Karin and Sverre Ange wanted to combine their passions to create a new business in Yelm. Karin served for more than 18 years in the U.S. Army National Guard as a supply sergeant, and Sverre owned his own landscaping business but also spent 20 years as a practitioner of Gardnerian witchcraft, a tradition in the neopagan religion of Wicca.
Thus, Karvada’s Cauldron Shoppe was born. The store, which opened on Feb. 1, offers a variety of metaphysical and mystical products including resin incense, home decor, games, crystals and more. It also offers snacks and desserts, like Danish Kringle, a pastry.
The Anges hope to bring a safe haven for like-minded people in the local community. The name, Karvada’s, is a combination of their first names, bringing to life the meshing of their passions.
“This is kind of my niche, acquisition and redistribution,” Karin Ange said. “I was a supply sergeant, so we’re basically like pack squirrels. We just squirrel everything in places. We decided that we were tired of driving to Tacoma or Olympia for places like this, so we wanted to open our own store for things we like.”
Sverre described himself as an “eclectic witch,” studying religions like Tibetan Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity, as well as other “spiritual-based, earth-based” rituals. He said the shop welcomes people of all religions and beliefs, and that there is something for everyone who visits.
“A lot of the younger generation that comes through the door are blown away because it’s a lot to take in. We want the shock and awe,” Sverre said. “But at the same time, we want people that have been living this lifestyle for a long time to be able to come here and find that thing that they may not have or to help them with whatever’s going on in their life.”
The Anges added that their desserts and “Harry Potter” selection have been popular with the Yelm community, so far. Karvada’s sells candies, board games, wands, books and more from the book series turned movie saga.
“Some people come in here just for the Kringle. We’re also adding a ‘Harry Potter’ butterscotch drink,” Sverre said. “A lot of the stuff that we carry in here has to do with ritualistic stuff or just items to help people get whatever it is they need to fulfill whatever’s going on in their life at the time.”
Karvada’s Cauldron Shoppe, 205 First St. N., in Yelm, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. To learn more about the shop and its services, visit its Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/yc26hhap.
