MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, WZMQ 19 is highlighting female-owned businesses throughout the Upper Peninsula.
“‘Drift’ for me means you flow through life,” said Mandy Fierens, owner of Drift Alchemy in Manistique. “You don’t fight it; you just go whatever way you’re shown to go. Then ‘alchemy,’ I see that word as taking something and transmuting it into something better.”
Fierens says that’s the heart and soul of Drift Alchemy. However, the shop is much different than the one she originally planned to open.
“I was actually just going to open a little jewelry shop,” she said. “Honestly, I didn’t believe in a lot of this stuff for a really long time, and then my mom got sick, COVID happened, and there was just so much hard stuff going on in the world.”
Fierens began to look for healing, finding it in many of the items customers will find at Drift Alchemy. With crystals, tarot and oracle cards, journals, candles, chimes, and decor, she says there’s something for everyone.
“We encourage you to take care of yourself and your needs,” she said. “We believe in educating yourself with other ways to heal. There’s so much to where you hold things in your body and how you can release that. We have just pretty things too. There is just something about having beautiful things as well to make your home feel cozy and good.”
Fierens has a team of women who help her behind the counter. She also uses the space in the back of Drift Alchemy to provide opportunities for other female business owners.
“We rent to a tattoo artist, a massage therapist, and we have different tarot readers throughout the week as well,” she said. “We’re a powerhouse of women here!”
Whether someone is looking for healing, guidance, or just some cool crystals, Fierens says Drift Alchemy is a welcoming environment for all who walk in the door.
“We love helping people,” Fierens said. “We love when people come in and share what’s going on in their lives. We’re not trying to push anything on anyone. We’re just a place to think freely and explore. We’re very passionate about taking care of each other and creating a community.”
For more information on Drift Alchemy, visit the shop’s website, Facebook page, or Instagram.
Click here to view other stories in WZMQ 19’s Female Business Spotlight series.
