We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Manicke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Does agreeing to this interview count? Of course, I’m 90% joking, but there’s still 5% fear and 5% disbelief that I am able to publicly share my experiences. I think the first thing we should get out of the way is this notion that Spiritual Coaches, like myself, need to come equipped with all the answers to life’s mysteries and the reasons for the curve balls it throws at us or that we are 100% healed and void of darkness within ourselves. That’s not what makes us coaches or healers. It’s our abilities to look at ourselves in the mirror, and integrate and embrace our shadow and light that allows us to help others through their own darkness.
I’ve always been spiritually gifted, ever since I was very young. I was very self-aware and knew I could communicate with all sorts of beings, not just humans. I would talk to the trees, my stuffed animals, pets… and sometimes could hear conversations taking place from the “people I couldn’t see”. I had a few distant relatives who were able to pick up on my quirks and would call me an “old soul”, but looking back, I can’t help but laugh because they were right, they just didn’t realize how old of a soul I am. My dreams have always been very colorful and vivid, much like watching a movie. I’d have these extremely detailed dreams where I would have memories and scenarios play out that didn’t make sense for me to have at the time. In hindsight, I realized I was accessing memories from previous lifetimes, but as a child, it was entertaining but not always age appropriate. Things really began to kick off when my dreams would start coming true. On occasion I would be able to lucid dream, being aware I was in a dream while I was dreaming and even having control of my actions and surroundings. I’ve even been known to astral project, leaving my body and being able to travel elsewhere or remote view, perceiving information from a distant location without realizing I was doing any of these things. I kept a lot of my experiences to myself. I somehow knew even then people wouldn’t understand, so I channeled my gifts through creative writing, art, and the theater. As I went into high school, I myself even started to explain it away and say it was my creativity and vivid imagination. There were still hints and inklings, but I just shook them off. I had a trajectory in mind of how I was going to pursue my career, but all of that came to a crashing halt my senior year of high school.
Just three months shy of graduation, I had my first semi-physical encounter with the “other side”. I was finishing up a performance of my school’s play when I looked out into the crowd and saw my great grandmother standing in the audience. My great grandmother had been deceased for at least 10 years at the time. I thought it was a trick of the light or maybe someone who looked very much like her. But where she was standing, there weren’t any seats or even a way for her to be where she was. After the show, I headed back out onto the stage. I tried everything to recreate what I saw, but to no avail. All of a sudden, I was filled with such loss and emotion, I felt like just breaking down ang sobbing. I had this instant notion or fear that I was going to lose someone… It was then that I “heard” my great grandmother’s voice in a gentle whisper telling me that it was all going to be okay. It was going to be very hard, but she believed in me. She was proud of me. And everything would be okay. I didn’t understand what was happening, and when I left, I thought I was half nuts from sleep deprivation or possibly stress from the show.
Three days later, I still couldn’t shake that heavy feeling, and the experience haunted me. Despite my fear, I broke down and decided to confide in my family what I was feeling and what I saw. My mother retorted: “You’re crazy– been watching too many movies.” I mean, I can’t blame her response because I thought the same thing. Moments later, I received word that one of my close friends had died by suicide.
In the weeks and years to come, I would go through what I now call “my first awakening”. I have currently experienced three awakenings in total since, and every experience was more intense than the previous one. I had to find out the hard way that a. not everyone experienced these things, b. it can make people very uncomfortable when I open up about my abilities and c. to try not to take their negative reactions personally. Hearing first hand about these experiences can challenge people’s faith and understanding of what is “out there” and possible. The more we hung out, the more comfortable I would get, and my gifts would start to blossom again. I would become a constant reminder that there was more to life than what we are told and perceive. I lost a lot of friendships and even fell prey to predatory mentors who claimed they could support and help me grow. But like clockwork, when I began to feel comfortable enough around them, my gifts would ignite. I would receive a vision or a dream that I share with them, I’d get a name or message from a loved one that had passed, or my personal favorite, I’d answer and respond to questions, or mention something they never verbally spoke about but were thinking about. Eventually they became distant, left or even villainized me. It took me years of growing, reflecting, and doing the work to understand that I needed these hard lessons in order to learn how to establish healthy boundaries and redefine what it meant to surround myself with safe people.
