The Zen Shop Celebrates Their 4th Birthday!
On April 23rd, 2016, The Zen Shop opened their first brick and mortar location at The Courtice Fleamarket with a definite business plan and big goals! They were the first Metaphysical and Spiritual store to open in the Oshawa area. “We started small, with one 10×10′ spot,” says owner Sherrill Rees. Sherrill has a lifetime of retail experience, managing small and large upscale jewellery and gift shops. “I am a strong merchandiser,” she laughs, “and we packed a lot in there!”
Within one year the store expanded to two spots on their second birthday. “The community was so welcoming and excited about our products. Even though we were in the fleamarket part-time, we had one of the best selections of Metaphysical and Spiritual supplies. jewellery and giftware in the area. Our clientele and inventory increased rapidly,” says Sherrill.
Six months later, The Zen Shop found their new location at 308 Stevenson Rd. N. in Oshawa. “I knew we would be well received here,” explains Sherrill. “It’s in a plaza in a lovely north Oshawa neighbourhood, with front door parking and right on the transit line.”
The retail storefront has become Oshawa’s favourite “One Stop Metaphysical Shop.” Their large showroom offers a huge selection of elegant products. Glass shelves are adorned with colourful and specialty Pagan statues including Buddha, Dragons, Witchcraft, Gods and Goddesses, Angels, First Nations, Water Fountains and so much more. Their crystal emporium is incredible! You will find hundreds of rough and tumbled stones from around the world at amazing prices! The store has also dedicated a large portion of the showroom to large specimen sized crystals!
You will also find an excellent selection of aromatherapy products at The Zen Shop. They carry one of the largest selections of top name brand incense and essential oils. Table top diffusers and aromatherapy jewellery are also available. Top quality self care and holistic items are also on site including organic teas, soaps, lotions, hand sanitizers, shampoos and more! You will find all of your smudging accessories here too; White Sage, Palo Santo, Frankincense and more!
The Zen Shop offers top quality jewellery. They specialize in sterling silver; sacred symbol pendants, meditation rings, Italian chain and more. Breathtaking crystal pendants, bracelets and rare and hard to find gemstones fill their many showcases. They also offer jewellery repairs, ring sizing and custom design.
And what would a Metaphysical Shop be without its magical items? The Zen Shop offers the best selection of Tarot and Oracle cards. You can usually find close to 200 decks in stock! Books, hundreds of specialty candles, herbs, resins, runes, pendulum and more are also available! The store is a definite “must visit” destination, if you haven’t already!
Floral design is also a part of The Zen Shop! Visit them for memorial, wedding and any other everyday arrangement you may need. Their designer is a graduate of Seneca College and has over 18 years experience!
The Zen Shop Is Much More Than A Store!
The Zen Shop has also become Oshawa’s most authentic establishment for education and participation in the world of Metaphysics and Spirituality. They have a staff of eleven; all experts who are certified and highly trained in their field. Each facilitator offers private one on one services as well as group events. Tarot card reading classes, crystal workshops, hypnosis, moon rituals, meditation, shamanic drumming, bellydancing, jewellery crafting and paint nites are just some of the original group sessions offered. “Our facilitators are Masters of their craft. They walk their path everyday,” says owner, Sherrill Rees.
The Oshawa School of Witchcraft at The Zen Shop has offered the longest running and most popular classes in the area since 2018. These traditional classes are run by a third generation High Priestess who has taught for the Learning Annex and hosted an internet radio call in show out of Montreal. “We don’t just throw up specialty classes for the money and hire people with made up titles to read what they’ve printed off the internet. The community has come to learn that we offer only authentic trainers. It is a huge contributing factor to our major success, explains Sherrill. “We’ve had many attempts to imitate our events and classes. However, you just can’t duplicate genuine authenticity.”
The Zen Shop Is All About Fun!
One of the most unique classes The Zen Shop has become famous for is “Learn The Witch Dance”. The Witch Dance is a choreographed dance, first performed in 2016 by the women of Wolfshager Hexenbrut (in English; The Wolf Hunter’s Coven), located in Wolfshagen in Harz, Germany. After the dance went viral online, their dance was picked up by various different covens, pagan groups and celebrations worldwide. In 2018, owner Sherrill Rees came up with the idea to offer a 5-6 week class to teach this dance. One class is also dedicated to creating an authentic witch’s besom (broom). “I hired our bellydancing teacher at the time, to learn it and teach it. It quickly became a hit!” says Sherrill. “We have since upgraded our instructor. A real witch now teaches this class. Students connect with her at a level like no other! It’s one of our most popular classes to this day. I wanted to create a unique Witches Dance Coven for the region.” And that she did; The Shop’s students have performed The Witch Dance at many local venues including The Oshawa Santa Claus Parade and Durham Pagan Pride Day. A lot more performances are on the way!
The Zen Shop Is All About Community!
At The Zen Shop, customers are never just a number. Just like our facilitators, they become friends and family. “We have a very large community of like-minded people; all who are welcoming and non-judgmental. I can’t believe how many new friendships have been made as a result of meeting at our facility,” says Sherrill.
The Zen Shop Is All About The Experience!
When you book an appointment at The Zen Shop, it’s an overall experience! Readings take place in an old fashioned Parlour, complete with antique furniture and a fireplace. You will feel at home with any of their talented psychics and mediums
The Zen Shop also offers many holistic services. All practitioners are fully certified in their fields. The Healing room will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated and centered.
All classes, workshops and special events take place downstairs in “The Zen Den.” Everyone loves the feel of our sacred space and are often found taking pictures!
The Zen Shop has remained an essential business within the Spiritual and Holistic Community throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic. They are currently building an online store to meet all of your needs. Orders can be placed on the website, by phone or through inbox on their social media outlets. If you know or are inquiring about a particular product, you can reach the store Tuesday – Saturday.