Cool down at breathe books
If you find yourself taking a stroll down The Avenue, and the weather is a bit too punishing for your tastes, stepping into breathe books is about as refreshing as you can get.
I'm not just talking about the air conditioning -- although that is nice -- I'm talking about the tinkly music and the gurgling fountains in the wonderland Susan Weis has created in her New Age book store.
Whether you're looking for enlightenment or a healthy recipe, breathe books has the tools to help you live the life you want.
Plus, the store's logo is pretty cool.
Over a table filled with rose quartz, hematite and amethyst, a sign hangs urging patrons to keep any cell phone conversations "short, sweet and quiet." I think this sums up this newcomer's experience pretty well; this is the perfect place to come if you're looking for a little peace.
A little background
Breathe books began in 2002, when Weis took a business trip to L.A. and happened upon a 35-year-old metaphysical New Age shop, the Bodhi Tree Bookstore. Standing in the store, Weis says she was overcome with inspiration.
"I was looking for something to do with myself," she says. And there, in the reincarnation section, "Breathe books came instantly."
Two years later, Weis opened her store in Hampden.
"Hampden is it," Weis says. "It's a very special community. ... This is where I come to buy all my gifts, so this is where I wanted my store." Her "buy local" mentality is reflected in her membership to IndieBound and the Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance.
Clientele
When asked about her typical customer, Weis is quick to respond: "White women over 40." And from my visit, this is accurate: While there was a lone man who seemed to have come of his own accord, the remaining patrons matched her description.
"People who investigate, who explore alternative paths of living have a bit more time, money, resources to do it," she explains. "But that is starting to change."
She mentions the popularizing influence of Oprah Winfrey, and the uncertainty of a post-Sept. 11 world as motivators for people from all backgrounds to explore the metaphysical. And the store's centralized location, near affluent communities, the Johns Hopkins University, and many hospitals, brings many open-minded customers.
Popular sections
Weis says that her Buddhist and meditation selections are big sellers, followed by health and healing, and nutrition.
But she also notes that books aren't the only thing keeping her store in the black. "In the metaphysical world, the sidelines pay the rent," she says. Her own store is 70 percent books, 30 percent gifts.
Events
Weis maintains a busy schedule at her store. This month alone, breathe books held more than 60 events, including psychic readings, dances, meditation groups and author appearances.
And if that's not enough, this summer she's taking a group to India. And if you can't make the trip this year, there's always next summer. Something tells me Weis isn't going to slow down anytime soon.
