We recently connected with Julia Gates and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, appreciate you joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
I took after my dad in personality, which includes a love for spooky things. As a kid we would stroll cemeteries on Sunday evenings, sometimes looking for owl pellets to dissect for bones. Halloween was always the biggest holiday growing up.
Both of my parents have always been supportive in all of my endeavors, even if they may not align with witchcraft.
After I started my business, we took a long drive as a family to the wonderstone quarry in Vernon, UT to dig up rhodochrosite. Later my dad got me a rock tumbler and let me use his garage to tumble my stones. We have also taken trips to Glitter Mountain in Littlefield, AZ to find selenite (gypsum) to use in my spells.
My parents also let me use their backyard for hosting spell jar classes before I opened my first storefront.
Julia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started The Pleiadian Altar in 2021 as a farmers market booth and creative outlet for myself.
(Pleiades is a star constellation, and a safe space for women in Greek mythology!)
My business quickly expanded to a brick-and-mortar in Murray, UT (2022-2026) where I sold crystals and handmade witchcraft tools. I also frequently hosted rituals and craft nights with the community.
I just got married and moved to Portland, OR where I have started the cycle anew and am participating in local artisan markets as I look for the perfect place to reopen The Pleiadian Altar!
My products are ethically sourced, beginner-friendly, and open to people from all cultures and walks of life.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I am 100% genuine in my products and art. I only create things that I would use myself and that I believe firmly in.
While making money is important, my number one goal is building connections with my local community and teaching about witchcraft to those who may have questions!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I started out, I always thought all sales needed to go back into my business to be able to scale it. Well, 3 years in I still wasn’t taking a paycheck and was waiting for that magical day when I could.
I had a meeting with a financial advisor who turned me on to the profit first method (it’s a great book! Profit First by Mike Michalowicz). That day I was able to start paying myself, and I chose to split some of my profits with my staff monthly.
While I might not be making a lot of money yet, I’m able to work full time for myself and that’s a big deal for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PortlandWitch.com
- Instagram: @the.pleiadian.altar
- Facebook: ThePleiadianAltar
Image Credits
Krysta Kiraly