1. What is it that you do or sell?
I perform Tarot card readings and have recently added hand analysis (palmistry) to my list of services. Right now, it’s life lines, relationships, and children. Plan to bring on other lines, mounds, shapes, and prints as I gain expertise on those features.
2. Where are you located?
I’m located in Myersville, Maryland which is in the Frederick-Hagerstown, MD area.
3. What got you interested in starting out in this business?
I had always been interested in all things paranormal and psychic. I didn’t actively pursue any development of the interest into a skill until my 40s. I was an observer until then. I took an introductory class and met the woman who I refer to as my Tarot mother. I ended up taking several more classes with her. I also received instruction from other experts in the field so that I was exposed to the knowledge and experience of more than one person and style.
4. When did you start selling or performing?
I began offering Tarot readings in a coffee shop in Frederick in May 2014.
In general or at renaissance fests?
The coffee shop experience led to other opportunities to read at farmers’ markets, a boutique, and local fairs, festivals, and special events. Many of these were themed events: Medieval, Renaissance, Fairy, Pirate, Mermaid, Celtic, Irish, Pride, Steampunk, Beer, Wine, and Halloween, to name a few. I prefer to do single day or weekend events as opposed to committing to a longer term event such as a season at renaissance fair or fest.
5. What was your local faire or home faire?
I don’t really have a “home.” An event that I enjoyed doing that was hyper local to me was Renn Fest in the City in Frederick. It was a one day, annual street festival in the Everedy Square and Shab Row area. The other events I do are within an hour or so of my home. They are typically annual and one or 2 day fairs. I’ve become a regular (returning vendor) at several.
6. How are you compensating for this strange time we are in now?
Business wise, I’ve hit a plateau in bookings at both public and private events. A few public events have ceased operations over the years and I’ve replaced them with other established events or new ones, as they appear. My private bookings are more sporadic. I’m using a couple of booking apps to assist with that. I’m fortunate that I’m the “go to” Tarot reader at a couple of events.
Personally, I have the luxury of keeping a low pressure environment for myself. I’m back in the gym and eat differently than I did a few years ago. There’s a plateau there, as well. I try not to get stressed out about it. Maintaining a certain level of fitness is helpful for participating in events.
7. What advice do you have to give to others that are just starting out in this business? Or how to stay in this business?
My advice for others would be stay open minded and be flexible. Try different things. I’ve been out of my comfort zone on a number of occasions. Sometimes pleasantly surprised, other times a little disappointed. After 10+ years, I still experiment and sent out inquiries to event organizers to see if they are interested in bringing Tarot into the mix. You also need to not let rejection deter you.
8. How do you handle thefts or copying of your works?
I don’t know if this applies to me because I’m performing a service rather than making products. Readings are on the spot and are unique to the person, the cards they receive, the issue they are seeking advice and guidance on.
9. Are you doing any online sales or virtual performances?
No. Not that I didn’t try during the COVID months. I used that time to relax, stay healthy, take care of things at home.
10. Why Renaissance Faires or theme? What is it that made you so interested in this period?
I like the fashion. All the feel good hormones released when you see something beautiful, interesting, or unusual. It’s also an opportunity to escape the real world for a while. I am also fascinated by the public figures of the time, their rise, their fall, how they influenced other people and events. The effects of these people and events on those of today.
12. In five years (or less) my goal is to: ___________________
I would like to do fewer outdoor events and more private bookings or indoor events. It’s physically getting harder for me to do the hauling and the set ups/break downs. I do them on my own. I’m also less tolerant of adverse weather conditions. I enjoy doing in person readings, making online or written readings less appealing. I wouldn’t rule out teaching or mentoring.
13. At faire, what was your garb/attire your usual go to?
If I am vending, I usually go pirate or peasant. Works for multiple themes! Sometimes, it’s simply a few accessories (hat, scarf, earrings) in theme with the event.
If I am attending as a civilian, I’m usually in street clothes. It’s more comfortable and practical. I don’t want to damage my costumes.
14.What makes your act/wares unique or different?
There are, for better or worse, there are a lot of Tarot readers out there. I’m different because my readings are a mix of academics and intuition. That might be a let down for those expecting lottery numbers from me. However, my readings lead to creative advice, guidance, inspiration, and solutions. More importantly, it gives my clients something to think about (sleep on it!l) so they may find their own way to make a decision or solve problem based on the foundation created during the reading. Much better than me telling them what to do in a prescribed manner.
15.What makes you stand out?
I believe it’s my general philosophy on using Tarot as a tool. I don’t do scary. If the cards drawn are showing a challenging time, I’m committed to offering ways to make the best of it. We need a challenge from time to time. Success can be frightening, too. Both situations require incorporating change into life.
16.What was your very first experience at a renaissance festival? What education or training if any do you have that led to what you do?
My very first experience at a Renaissance festival occurred while I was completing my undergraduate degree at University of Maryland. That put me close to the Maryland Renaissance Fair in Crownsville, near Annapolis. I was going for the one day and with someone else so my explorations were limited but still enjoyable. It would be many years before I would attend another. I got the backbone to go on my own. FREEDOM! I could do all the offbeat things. I could walk the less traveled paths. See the less seen.
While at UM, I had the opportunity to take a few classes that may have been helpful to Tarot reading. A class on Shakespeare’s works, one on Greek and Roman mythology, and one on medicinal plants. I didn’t know it at the time, but connected now.
17.What would you say to a new person looking to try out or vending?
Start small and local unless you have help. By help, I mean someone willing to get up early, pack a vehicle, drive, set up, hang out long hours, then reverse the process making for a long day. You really need to like what you’re doing and have a lot of patience. Be prepared for uncertainty. Don’t have a melt down if things don’t go according to plan because there’s almost always a disruption. Adjust and carry on.
18. What is your go to for food at faire? You can name a food vendor or if you are a food vendor, what is your most sold item?
Honestly, now if I can bring my own, I do it. It’s a little easier as a vendor. I don’t blow the diet too badly that way. If I’m just attending, I seek out the healthier options. If none of that is available then I try to keep it basic, fries and a burger. I do enjoy funnel cakes.
19. What’s your idea for the future of faires?
Sadly, it seems some are shutting down. Age of the organizers, getting/keeping a venue, other factors. New ones do pop up. I appreciate their courage to take on this huge endeavor. I don’t really have an amazing insight here. Just that there are people out there who love these events, go great distances to support, spend a lot of money, and get creative with the costuming. I wish that I had been brought to it earlier in life.
20. Plug your website or fan page here (or both)
Facebook only, no website.
https://www.facebook.com/peacefulglenmetaphysicalsolutions
