Swindon mum and witch opens new store in town centre

Work has been underway transforming an empty unit on Havelock Street into Rowan's Closet Arcadia, the lifelong ambition of Swindon mother Kelly Archer, 45, from Broadgreen. 

Kelly used to work in sales and marketing, but ever since having her daughter, she has wanted to do something else, and after 20 years has finally achieved the ambition of opening her own store - in her daughter's name. 

Kelly, an eclectic witch, has built herself a following by attending events throughout the country offering advice to fellow witches, magical supplies for their needs and bespoke fantasy clothing that she taught herself how to make. 

But it was the birth of her child that made her decide to follow her passion.

"When my daughter was born I looked at her and realised that I wanted to do something different," she said. 

"It's been a long journey to get to where I am now, but I definitely needed that journey and it's a bit unreal to think about it actually happening, I often think 'Oh my God! I'm actually doing it.' 

"It's all coming together and I'm very excited, but also terrified."

Kelly Archer outside her new Swindon town centre store Rowan's Closet Arcadia (Image: Newsquest)

As well as 'rail of inspiration' that will display samples of some of Kelly's hand-made clothing for people to buy or use as the starting point for their own bespoke ideas, there will also be incense, witches salts, jewellery, and other things. 

"I want it to be a collaborative effort," Kelly said.

"I want people to come in and tell me what they need and then I can get that for them. I want it to be a safe space for people to come and get expert advice and to feel comfortable to ask whichever question they want to ask."

Eventually, Kelly plans to run small events from the store to really help it become a community hub for witches in the area, such as spell making and incense making.

"I'm an eclectic witch so I don't follow a particular path. But I can, and want to, cater to all different types like shamanic, viking, and Celtic.

"There's a much bigger witch community in Swindon than you'd think."

Kelly has spent the last week putting the finishing touches on the store ahead of its grand opening on Saturday, March 4.

"I can't wait, some of my customers have told me there'll be a queue out the door", she said.

For more information, visit the Rowan's Closet Arcadia Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/RowansCloset/?locale=en_GB