My Biz: Cedar Rapids metaphysical shop features yoga, oils

CEDAR RAPIDS — When you meet Stephanie Ryan, you're likely to notice her peaceful demeanor. That's the same feeling she aims to convey to her business, Illuminations, a holistic services center and metaphysical retail space.

'I'm very intentional about the energy I put out in this place,' Ryan said. 'I want it to be peaceful.'

She took ownership of the business, in the Cherry Building in Cedar Rapids, at the end of October.

Illuminations features two classroom spaces — to host speakers and to offer sessions in yoga, among other activities — as well as a hallway full of practitioner rooms where clients can receive a whole variety of services, including intuitive guidance, massage therapy, Reiki, energy work, intuitive/psychic readings and chiropractic care.

Ten other practitioners rent space at Illuminations.

Illuminations opened in the Cherry Building four years ago.

The retail space, Ryan added, carries essential oils and Himalayan salt lamps — one of their most popular items of late — as well as statues, tarot cards, gemstones and crystals.

'My focus is education of the mind, body and spirit,' she said, noting that she has expanded the selection of books available in the store. She also tries to offer items created by local artisans.

'If people want to explore different paths, I want to be here for them. We are equal opportunity for all faiths,' she added.

To support this idea, Illuminations will host a Coexist event on Jan. 28 that will feature speakers from a variety of faiths and backgrounds including native American, Lutheran, Hindu, Muslim and pagan, among others. There also will be demonstrations on Reiki, essential oils, chakras and other services.

While on her own spiritual journey, Ryan discovered Reiki in 2009.

'It changed my world and I felt connected to everything,' she said.

She began doing readings and got involved as co-chairwoman of the Iowa City Metaphysical expo — now in its fifth year — making a lot of connections in that community. Now an intuitive, healer and founder of Angelic Chakra Integration, Ryan is enjoying her new role at Illuminations.

'Prior to owning Illuminations, I'd always go into metaphysical shops with a critical eye,' she said. 'Owning my own was a dream of mine that I didn't realize would become a reality.'

AT A GLANCE

Owner: Stephanie Ryan

Business: Illuminations

Address: 329 10th Ave. SE, Suite 115, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 775-0117

Website: illuminationscenter.com/

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