Kyra C.
Yelp
4.5 stars. Half a star deducted in light of price accessibility. Tis the ONLY reason. This place is a treasure for all peoples, and in truth, those on a strict budget can walk away with something special. As well, even if you don't spend a dime, you will walk away a better person for having visited this oasis. Read details below...
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Checked this place out after purchasing a promotional service: 1 hour massage for $39. I am so glad I learned of this spot and took the time to experience its varied offerings. The space transforms your immediate existence -- it is an entity of its own eclectic nature. The honey-tempered, nerve-calming, Onya--a sort of majestic wolfdog--adds to the magick. Be gentle with her.
Massage: I got a massage from Kit. I try to get frequent body work, but I have always felt some discomforts in my treatment as body image is concerned. I have struggled to feel an exchange of acceptance and healing in other massage experiences. Kit has a soothing energy, but is not at all "poser-namaste." You know exactly what I mean -- his zen is not forced or colonized. We joked, we were silent, we checked in. I felt that what mattered was my body, my experience, my comfort. He is up front to say, in lesser terms, TELL ME IF IT'S RIGHT -- TELL ME IF IT'S WRONG. He encouraged transparency in both our spoken communications as well as in the body work. I fell into an almost immediate meditative state under Kit's hands, a first-time experience for me. Very difficult to explain, but once we wrapped up, I felt light and high. Clear of mind, light on my feet, glowing from within.
Store: After my massage, I perused the store and was really taken aback by all the beautiful, detailed wares. And everything's for sale, which I love. There is a diverse price range too. While many things I could only dream of purchasing, one can also get away with a one-of-a-kind gift for under $40 (or even under $20 for someone you like less). As well, the owner, Scott (fantastic!), mixed an essential oil blend for me--intended for use as a perfume. Admittedly, I didn't plan to spend $43 on a 1oz bottle of oil, but I feel pretty stellar walking around turned on by my own aroma. High quality, lingering, statement-making. Highly recommend talking to Scott about your scent profile and letting him switch up the funk. But do it on payday.
Noteworthy: As a black woman, I am hyper aware of how many people of color visit a store while I'm there, as well as how they're treated. Happy to note folks of color buying oils, stopping through to site-see, and being treated with a sort of unprecedented customer service. As well, I heard a customer who LOOKED LIKE ME say to Scott, "You always give me something when I'm here!" I bet she only purchases oils from Jeromeo.
And let's be real--when my oil runs out--I'll drop that almost-fifty-with-tax again.
This is the real deal, folks. Add it to your list of must-experience spots in MN.