No matter how many times I tried to swallow and ignore my gifts, pretend they didn’t exist and carry on with my head down, something in me kept whispering that there was no way I was the only soul going through this. And even though it’s a risk every time I open up to talk about what I went through, I need to do it. The more it’s talked about, the less taboo it becomes. Every time I take the risk of sharing my experiences, especially publicly, I risk exposing myself to ridicule, hateful remarks, religious zealots trying to “save me”, or even having it affect my professional career. All of this can take a toll on me mentally, emotionally and quite possibly professionally… BUT what outweighs all of that, is the possibility of reaching at least ONE person who has experienced something similar and realizes that they aren’t alone. That at least one other person in the vast world understands them.
The moment I began to open up about my experiences, it was like a beacon had been lit. Suddenly, the universe began to guide “my people” towards me. These connections were instantaneous, forged in a shared understanding and a sense of familiarity that transcended time. With their unwavering love and support, I felt a newfound sense of security and courage. This empowered me to lay the groundwork for what would become Madame Creatrix. Their belief in me fueled my own, and encouraged me to prioritize my healing and wellness, allowing me to reconnect and explore my spiritual gifts and translate them into practices and containers that will illuminate the paths of others.
On April 2nd, 2024, at precisely 2:22 PM central time, I took the leap of faith and filed our Articles of Organization. Madame Creatrix was officially a small business! That same month, fueled by a mix of nerves and excitement, Austin and I attended our first spiritual market. There alongside the debut of our Spell Kits, I offered my intuitive readings – a powerful synergy of my gifts as a medium, channel, and psychic. With a heart full of hope, I consciously declared that I was taking up the mantle and stepping into the role of the Oracle. I trusted that the kaleidoscope of images and emotions flooding my mind, be it glimpses of past lives or whispers from beyond, were meant to guide each client on their unique journey. The insights may not always land immediately, but like seeds sown, they’ll blossom in their own time. The initial isolation and fear pale in comparison to the excitement and purpose I’ve found. Saying “yes” to this path, to taking that risk, has been the most transformative decision of my life. So hell yes, taking the risk was and is 100% worth it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
When confusion and chaos cloud your outlook, and you feel like shouting into the void— have no fear! Your Emotional Support Witch is here! My name is Lauren, but my clients and followers know me as Madame Creatrix, an intuitive reader, Certified Spiritual Awakening and Dark Night of the Soul Coach, Reiki Master Healer, a medium, channel, psychic, and Ordained Sacred Ceremony Facilitator (and a partridge in a pear tree). I’ve been an eclectic magick practitioner for about 20 years. I stepped out of the broom closet publicly as Madame Creatrix on Beltane, May 1st of 2020 initially as an outlet to sell some of my handmade bespoke baubles and share my paranormal, witchy, and unusual interests with a virtual community. Madame Creatrix has since grown and expanded, not only in the products I carry, but I now share my spiritual gifts, experience and knowledge of the unseen realms, and abilities with others. I break down the mystical jargon so it’s easily understandable, less scary, and helps people like you to establish mindful habits, rituals and practices that can be incorporated daily. My products and services are currently offered through our website at www. madamecreatrix.com , but I also travel to various events across the Midwest offering my services and selling our witchy goods!
From a young age, I felt an undeniable calling to the mystical and paranormal. It wasn’t just curiosity; it was a deep resonance that drew me to devour every book and article I could find on ancient mythology, folklore, and the experiences of mediums and mystics. The library became my sanctuary, and the internet (if available) a lifeline to a wider world, fueling my hunger to learn about these unseen realms. This hunger also manifested in my love for fantasy novels and shows like “Charmed” and “Buffy.” Though exaggerated, these strong female characters with unique gifts offered a glimpse into a world where my own experiences with heightened extrasensory perception (ESP) might not be so strange after all. Even with all this exposure, nothing could have prepared me for the day my abilities intensified, or for a vivid vision that would later unfold in reality. This undeniable pull towards the unseen, coupled with a life-altering experience, ultimately led me to pursue a path in the mystical and paranormal industry.
My own late teens and early twenties were ravaged by a dark night of the soul. Everything I thought I knew crumbled, replaced by a constant gnawing fear and anxiety. It was a harrowing journey, but one that ultimately ignited my passion to become a Spiritual Coach specializing in Spiritual Awakenings and navigating Dark Nights of the Soul. Having walked through that darkness myself, I understand its depths. Now, I guide others navigating through these potent transformational times by facilitating a safe space for them to be witnessed, supported, and encouraged to embrace and embody themselves. Together, we explore ways to find meaning and purpose within the challenges, fostering a sense of empowerment and inner peace. I pair this Reiki energy healing applications to provide a holistic approach, facilitating emotional releases, enhancing intuition, and further empowering my clients.
