“It is always a new fresh batch of handmade goods,” said co-owner Courtney Smith-Bush. “Our vendors are coming in weekly to refresh their inventory. So it’s always looking different.”
The little yellow shop at 11300 Jollyville Road, near The Arboretum in Northwest Austin, carries a curated collection of vintage and upcycled gifts made by local artists and offers classes in candle making. The shop has a loft where clients can have a tarot card reading.
The business is owned by two friends who decided to rent the space and make it a unique experience for customers who want to gather with friends. Candlemaker and sommelier Smith-Bush owns the gift shop and collective downstairs, and Mak Jagger does tarot card readings upstairs and hosts Ethereal Garden parties, monthly horoscope sign birthday parties and other eclectic events.
“People can go get a tarot reading, and based on their tarot reading, they could come down and make their own candle and put their intention in the candle for a spell candle class,” Smith-Bush said.
Smith-Bush uses vegan coco apricot wax, which is softer than butter. She uses vintage teacups she has collected from estate sales for candle making and adds fragrances according to customers’ requests. A large candle sells for about $50.
The shop is frequented by those looking for a unique gift for a friend to people looking for a place to sit and chat or do an activity and pick up a locally made gift.
An outdoor garden with chairs and lights serves as another space to host social events, and Smith-Bush has local musicians and caterers on call to help clients put something together.
Smith-Bush carries a collection of work from local artists, and prices begin at $10. The store also recently launched its online store at www.etherealgiftcollective.com/store.
