Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Manicke

Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey as Madame Creatrix began when I was a curious child, captivated by the mystical and the unseen. I spent countless hours in libraries, pouring over books about ancient mythology and folklore, drawn to tales of powerful figures with magical gifts. There was something about those stories that resonated deeply within me, sparking a fire of curiosity that never seemed to fade.

As I moved into my late teens and early twenties, I found myself plunged into a dark night of the soul. Everything I thought I understood about life began to crumble, leaving me consumed by fear and anxiety. But it was during this tumultuous time that I discovered my spiritual gifts. Facing those shadows forced me to confront my inner self, and I felt a compelling need to explore and embrace my abilities.

On Beltane in 2020, I took a courageous leap and stepped out of the broom closet, launching my brand as Madame Creatrix. What started as a way to share my handmade items and my love for all things witchy quickly transformed into a platform for spiritual coaching and community support. I became a Certified Spiritual Awakening and Dark Night of the Soul Coach, as well as a Reiki Master Healer, among other roles. It was through this journey that I realized I could bridge the gap between the mystical and the everyday, offering guidance to those who felt lost on their own paths.

Creating welcoming spaces for others has been my passion. I’ve developed curated Spell Kits and offer intuitive readings designed to empower individuals at every stage of their spiritual journeys. I couldn’t have done any of this without the unwavering support of my fiancé, Austin aka Spooky Boy, who brings a grounded perspective to our work. Together, we aim to create an environment where skepticism meets wonder and where everyone feels safe exploring their unique connections to the mystical.

Madame Creatrix is not just a business for me; it’s a living embodiment of my mission to help others navigate the beautiful chaos of spirituality. With our feline companions, Hazel and Ember, by our side, we continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to exploration, empowerment, and the celebration of all things magical. I’m truly excited to be on this journey, guiding others to connect with their intuition and find their path in this vast universe.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Has my journey been a smooth road? Oh, if only it were that simple! The path to becoming an intuitive and professional witch is anything but a straight line; it’s more like navigating a winding forest trail filled with unexpected twists, turns, and certainly a few potholes along the way.

Let’s be real—when I first stepped onto this path, I envisioned a magical adventure where everything would click into place beautifully. But the universe loves to keep us on our toes, doesn’t it? One of the biggest struggles I faced was reconciling my gifts with the outside world. Imagine walking around with a vibrant light inside you, wanting to shine it for everyone to see, but feeling as if you’re walking through a fog. I often felt isolated, especially during those early days when I began to share my abilities with others. Not everyone was ready to see the magic I felt within me.

There were moments of deep self-doubt when I questioned whether my experiences were genuine or just a figment of a wild imagination. I lost friendships along the way—people who simply didn’t understand the depth of my journey or the gifts I was trying to embrace. That feeling of not belonging can be incredibly tough to navigate. I remember thinking, “Is something wrong with me?” It took time—and some not-so-great experiences—to understand that I wasn’t the problem. It was about finding my tribe, the people who understood and celebrated my journey.

Then, there were the predatory mentors, those who claimed they could help guide me but only left me feeling more lost than before. They challenged my trust in myself and in the process, adding to the confusion I was feeling. I learned the hard way that not everyone has good intentions, and sometimes, my intuition was my greatest ally in recognizing who to stay away from.

But through all these struggles, I discovered something transformative: true strength isn’t about being unshakeable or untouched by darkness. It’s about embracing that darkness and integrating it into your journey. Every setback became a lesson, a stepping stone that led me closer to who I am today. Instead of running from my experiences, I learned to weave them into the fabric of my story, which is now what I share with my clients.

So, while the road has been rocky and full of challenges, each bump has shaped me into the coach and practitioner I am. These struggles have given me the empathy and understanding I need to truly hold space for others as they navigate their own challenges. And I can honestly say, every single moment—fear, doubt, and all—has been worth it. So here’s to the wild and winding journey of spiritual exploration: may it inspire others to embrace their paths, bumps and all!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

At the heart of what I do is a beautiful fusion of spiritual coaching, magical practices, and mindful rituals. My goal is to create a sacred space where individuals can explore their unique spiritual paths, regardless of where they’re starting from. It’s all about empowering people to connect with their intuition and embrace their gifts in a way that feels authentic to them.

I specialize in guiding individuals through Spiritual Awakenings and the Dark Night of the Soul. These intense transformative experiences can feel overwhelming, and I know firsthand how challenging they can be. That’s where my passion lies—helping folks navigate those murky waters and emerge more connected to themselves. I’ve been through my own awakenings, and I leverage that experience to offer insights and support, creating a safe haven for those who might feel lost or frightened.

