
I wanted to be a social worker until I realized that I could study astrology formally. When I was 19 I packed my bags and headed to San Francisco to become an astrologer, and I’ve never looked back.
Anything new you are adding to your services and site this autumn?
I will be teaching new webinars—I’m so excited about my upcoming classes on mental health and wellness in astrology.
Sarah Potter, Witch, Tarot Reader, and Curator
Tell us about your company.
I work as a spiritual advisor and tarot reader, as well as a lecturer and workshop leader in the art of “Color Magic.”
What is the most valuable and rewarding part of your work?
I love connecting with people! Through my business, I have been able to connect with and meet so many fascinating, talented, extraordinary people I might not have crossed paths with if it was not for the cards. From entrepreneurs to rock stars to college students, judges to doctors to artists and everyone in-between.
What is the biggest drawback?
It’s all about boundaries and balance. When you are the boss, there is no one there to tell you to stop working. In the beginning, I did not really structure my day because I wanted to go where my energy took me. I still keep that in my practice, but I structure my day now.
Was this your childhood dream job?
My first childhood dream job was to be a mermaid so I am still working on that one, but other than that, I never knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. All I knew was that I wanted it to be creative, I wanted to make my own rules, and I never wanted to dread going to work everyday. When I was 12, I got my first Tarot deck and my best friend’s mom who read cards taught us how to use them. I would read my classmates’ cards during lunch or gym or free time and charged $5 until I got into trouble and had to stop. I was just an early entrepreneur!
Anything new you are adding to your services and site this autumn?
I have expanded my services to offer Full Moon and New Moon circles as private or public events in others’ homes and businesses, as well as a Color Magic dinner party series I am really excited about! I have also developed several new workshops in collaboration with a few of my favorite witches, and I cannot wait to launch those before Halloween!
Michael Cardenas, Professional Witch and Owner of Olde Ways
Tell us about your company.
I’m a professional witch, which means I offer Spellwork services (custom and group), tarot readings, mediumship readings, teach workshops, and write about metaphysical subjects. I also make crystal infused, intention-based aura sprays, ritual candles, and body products.
Is this your childhood dream job?
My childhood dream was to own a witch shop! I use to drive my mom crazy with my obsession with them. When I turned 17 I moved to Los Angeles and started giving tarot readings, reiki healing, and selling baths out of my apartment. I eventually met a really significant spiritual teacher and she let me work and vend at her shop and through my experience working with her I knew I was taking the first step towards achieving my overall goal.
What is the most important part of your business? Social media, customer service, etc. Why?
Social media is 100 percent the most important part of my business. If I don’t post people basically forget I exist. Sounds dramatic but it’s true. I have to be on it. Answering my emails and DMs is also important for booking clients and staying in constant communication.
When did you start to see growth in your business? How and why?
It all changed when I started posting my altars and spellwork on Instagram. I wanted to show what a fully-realized witchcraft/folk magic focused practice could look like and show people that it didn’t have to look like anyone else’s. I began to attract like minded spiritual seekers and eventually started to attract curious clients.
Anything new you are adding to your services and site this autumn?
I’m taking this show on the road! I’ll be teaching, vending, and offering public rituals in multiple cities. I’m also transitioning from retail to wholesale accounts to give my brujas an opportunity to find and interact with my products in person at my favorite shops around the country.
Chiquita Brujita, Founder of Brooklyn Brujeria, Social Advocate, and Event Producer
Tell us about your company.
Brooklyn Brujeria is an evolving project of a third generation Nuyorican Bruja. Founded in 2015 as an act of resistance and performance art, it has grown to include a lifestyle brand, a line of contemporary prayer candles, and parties including the production of an annual public drumming, market, and joy-raiser beneath the Manhattan Bridge—Brooklyn Brujeria: The Festival.
What is the most important part of your business? Social media, customer service, etc. Why?
The most important part of my job is staying humble, honest, and inspired. I make mistakes and may even disappoint people. The most critical part is to first treat myself kindly (I am one tiny human doing my best to manage like six human’s worth of tasks), and maintain clear accountability and a sharp willingness to apologize and make things right as soon as I can.
Was this your original business plan? Has your business plan evolved or changed? In what way?
Brooklyn Brujeria was supposed to be 48 hours of fortune telling performance art. There was no plan. There is still …not quite a plan. I’ve followed the signs, momentum, and opportunities that have pushed and pulled me to keep doing the next right thing for the business.
When did you start to see growth in your business? How and why?
It’s been gradual! All of my growth has been through community—from each person that has purchased and burned down a candle, each store owner that has reached out for wholesale, or each and every person that has come to share their energy with me and sweat it out on one of my dance floors. Growth has come from them.
Anything new you are adding to your services and site this autumn?
I will be adding some new products for the holiday season, but mostly I am excited to throw my first major festival on Sept 14! The Festival is the next evolution of a smaller drumming and joy-raiser I organized last year to honor the strength and resilience of Puerto Rico following the impact of Hurricane Maria and the outrageous response by the U.S. Government. This year we will be fundraising and joy-raising on behalf of Brooklyn’s immigrant youth and it has grown from a Thursday to now include a full Free day of Saturday programming, a party on Saturday night, and what I’m calling A Day of Decolonized Wellness in partnership with several Black and Indigenous-owned and operated wellness studios, spaces, and businesses across Brooklyn on Sunday, September 15.
