If you’re a lover of the spooky, the occult, pumpkin spice, books, autumn and the like, then you’re in for a treat, as a witchy book shop is set to open in Bristol in the next month or so. Fittingly named The Haunted Bookshop, it’s the brainchild of 29-year-old Monika Killer, who moved to the UK from Lithuania when she was 19 years old.
Growing up in her grandmother’s book shop, she says she has always loved books. “My grandmother engrained a love for literature and art into my sisters and me, and I’m certainly partly opening the shop to honour her. Although I’m not sure how she’ll feel about the witchy element!” She says.
She tells BristolLive: “Being originally from one of the Baltic countries, that’s probably where a lot of my interest in witchcraft and paganism comes from. When I moved here, my dream at the time was to become a tattoo artist, but life happened and I somehow ended up working in marketing at a lovely Bristol app development agency, Morrow.
“I moved to Bristol four years ago and I continue working there now, so I’m splitting my time between the shop and the office which is, luckily, only a ten-minute walk away.”
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Living in Bristol with her two cats, Pico and Baghera, Monika has chosen to open her bookshop in a former barber shop in Stokes Croft. She says: “As many people approaching their 30s do, I had a moment where I asked myself what my dream job would be. I’ve been talking to my friends about this ‘haunted bookshop’ idea for a while but never really thought about it seriously. So, I thought, why not? I’ll try getting a business loan and see what happens.
“Stokes Croft is such an artistic, colourful and inspiring place. It’s so near Cabot Circus, but it has an entirely different feel to it. You have all these amazing bars, restaurants, venues, and shops, as well as a lovely sense of community. Many people have said it’s the perfect spot for a witchy bookshop or that they’ve thought that’s exactly what Stokes Croft has been missing!
“So far, every step of the way, whenever I start doubting myself something good happens. I read reviews online about how hard it is to get a business loan, and I was beginning to get worried, but then I received approval. I nearly gave up my search for a shop because no landlord would lease it to me as a brand new business, and then I went and saw this beautiful shop in Stokes Croft and fell madly in love with it. And now I’m renovating it!
“I keep having to pinch myself. Opening a bookshop is a dream for many, and I’m so fortunate to be able to do it. I have incredible friends who have been supporting me in any way they can. We’re all renovating the shop together. They’ve built the shelves, stripped paint, scrubbed floors – you name it!
“I’ve had fantastic support from the witch community, too! It’s so empowering – I have a whole community behind me. It’s not just for me anymore; it’s for them too. Starting a new business is incredibly stressful, so I am trying to take everything one step at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.”
With lots still to do before Monika’s dream bookshop can open fully, she plans to open it in three stages. Upstairs will consist of a bookshop and gift shop while work downstairs continues, then she will start selling coffees in ‘stage two’ – she is aiming to create a place that offers pumpkin spice lattes all year round.
Then, once she’s renovated the whole shop, Monika hopes to eventually secure an alcohol licence to sell wine and maybe other drinks, too. She adds: “A glass of wine with your friends while discussing a book – what could be better? There will indeed be seating at ‘stage two’ and I also plan to host events like Tarot card readings, workshops and book clubs.”
When it comes to the products The Haunted Bookshop will sell, Monika says: “Bristol has plenty of excellent indie bookshops already, and I don’t want to compete with them. The Haunted Bookshop will cater for those interested in the occult, witchcraft, horror and fantasy.
“And I plan to have a little section for the guilty pleasures, too – we all read a bit of fairy smut every now and again, don’t we? I’ll also stock witchy items from local sellers, such as crystals, smudge sticks, ritual candles, etc.
“I hope The Haunted Bookshop can become a safe space for those who don’t quite fit into the brackets society tries to put them into. I’ve recently become more aware of the stigma and hate pointed towards those who practice witchcraft, and many feel ashamed or even scared to share their interests with family and friends.
“I want the shop to be a place for all of us like-minded misfits to be our gorgeous, spooky selves! I am hoping to open the shop at the end of July or the beginning of August. I don’t quite have a set date yet, but I will make sure to have an opening party!”