Airy Fairy, a spiritual shop on London Road, celebrated 27 years on the independent scene this month, demonstrating the importance of contact within Sheffield’s pagan community.
Anwen Fryer-Burrows, a single mother, opened the shop in May 1999 with the help of a grant and a start-up loan from The Prince’s Trust, now known as The King’s Trust, who aims to help 11-30 year olds transform their lives.
The initial funds were invested into basics such as carpets, paint, tradesmen and to pay for a boiler and a second loan was taken to expand the back cafe.
Ms Fryer-Burrows said: “I’ve ridden out the rough times. It is really hard work and I think a lot of people open up a business not knowing how much work it will be. You’ve got to really keep at it.”
While the shop first sold art by local artists, they then began to offer reiki and yoga, Ms Fryer-Burrows said: “it really has just grown organically.
“I have only started selling things as I’ve known enough about them, I’ve never sold anything I don’t really know anything about as otherwise I can’t advice people.”
About eight months after opening, the local coordinator of The Pagan Federation began using the space once a fortnight for meetings.
As the talks progressed the pagan community became deeply incorporated into the shop with the introduction of tarot cards and ethically sourced and fair trade herbs.
Sarah George ,61, an Airy Fairy customer said: “I think paganism is the closest belief system I can attach myself to, I have an appreciation and deep respect for mother earth and the moon cycle and the community brings people together with similar values to me.”
When the shop first opened the demographic of customers was largely between the ages of 30-50, but with the growth of social media groups such as ‘Witches of Instagram’ and ‘Witchtok’ Sheffield’s pagan community has grown to incorporate much younger enthusiasts.
Ms Fryer-Burrows said: “I just love it so much and feel a responsibility for the community I’ve created here. If I wasn’t here I don’t know where people would go for the face to face and first hand experience.”
