Artist builds metaphysical collective in Mechanicsburg with the Bewitching Moon

Maggie Hoch

Business Name: The Bewitching Moon

Years in business: 3 years

Location: 102 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I wanted to be able to support local artisans and crafters by offering space where their items could be sold. I am a soap maker and I rented a space in a shop in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and thought the concept was great, but I did not want to just open another collective. There were already plenty of those in the area. I thought hard about what interested me, as well as what types of retail shops were missing in my area. I decided to open the first artisan collective with a witchy twist in the area. The artisans who apply for space in the shop must make items that will fit with the aesthetic of the shop.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: As mentioned, I am a soap maker; I wanted somewhere close to home that I could sell my products. In addition to our full-time careers, my husband and I would vend almost every weekend at a local craft fair or other type of vendor event. Once a month we set up a holistic market where I met several like-minded small business owners. I hosted an outside vendor event in June 2021 to benefit a local animal rescue, which was very successful. I spent about 20 years in various positions at local banks and credit unions and I was ready for a change. A small commercial space opened up less than a mile away from my home; I imagined the space would be out of my price range, but I figured why not at least call and find out. I was pleasantly surprised that it was something I could afford, so my husband and I set a time to take a look at it, and a month or so later we opened for business.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: We are a metaphysical boutique; we offer curated handmade items from 25 plus local artisans, which includes jewelry, crochet, candles, artwork, wood burned decor, soap and more. In addition to the handmade items, we stock crystals, incense, books, tarot and oracle decks, essential oils, ritual oils, etc. We provide a safe space for anyone and everyone to shop and learn about paganism and witchcraft. Once a month or more, we host a presentation, discussion, or make and take craft class.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: Affordable and effective marketing; social media is really the only outlet for small businesses. Our budget does not include money for billboards or even a regular spot in one of the small local newspapers. Word of mouth is our best advertising; we really depend on our customers to share their experience with us and tell their family, friends and co-workers about what a wonderful hidden gem we are. Additionally we have lost some of our customers due the move from our original space in May 2024; we moved to a larger location which is two blocks west and one block south of our original space. A month prior we continually posted about the upcoming move on social media, stuffed customers bags with flyers, and posted signage in and outside the shop. Seven months later, there is still not a week that goes by where at least one person will stop in and say they thought we permanently closed and just happened to drive by the new location.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: My husband and I love to promote other small businesses and local eateries in the area. The Rosemary House is one of my favorite places; their garden is so charming. I feel a rush of calm immediately when I step into the enchanted space they have created.