Meet the Member: The Willow Witch

Interviewee:

Kat Coomer (She/Her/They/Them)

In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.

Kat Coomer is the visionary Owner and Founder of The Willow Witch, a captivating Salem-based pop-up houseplant and candle shop that seamlessly blends the enchantment of plants with the allure of witchcraft. As a horticulturist turned entrepreneur, Kat’s journey began with a courageous leap from the tech industry into a world of passion and purpose.

The Willow Witch offers a bewitching array of products, from lush houseplants and artisan pottery to essential witchcraft tools like sage bundles and spell kits. Our hand-poured candles, adorned with wax roses and succulent gardens, are a delightful fusion of artistry and botanical magic, perfect for aspiring plant witches.

Recently awarded a grant from the City of Gloucester, The Willow Witch is set to bloom into a six-month storefront, fulfilling Kat’s dream of creating a space where community members can explore plant care and witchcraft through events and workshops. Her mission is to create an experiential space where urban dwellers can explore the magic of plants and witchcraft, fostering connection, healing, and revitalization.

Rooted in resilience and inspired by the symbolism of the weeping willow, The Willow Witch invites you to embrace the flexibility of life, and to find inspiration in resilience. Join Kat on this enchanting journey and discover the beauty of blending nature with the mystical.

Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.

My journey from horticulturist to entrepreneur has been nothing short of magical. After years in the tech industry, I felt a calling to pursue a path that aligned more closely with my passions and values. I made the courageous decision to move to Salem, drawn by its rich history and mystical atmosphere. It was in this enchanting city that I found inspiration to pursue my passions and create The Willow Witch.

At the heart of The Willow Witch is my deep passion for both nature and spirituality. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate beauty of plants and the profound connections they foster within us. Combining this love with my interest in witchcraft, I sought to create a space where individuals could explore the magic of plants while tapping into the mystical energies that surround us.

What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)

Being a pop-up shop, one of the main things I do is transform spaces and create a unique retail experience. I’m very intentional about curating my brand’s aesthetic because it is something that people consistently react to. I love that at these markets and events, people are drawn to my booth and want to come and interact with the space. I love the interactions I get to have with customers whether it is them asking me questions about houseplants, showing me pictures of their plants, asking me questions about witchcraft, my practice, living in Salem, and wanting to know more about my candle-making process. It brings me joy that I can create a space where people feel a connection, and feel comfortable enough to be their authentic selves. My business is still relatively new, but I do want that sense of belonging and community to be a pillar of my brand.

What was the last book you read OR What was the last video you watched that made an impact on you?

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. It is about a young, neurodivergent woman who is a death doula. It was so powerful because I felt like I related to the main character a lot. I did volunteer work with geriatric patients throughout college, and like the character in the book, I sometimes found it easier to relate to and connect with that group than my peers. So it was interesting reading about someone else having a similar experience and going through that realization.

What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?

I’m a part-time adventure guide! Every summer I spend a few weeks in Utah and Nevada taking groups of 20 – 30 folks to the National Parks for hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking adventures!

Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join