On Friday night members of the Shippensburg community were invited to a hidden gem located inside the Thought Lot: Whiskers Vintage and Vinyl clothing and music store.
“New Semester — New You,” was the theme of the party, hosted by owner Hannah Nawa, who invited local vendors that emphasize self-care for the mind, body and soul.
Music from the ’60s filled the space as psychedelic flower lights danced along the wall and customers chatted with vendors, bought clothes and improved their overall wellness to begin the new semester on the right foot.
Goat Yoga PA held a yoga session in the industrial lot as people entered the event. In-session participants released stress as dwarf goats grazed among their mats and snacked on grass.
As part of the event, Goat Yoga PA held a session where participants could pay for yoga and have play time with the goats. “They’re so adorable!” Nawa said as she opened the door to see the goats.
The store was filled with people perusing the vinyl records, clothing, accessories and trinkets. All items were 50 percent off for the back-to-school sale.
“I’m focusing more on bringing in health and self-care products,” Nawa said.
The store offers a line of “Galaxie Glister” cosmetics and all-natural caffeine infused “Snarky Tea” that was made in the U.S. The store stocks holistic body and lip scrubs and healing lotions.
Holistic health vendor Gardens by Grace LLC set up a table of its products to add to the personal wellness theme.
“We’ve got something to knock you out, wake you up, kick in the cold, general health and everything in between,” owner Darla Guyer said.
The store specializes in assorted organic healing teas and will soon be launching a line of bath and body products that will include lotions, brightening masks, lip masks, skin care, dread care and African-American hair care.
Guyer explained that when it comes to skin and hair people are all different, but caring for oneself doesn’t have to be burdensome.
“There is another option,” she said.
Krissy’s Blue Vase’s table was packed with goodies from her store, located across the street from Arooga’s Grille House and Sports Bar in Shippensburg. She displayed white sage, healing roller balls with crystal chips and gemstone juice, as well as a do it yourself crystal necklace station. Each crystal represented a different healing element that customers could create and wear.
“I got to make a necklace filled with healing crystals which were to help remind me of the standards I want to hold myself to each day and how I want to be with those around me,” Shippensburg University senior Kaitlin Kratzer said, “[The store] is a great place to be after a stressful week of classes.”
Allison Wright, owner of Luna Moth Menagerie in downtown Chambersburg, knitted as she explained some of her store’s products, which included original crocheted clothing pieces, crocheted dream-catchers and crystal healing necklaces.
“It’s so peaceful and once you get the hang of it, you can Netflix and knit,” Wright said.
Wright talked with costumers about cleansing crystals and setting intentions during the full moon.
“Leave them in the light of the full moon,” Wright said. “The equinox is the perfect time to buy crystals and get started.”
Next to her was a table displaying Hayley Wagaman’s handcrafted earrings and necklaces made from recycled vinyl records. A standout item she sold were hand-painted earrings made from blueberries.
Wagaman made the night even sweeter by taking a dollar off of every purchase if the customer could tell a joke.
Chimera Face & Body Art offered henna tattoos, and throughout the night shoppers could sit and enjoy food from Ubuntu Vegan foods.
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