Today we’d like to introduce you to Vonda Kay.
Vonda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Like a lot of people, during COVID, I decided I wanted a career change from my 20-year career as a family law attorney. At first, I thought I would transition from litigation to mediation, but then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I caught it very early, but it was still an 18-month ordeal with multiple surgeries and recoveries, but I am now cancer free. During my cancer journey, I completely rethought my high-stress career choice. I love being an attorney, but it was very stressful and fast-paced. One morning during a meditation at home, I saw myself sitting in a metaphysical gift shop, and it was clear to me in the vision that it was my own shop. I thought it was crazy and told my husband about it. That same afternoon we went to downtown McKinney for lunch, and we came upon a small metaphysical gift shop similar to the one I envisioned during my mediation. We both thought it was very interesting, and the idea snowballed into a full-blown business plan, a commercial realtor, and within 90 days we had rented the retail space on Bethany that is now the Mindful Mermaid. I did a lot of homework and learned about how to start a retail metaphysical boutique! Everything fell into place, but then we had a delay of a few months opening. We worked out all the issues and opened around the first of October! I love my shop, the people I am meeting and working with. I am learning so much about the metaphysical world that has been a hobby and passion for years but now my career. People ask about the name, and it’s really about my love of the beach and the mermaid artworks by Michael Parkes and Christian Schloe.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say it has been very smooth but had a few delays with zoning and supply chain delays. The delays were sort of a blessing in disguise as it gave me time to learn more about the retail business and find many new amazing products for my shop. The Allen Chamber of Commerce is amazing and provided a lot of resources for new businesses!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mindful Mermaid is a retail Metaphysical Boutique. I have crystals, candles, jewelry, incense, sage, meditation cushions, and metaphysical supplies and items. I have tumbled stones, raw stones, free form, and clusters. I also have a room, The Mermaid Room, for events such as Aura readings, oracle or tarot readings, art and jewelry classes. The room can also host private events or gathering with friends for one of our classes with food and refreshments. I have two brands of jewelry, Rain and Lotus, but also gemstone bracelets, and a local artisan, LABcreations, has her wrapped stone necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in my shop as well. I have beautiful VitaJuwel water bottles, decanters, and even pet bowls!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Follow your dreams but have a good business plan! Also, don’t be afraid to talk to people in the industry, not necessarily your direct competition but others outside of the area. I did, and they really opened up to me about their journey, offered very specific advice, genuine encouragement, and shared personal tips for the metaphysical retail business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mindful-mermaid.com
- Instagram: @shopmindfulmermaid
- Facebook: @shopmindfulmermaid
