Inspired by nature and the simplicity of life, Simply Magick offers handmade witchy wares locally created in Canberra for those wanting to conjure up a little bit of magic in their lives.
Launching in early 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the world, Natalie Laura and her partner began to find themselves with more spare time to explore the things they love.
“I got on the candle making wagon just over a year ago,” Ms Laura said. “At the same time, my partner was getting into pyrography, so we merged the two and started making candles and witchy things.”
Beginning with candles made with essential oils and decorated with flowers and crystals, the pair decided to make their personal passions a business, debuting with a small stall at the Queanbeyan Market.
They were surprised by the popularity of their products, one stall table quickly becoming three, filled with new products each month.
The duo also introduced an Simply Magick Esty store online, which features their most popular products: cauldrons, gift boxes and candles.
They also have more quirky products such as witch-themed colouring pages for children and pet collars for ‘familiars’.
Ms Laura said one of the biggest selling points is that their products contain natural ingredients and offer people more choice.
“We wanted to make an option for people who wanted something that was therapeutic,” she said.
“The candles have herbs and essential oils that have a therapeutic benefit for when people burn them, rather than just smelling nice.
“We had a few people say they can’t use incense or candles because they live in rentals … we decided to bring those therapeutic benefits from herbs into the bath teas and the sachets as well.”
While the beauty of the handmade creations has drawn the attention of their customers, Ms Laura believes the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on the popularity of their products.
“We found a lot of people who are interested in that kind of thing … I think due to COVID, people are going back to nature,” she said.
“I think it’s the simplicity of life people are appreciating now.”
As more people look for a little bit of magic in their everyday lives, Ms Laura said the Simply Magick team hopes to expand into a mini-shop or eventually be as big as The Crystal Chalice, Canberra’s first Pagan shop.
While they sell witchy wares, Ms Laura and her partner are hesitant to refer to themselves as ‘witches’ because of the negative connotations surrounding the term. They prefer to go without labels, simply embracing their interests as they are.
However, she said Simply Magick has received positive reactions from both the Canberra and Queanbeyan witch communities.
“It’s been great to know that community is out there and there is interest,” she said. “I think it’s being more accepted.”
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