Alchemy strikes gold
Lincoln City’s new metaphysical store excites the mind and soothes the soul
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
Alchemy is the perfect name for the transformation that has happened in a space that, for many years, housed a small engine repair shop in Lincoln City.
The freshly painted interior is now filled with a delightfully eclectic mix of tools, talismans and treats for those with spiritual leanings.
Arthur, the shop cat, adds to the warmth and coziness that Alchemy Life & Wellness Boutique owner Wendy Ohlendorf worked hard to achieve.
“A lot of people comment on how crisp and bright the shop is,” she said. “And people love Arthur. He knows his role as cruise director.”
Ohlendorf doesn’t just offer a singular shopping experience, she also offers services like Tarot and Oracle reading.
“I am an intuitive life coach and use the cards to try to help you find your path forward,” she said. “It’s not just a reading.”
The building also houses a therapy room.
“I am a quantum reiki master and we do sound bath healings,” Ohlendorf said, before explaining, thanks to my raised eyebrow at the word “we” that she has become used to saying
“we” after many years in the business. “I’ve just always brought in the collective conscious in my work.”
Along with the unique treasures and complementary holistic services, the mainstay of this shop is the expansive collection of crystals.
“The focus was always meant to be crystals and energy-healing services,” Ohlendorf said. “That is my background and certifications from many years of fascination and study.”
Once she put it out to the Universe that she was opening a crystal shop, the rocks started arriving.
“I was connected through a friend to a crystal shop in Mississippi that was closing its doors,” she said. “I now have that inventory.”
Two more acquaintances reached out and added their personal collections to Ohlendorf’s own.
“In no time at all, there was a broad selection of crystals, rocks and gems to offer,” she said. “Visitors to the boutique have commented about the collection, impressive and not expected from a new store. I am always happy when I hear this; crystal connoisseurs know their stuff — so I get a little warmth in my heart that I’m off to a good start.”
Because her love of cruising vintage shops has her often coming home with more than she can personally use or store, the shop is Ohlendorf’s way to share her love of the hunt.
“I’ve taken my love of vintage things and have moved them out of my house so that other people can enjoy them,” she said. “It gives me my fix. There is a lot of my personality in what I’ve chosen to carry. It’s mostly groovy vintage stuff, which is kind of my thing.”
Thanks to the diversity in her taste, there is something for everyone in the store, making for great gift-giving opportunities.
“I’ve already had someone come in and take care of their whole shopping list,” Ohlendorf said. “We have soaps, candles and writing pens. We also have these beautiful, ethically sourced and harvested smudge fans. The feathers were naturally shed or collected after the bird had passed on.”
Many of the new items for sale are works from Oregon-based artists, like ceramic wall altars by Lena Lane and jewelry from Copper Fairy Gems, located in Lincoln Beach.
Gift cards are also available for the services offered at Alchemy.
Future plans for the building, tucked into the hillside that borders the Agnes Creek Open Space, include a classroom. Classes will begin at the end of December, starting with “Learning the Tarot through Creative Writing.”
“Everything I will teach about is something I know,” Ohlendorf said. “A lot of times people will come in and ask a question and get a 10-minute lesson. I can’t help myself; I just love sharing information if I have it. And if I don’t, I have a good collection of books and we can look it up together.”
Besides her own reference books, there is also a full wall of reasonably priced used books for sale on every topic under the spiritual sun.
To continue her own growth, Ohlendorf is currently a doctoral student in naturopathic medicine and quantum integrated health at Quantum University.
“I chose that school because there are many well-respected people that teach there,” she said.
Though many things aligned to make it happen, it still took a lot of elbow grease to get to opening day.
“People have watched this building get refurbished and I’ve done a lot of it while still working a day job. Many of my new customers came in after seeing me in here working at night to see the finished project. It turned out pretty cute, so I’m very happy with it. My new customers as well as the clients I already had have been very supportive. I have a lot of gratitude.”
Alchemy Life and Wellness Boutique is located at 2215 SW Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. For more information, go to alchemyoregon.com or call 541-800-8044.