‘Connect with the spirit world’ at this Michigan shop offering crystals, spell kits and teas

BAY CITY, MI — Step through the doors of Besom Apothecary in Bay City’s Midland Street Business District, and you’ll see colorful glass witches’ balls hanging from the ceiling, display cases filled with crystals, and shelves lined with glass jars of organic herbs promising everything from improved sleep to protection from hexes.

Shop owners Melissa Alex and Lorie Starr moved their small business to 612 E. Midland St. earlier this year. It’s filled with unique products and interesting things to browse — even the paint on the walls is infused with crystals and essential oils.

“You might come in feeling heavy or weighed down, and when you leave, we want you to feel lifted and better than when you walked in,” Starr said. “We try to make sure the energy, the vibrations are high in here.”

Many customers come for Starr’s readings, including tarot, tea leaf and crossing-over readings, during which she claims to connect with the spirit world.

“I can see the people that are around them, and if they want somebody specific to come in, if I’m not seeing them, we can try to bring them forward,” she said. “Or we can communicate with someone that I am seeing to try to get a message through.”

Loose-leaf teas are one of the shop’s biggest sellers, with blends made with certain needs in mind, such as relief from flu, hangovers and inflammation. Shoppers will also find cruelty-free skin care products, hand-dipped incense, jewelry, books, home decor and other items. Starr and Alex said they have received a lot of community support since the shop opened.

“We’re excited to be able to be here,” Alex said. “We have a little bit of everything for everybody.”

The hollow glass witches’ balls hanging from the ceiling are another unique find. They are believed to trap and then cleanse negativity when sunlight passes through the glass.

“It’s like an ever-cleansing of your home,” Starr said.

Besom Apothecary will soon be offering classes, such as yoga and meditation, and the owners are seeking instructors to teach them. The shop owners strive to create a space that’s free of judgment and where all feel welcome.

“We really want it to be known that we’re a safe zone; we’re a safe zone for people to come no matter what you believe in,” Starr said.

The shop is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Readings are available by appointment. To book a reading, click here.

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