By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Spiritual traditions from across the world are now finding a home in Hays through the opening of Alternative Reflection.
The store, 1502 Vine St., celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Chamber in Hays on Wednesday. Owner Amy Wierenga said the idea for the store began about two decades ago.
"It just wasn't the right time, and here we are, some 20 some years later. Life happens, and I'm gonna grab it ... with the same friends that helped me 20 years ago, it came to fruition, and here we are today with a lot of hard work and planning," Wierenga said.
Wierenga said the store was intentionally designed to be welcoming and inclusive to people of all backgrounds and belief systems. The shop offers products connected to a wide range of spiritual traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Wicca, Native American traditions and Celtic beliefs.
The store also carries crystals, books, incense, essential oils and jewelry handcrafted by Wierenga, some of which she said has been among the most popular items. Much of the furniture and decor was sourced secondhand, such as Facebook Marketplace, or handcrafted to create a cottage-like feel.
"I didn't want it to be your basic structured gondola shelving you see in every store. I wanted it to feel like you're actually walking into somebody's home or someone's cottage. I wanted it to feel warm," Wierenga said.
Wierenga said she has long been interested in spirituality and learning about different belief systems. She said she plans to expand the business with tarot and oracle readings, meditation and ritual classes and designated altar spaces for prayer.
"It's going to be ever evolving," Wierenga said. "There's a lot of things coming in the future. Keep your eyes open and your ears to the ground, and you'll hear about it."
Wierenga said Alternative Reflection also supports small businesses by sourcing products from smaller vendors when possible. The store is in the former Ozone Roofing building, which underwent a major transformation for the business.
Alternative Reflection is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. You can follow the store on Facebook.
