THUNDER BAY -- Wojo’s Mojo has a new home. Owner Vanessa Wojtalik says she outgrew her previous location of 700 square feet and now occupies a prime spot in the Bay and Algoma neighbourhood, in the building next to Fireweed.
Her new location boasts 1,800 square feet including a large multi-purpose area behind the retail space. Here, she hopes to host DIY workshops, meditation groups, sound therapy, and reiki sessions.
“I wanted to expand and create a community, where people can come and exchange energies and stories and find tools to help them,” she says.
Thunder Bay has a lot of “lightworkers,” Wojtalik says. “People that do reiki, touch therapy, tarot readers, oracle readers, we’re all looking for a place to come and expand our knowledge.” Her store is a place where people can not only find items they need, but also where they can exchange ideas, find information and meet like-minded people.
“Almost anyone can fit,” says the business owner. “People who are going through some traumatic experiences in their life, people who have lost family members or loved ones, people who are fighting pain and disease, they come here and we connect them to items that help them change their frequency, create calm energy and teach them how to do mediation.”
“We just help them shift through that energy, so that they can find peace within themselves,” she explains. “When the body is in a state of peace and calmness, this is where we can start to heal ourselves, and the pain starts to ease away.”
The store sells a wide variety of items such as essential oils, natural stones, Himalayan salt products, singing bowls, meditation supplies, and books. Local artisans and businesses are prominently featured, from Bare Organics’ skincare products to funny and edgy greeting cards by Pixie and Co.
You can also find crocheted hats and other accessories made by Wojtalik herself. “My crocheting is my therapy,” says Wojtalik. “I love talking to the customers and making custom pieces that are just right for them.”
She is more than happy to give local artisans the opportunity to sell their products. “That’s how I started my business, I sold through Global Experience (now closed) on consignment. And it got me to a place where I was able to open up my own location.”
