The Serenity Shoppe

"The purpose of life is to make your heartbeat match the heartbeat of the universe." - Joseph Campbell

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to work in an inviting space with an incredible individual. By mutual friends and business owners, I was introduced to Diane Armstrong, owner of Snow Hill’s Serenity Shoppe. Diane and The Serenity Shoppe offer massage, Reiki, manicure, pedicure, relaxation, and restorative services. The shop is incredibly inviting, neutral and filled with little curiosities and all-natural and organic beauty supplies. Diane was hoping to dress up the front windows a little bit; that’s when she wrote to me. I put together an inspiration board filled with several design ideas and shared them with Diane. She was immediately drawn to the idea of incorporating paper cranes into her window display. [caption id="attachment_4461" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Before...[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4462" align="aligncenter" width="560"] After...[/caption] An ancient Japanese legend promises that those who fold a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. Cranes have been associated with eternal good luck, a long life, or recovery from illness or injury. Incorporating a Japanese legend into the window displays seemed so sensical. After all, the Serenity Shoppe is one of the only local businesses to offer Reiki. Reiki is a spiritual practice in which physical contact is used to heal another being. It’s also known as palm healing because the practitioner gently places their palms on a person to relieve pain or transfer a desired feeling. Reiki was developed by a Japanese Buddhist in the early 1920’s. I folded hundreds of paper cranes in shades of black, white, teal, and tan and strung them in ‘flocks’ across The Serenity Shoppe’s 4 window panes. I sewed several panels of cream tulle with ruffles and hung them behind the flocks of cranes. The windows look great from inside the shop and out. I hope that the paper cranes occupying the windows at The Serenity Shoppe bring good luck, prosperity, and longevity to Diane and her business! Visit The Serenity Shoppe this Friday, June 7^th during Snow Hill’s First Friday! The shop will be open during arts night from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The women of The Serenity Shoppe will introduce visitors to holistic practices and artists who practice self-care. This Friday will feature Yogini Kellyn Layton who will be offering 30-minute chair yoga sessions for just $5! The Serenity Shoppe is located at 214 N. Washington Street in Snow Hill, MD. Like The Serenity Shop on Facebook or call Diane to schedule an appointment (410.251.7701) today! -Ami