Golden Leaf Books Comes to Waterford, N.Y.

Golden Leaf Books, a metaphysical bookstore and feminist headshop, has opened a bricks-and-mortar store in Waterford, N.Y., the Daily Gazette reported.

Co-owners Shaunty McMillin and Allen DeJesus opened the physical store in December after debuting Golden Leaf Books as an online store and pop-up shop earlier last year. Located at 30 Saratoga Avenue in a space that previously housed a liquor store, the store carries a selection of books ranging from titles about witchcraft and spirituality to social justice titles and cannabis cookbooks. Nonbook items include locally made candles, incense and art, along with a variety of aesthetically pleasing cannabis paraphernalia such as pipes and bowls.

McMillin told the Gazette that she and DeJesus are "here to support women and we're here to support wellness." She noted that their store targets a very different demographic compared to most smoke shops. McMillin began looking into opening a smoke shop once cannabis was legalized in New York, and through her research realized there was a "void" in the metaphysical book market in the Albany region.

Following the store's online debut in May, the co-owners did pop-up appearances at several businesses around greater Albany. Now that the physical store is open, DeJesus manages the shop during the week while McMillin, who has a full-time day job, "handles administrative tasks and company flow." McMillin's husband, Wynn, also contributes with digital operations.

DeJesus remarked that he and McMillin have complementary skill sets that are different and work "really well" together.

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