I’m also known for my intuitive readings, where I channel messages from the spirit realm, bridging the gap between the seen and unseen. I offer curated Spell Kits that invite people to explore and personalize their magical practices, giving them the tools to craft their own rituals grounded in intention and mindfulness. Each kit is thoughtfully assembled with ethically sourced materials that nurture the soul while fostering a sense of empowerment.

What sets me apart is my commitment to breaking down the mystical jargon that often permeates discussions about spirituality. I believe everyone deserves access to this knowledge in a way that feels relatable and easy to grasp. I strive to make the esoteric approachable, minimizing the intimidation factor so anyone can see how they fit into this magical tapestry we call life. Plus, I emphasize the importance of vulnerability in healing. True strength comes from facing our shadows and finding community support, and that’s a big theme in my practice.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the community we’ve built around Madame Creatrix. The connections I’ve forged with others on similar journeys have been profoundly rewarding. Each time someone shares that my words resonated with them or that they found courage in their own journey after working together, my heart swells with pride. It’s a beautiful reminder that we’re all interconnected, and I am simply a guide illuminating paths for others to walk on their own.

To put it simply, I’m here to create a welcoming space where everyone can explore their spirituality, reclaim their power, and connect with their authentic selves. Nothing is more exhilarating than watching someone transform and embrace their own magic!

Who else deserves credit in your story?

When reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that I could never have reached this point without the incredible support system surrounding me. So many individuals, mentors, and clients have contributed to the magic of Madame Creatrix, and each has played a crucial role in my growth.

First and foremost, I have to shout out my fiancé, Austin. His unwavering belief in me has been the bedrock of this journey. He’s my grounding force, always encouraging me to embrace my gifts and step into my power. Whether managing our events or providing insights during brainstorming sessions, his support enables me to stay focused and creative.

Then there’s Dawn Hamilton of Infinite Illuminations, who has been a guiding light, sparking the inspiration that helped bring Madame Creatrix to life. Her energy and insights ignited the fire within me, encouraging me to overcome my fears and step out of my comfort zone. What’s more, she was right there with us at our very first event, sharing the experience and cheering me on every step of the way.

I’d be remiss not to mention Megan Killion, the CEO of MKC Agency, who saw my potential long before I did. She’s been an invaluable source of business knowledge, guiding me on how to navigate the complexities of running a small business. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping me carve a niche for Madame Creatrix in the spiritual community, enabling me to thrive in ways I had only dreamed of.

Aether Candace, the CEO and Founder of Soul Trine is another incredible individual. She encouraged me from the very beginning to dig deeper into my gifts and not filter myself. Her support and willingness to hold up the mirror for introspection pushed me to explore my abilities further, helping to build a solid foundation for my practice.

Justine the Witch, aka my “tarotpist” has also been a vital part of my journey, exemplifying the importance of integrating my shadow, learning how to wield and harness the various aspects of my own unique magic, and showing me what it means to live authentically.

And I cannot forget Erin Ryan, my Reiki Master Teacher and founder of 5 Element Dragon Fire Reiki. Erin not only trained and attuned me but also created a safe virtual space for me to heal, grow, and refine my abilities to channel energy. She has influenced how I approach my practices by embracing vulnerability. Her guidance has been essential in helping me connect deeply with my spiritual gifts and use them effectively in my work.

Lastly, my amazing clients deserve all the love in the world! Every individual who has sat at my table or approached our booth has taught me something new and given me a chance to refine my skills. Their openness to share their journeys has empowered them and allowed me to grow and learn in profound ways. I cherish every connection and shared experience that makes this work so meaningful.

In short, the success of Madame Creatrix is a collective effort. It’s a tapestry woven with the threads of support, encouragement, and love from these remarkable individuals. I’m genuinely grateful for each one of them, as they remind me that we are never truly alone on our journeys—there’s always a community that helps us rise.

Pricing:

• 15 Minute Reading = $35
• 30 Minute Reading = $62
• 1 Hour Reading = $122
• 30 Minute Virtual Reiki Session = $88
• 1 Hour Virtual Reiki Session = $122

Contact Info:

• Website: https://madamecreatrix.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madamecreatrix/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadameCreatrix
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadameCreatrix
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/madame-creatrix-mchenry
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@madamecreatrix