My passion is to help people of all experience levels explore their spirituality, from the casually curious to the seasoned practitioner. There’s a surge in interest, with metaphysical shops popping up everywhere. But often, this excitement can be met with confusion. Where’s the reliable guidance? Often, you find overpriced crystals, tools, and card decks with minimal information, if any. I bridge the gap by crafting and curating intentional Spell Kits. These kits are designed to empower you to create a powerful and personalized practice around your specific intention. Each kit is thoughtfully assembled and includes high-quality tools and ethically sourced herbs or incense blends, along with clear instructions on how to craft a ritual, spell, or practice, suggested journal prompts, additional resources. This empowers you to not only learn how to use these tools but also explore various ways to customize your practice to fit your unique lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking to facilitate manifestation, adapt a deeper radical self-love ritual, or deepen your spiritual connection, my spell Kits provide a supportive starting point for your journey.
Madame Creatrix is so much more than being your emotional support witch and go-to mystical bestie. Austin, my fiancé, is an integral part of the business. His unwavering support and faith fuel my passion. At events, while I conduct back-to-back readings, he manages our table. What truly sets us apart is the dynamic we create. Often, people approach with a healthy dose of skepticism, expecting a stereotypical “believer.” Austin, however, surprises them. He’s a grounded skeptic, open to unexplainable experiences, which sparks genuine conversations. His openness invites others to share their own stories, fostering a sense of connection and mutual understanding. Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond acceptance. We actively strive to create a space that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner of the craft or simply curious about exploring your own spirituality, you’ll find a safe space for open dialogue and connection at with us.
This vision extends beyond the virtual world and the brief interactions we share at our tabled-events. Our ultimate goal is to create a physical sanctuary – a cozy shop with an open community space – where individuals can gather, learn, and expand their connections in a safe and supportive environment. Here, they’ll be guided and taught by professionals and fellow practitioners eager to share their crafts and practices. It took a community to build Madame Creatrix, and it’s my soul mission to give right back to the very community that nurtured me.
As Terry Pratchett cleverly observed, “Some people think ‘coven’ is a word for a group of witches, and it’s true that’s what the dictionary says. But the real word for a group of witches is ‘an argument.'” This quote captures the irony of many metaphysical shops today. They promote community, but the environment can feel competitive. When we envisioned what the next steps for Madame Creatrix would be, we knew we didn’t want to be just another crystal shop. Sure, crystals are fantastic tools, but our passion lies elsewhere. We’re passionate about fostering a supportive sanctuary for all spiritual practitioners, regardless of their modalities – whether it’s Reiki, tarot, astrology, or something else entirely. Each practitioner brings unique approaches and gifts to the table, and that’s the beauty of it!
Rather than viewing other readers, healers, and practitioners as rivals, we see them as an ever-growing network of resources. I love learning from others. Hearing about how they access their gifts and what ignites their passion inspires me.
I understand that I won’t resonate with everyone. Not everyone enjoys their whiskey neat! But instead of turning someone away or adopting a “me or the highway” mentality, wouldn’t it be amazing to say, “Hey, while I might not be the perfect fit for you, let me tap into my network and find someone who aligns perfectly with your needs?” In the long run, collaboration benefits everyone, especially the clients seeking spiritual growth. As my Reiki teacher, Erin Ryan, so eloquently put it, “There are billions of people on the planet and not enough healers. We cannot heal them all.” Collaboration is key. By sharing knowledge and fostering open communication, we can all serve those seeking spiritual growth on their unique journeys.
At the end of the day, I just want folks to know that Madame Creatrix isn’t just a shop, persona, or a website. It’s me, Lauren, a witchy woman on a mission to create a welcoming space for spiritual seekers. By my side is my biggest supporter, Austin, the resident “grounded skeptic” who keeps things real with a healthy dose of open-mindedness. We can’t forget our feline supervisors, Hazel and Ember, who provide purrfect stress relief in between readings and events. Together, we’re building a dream come true – a vibrant spiritual community where folks can safely connect with their intuition, explore their paths, and find guidance along the way. No matter where you’re at in your journey, we welcome you with open arms to follow us on this magical adventure.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the years before Madame Creatrix, I climbed the corporate ladder as a Creative Director and Social Media Manager. The financial security was comforting, but a nagging emptiness persisted. While crafting campaigns for others, I’d have these powerful spiritual experiences – visions, intuitions, whispers from the universe – that I had to suppress, tucking them away to focus on KPIs and ROI.
