Turtle Tarot Emporium opens at Viables Craft Centre

Turtle Tarot Emporium has opened its doors at Viables Craft Centre with a drag queen cutting the ribbon on July 20.

Molly Roche, who owns the new shop, said the opening was “very successful” adding: “We had an absolutely amazing day”.

READ MORE: Business owner inspired by witch housemate opening new crystal shop in Basingstoke

Turtle Tarot Emporium has opened at Viables (Image: Turtle Tarot Emporium) The 24-year-old launched the business in 2020 when she was inspired by her housemate who was a witch.

She began doing tarot readings on TikTok using crystals before launching a themed subscription / mystery box business after growing her following.

She said: “I have always been interested in gems and minerals since I was younger as I wanted everything my older sister had. I had a few crystals during my teen years but university is where I found my love for them grew.”

Molly was suffering with her mental health at the time, but when a new housemate moved in she was inspired by her being a witch.

“They had a snake, plants all over their room and the most beautiful altar,” explained Molly, adding: “I fell in love with reading tarot cards and looking through all the different types of crystals. I brought my own deck and starter kit of witchy bits - then just flew.”

The business boomed during the Covid-19 pandemic when her house was filled with crystal deliveries to keep up with demand.

She then moved into an office space in 2022, supported by her mum, Nancy, and dad, Mark.

“It has become a family operation now,” she said, adding: “We then felt we needed an in-person selling space last year as we did so well at fairs and markets.”

She hopes to attract new customers to the shop and is planning to continue attending events across the country as well as reading and teaching tarot.

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and on Sundays when events are held at Viables Community Centre.