We were lucky to catch up with Chandler Marvin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chandler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?
I started my business in 2020 when everything was becoming remote, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for what I do. Many people, especially those new to tarot, felt more comfortable receiving a reading from their couch instead of opening up to a new person in a new place. It also allowed me to answer their questions more quickly than meeting in-person. Unexpectedly, I gained many out-of-state and international clients as well, because I was able to work with them remotely. While I have added in-person events since starting the business, most of my readings are still done through Zoom. I have even expanded into using a subscription service through Patreon to send monthly readings to my regular clients. They love being able to expect a monthly treat sent right to their inbox, no scheduling needed.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi there! My name is Chandler, and I have been reading tarot cards for over a decade. I received my first deck in 2012 when I was living in California for an internship. My mom sent me a care package with plenty of my favorite snacks, and a Tarot for Beginners deck and guide book. For years, I practiced reading for my family and friends, and I finally decided to make my business official in 2020. Perhaps because of what was happening in the world, I found my niche shining a little light in dark spaces. I specialize in finding answers through tarot readings with a positive message and healing focus. Fun fact, I still use that very first deck for most of my readings! I have many, but the well-loved magenta deck you see in my Instagram posts still feels like the best reflection of my personality as a reader.
I also have a passion and academic background in interior design, which has led to my more recent offering, House Charming. I believe that every space has an energy of its own, affected by the people and the objects in it. To access that energy and use it to its full potential, I set up a specialized tarot spread to read the energy of the space. From there, I work directly with the client to achieve a beautiful, comfortable place that addresses their needs. Even small changes like rearranging existing furniture or painting a wall can have a huge impact on how you feel during the day. One corner may be better-suited towards deep rest, while the other may be buzzing with creativity. Using tarot to find those nuances can be a game changer for daily life.
Some common House Charming readings are for setting up a home office in a communal space, staging a home to sell, and zoning an open floor plan. My favorite House Charming readings are on the energy of a home before the new owners move in – the perfect housewarming gift! Think of it like greeting the house before settling in to be roommates with it.
Tarot is a great tool to understand yourself and the world on a deeper level, and after all this time it still amazes me every day!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Almost all of my business stems from referrals. Whether someone bought a gift card for their mom, or I was asked to read for an event hosted by a close friend, community is how I grow my clientele. I have been very lucky to make close friends with other supportive business owners and creatives, and I am so grateful to be welcomed into spaces where I have the opportunity to grow! Especially in a business that is vulnerable and sometimes seen as taboo, a personal reference goes a long way in reaching new clients. I always appreciate testimonials to add to my website, and I ask clients to send over anyone they know who might be interested. I also offer donation-based mini readings through Instagram once a month. This allows anyone who is on the fence to give it a try for any amount they are comfortable with spending.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Most people don’t seek out a spiritual adviser when their life is happy and picture-perfect. Tarot is a tool to help my clients access and validate very personal feelings and experiences, and I treat that trust with care. When someone feels seen and understood during a reading, it is incredibly fulfilling. I save the reading recordings so we can look back together over time and see the way things have changed. That’s something I really love about the cards – they give a visual, tangible marker of where things are at and where they may be headed. I’m so grateful to be part of my client’s healing process and to watch them meet their personal goals!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chandlertarot.com/
- Instagram: @chandler.tarot
- Facebook: @chandler.tarot
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlermarvin/
- Other: Patreon.com/chandlertarot