My pivotal moment wasn’t a single dramatic event, but a crescendo of nudges. The first significant push came when I left the corporate world for a seemingly perfect fit – a home décor boutique housed in a beautiful, historic Queen Anne. The space held a captivating energy, but soon, I realized it wasn’t just the charming antiques. The spirit of a woman, restless and yearning for her husband’s return, shared the space with us. At first, it was playful – objects toppling from shelves, whispers in the stillness. But the playful nudges escalated, culminating in a terrifying cascade of crashing glassware. The incident left me shaken, but more importantly, awakened to a truth – I wasn’t meant for a life tiptoeing around the unseen.
Freelancing for various small businesses offered a taste of freedom, but it wasn’t enough. The emptiness remained, a constant reminder that my talents and my passions lay elsewhere. Then came the high-paying job at the luxury store. The money, the benefits – they were undeniably attractive. Yet, within a short time, the soul-suffocating feeling returned even stronger. This time, the message was clear – it was time to stop strategizing an escape and start building my dream. By April 2024, the universe declared it was time. It was time to fully embrace my true calling and pivot towards Madame Creatrix.
Thankfully, I’d already begun building a foundation for this transition. Reiki classes offered a powerful toolset for energetic healing, while my various coaching certifications honed my ability to empower and guide others. With the unwavering support and encouragement of my fiancé, incredible friends (aka my pocket witches) and mentors, the path became clearer. This growth was anything but a solitary pursuit.
Dawn Hamilton of Infinite Illuminations lit the match that sparked the fuse that brought Madame Creatrix out of hiding. She was right there with her booth right next to us for our very first event. Megan Killion, CEO and Founder of MKC Agency, provided invaluable knowledge and business guidance. She saw my potential years ago and molded the professional I am today. Aether Candace, CEO and Founder of Soul Trine, not only encouraged me from day one to take the leap, but also challenged me to explore my gifts deeper, not to filter myself, and to view things from various perspectives. Justine the Witch, witnessed my growth, matched my energy level for level, and showed me what it was to integrate and become intimate with my shadow. Erin Ryan, Reiki Master Teacher & Founder of 5 Element Dragon Fire Reiki, not only trained, attuned, and helped me refine my abilities to channel, but fostered and facilitated a safe virtual space to allowing me to heal, grow, and learn how to use my fire and wings.
I had the tools, support, and confidence to make the change and pursue my dreams as Madame Creatrix. Each one of these incredible women played a vital role in helping me step into this new chapter.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
For a long time, the word “strength” felt like an iron mask I wore. Growing up in a chaotic household, I learned to bottle up my emotions – especially anger. Disagreements often escalated quickly, and expressing myself felt like throwing gasoline on the fire. So, I swallowed my frustrations, convincing myself that feeling deeply was a weakness. This suppression became even more pronounced after losing my friend in high school. Grief felt like a suffocating weight, but I convinced myself that showing it would be a burden on others. Looking back, I realize this constant suppression wasn’t strength; it was merely a way to cope in an unbalanced environment.
Then, the Strength card in the Tarot offered a new perspective. The image of the gentle maiden calmly holding the jaws of a roaring lion resonated deeply. It wasn’t about brute force, but about a quiet inner power, a strength that acknowledged emotions without being ruled by them. True strength, I realized, was about feeling the burn of anger, the pang of grief, and using that fire to move forward with purpose.
As I prioritized my healing journey, my definition of strength once again began to transform. I realized there’s immense power in vulnerability and embracing our shadows. A few months ago, I decided to share a deeply personal story about my journey on social media. It was terrifying, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. People messaged me about their own experiences, thanking me for opening up a space for vulnerability. This solidified my belief that true strength lies not in hiding our struggles, but in sharing them and fostering a community of support.
This newfound understanding now informs everything I do as Madame Creatrix. I help individuals cultivate inner strength through vulnerability and self-compassion. One technique I use is journaling prompts that encourage clients to explore their “roaring lions” – those deep emotions they try to suppress. Through these prompts and open discussions, we learn to acknowledge these powerful feelings and use them as a source of strength and connection. The Strength card reminds us that we don’t have to conquer our vulnerabilities, but rather learn to coexist with them, using their energy to build bridges with others. In my coaching practice, I create a safe space for this exploration, a space where strength is found not by hiding our shadows, but by embracing them, integrating them, and stepping into our authentic selves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madamecreatrix.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madamecreatrix/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadameCreatrix
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmanicke/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MadameCreatrix
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/madame-creatrix-mchenry
