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Date: 6/14/2022
MONSON - Offering yoga classes, a crystal boutique, spiritual healing and more, Celestial Phases Owner Donna Spear describes her studio as a “one-stop-shop.”
Celestial Phases was opened by Spear in November 2021.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Spear said she has been involved with healing work in some capacity, for a long time. Now residing in Monson, she said she would travel back and forth to visit people and teach classes.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Spear said she offered some classes at her in-home studio. When the coronavirus pandemic came, she switched to online classes.
With the successes of the online classes, Spear said her daughter encouraged her to open a shop in town and “bring yoga back to Monson.”
From Monday through Saturday, Spear said they offer around 10 classes, encompassing a variety of yoga. This includes yin and kundalini, to name a few.
In addition to Spear, there are four yoga teachers that offer diverse classes for beginners all the way to seasoned individuals. Spear said, “[They’re] all blessings,” and have their own specialties.
She went on to say that Celestial Phases also incorporates specialty “pop-ups,” such as sound and mediation classes.
Additionally, Spear said they bring in card reader mediums, astrologists and more. Spear said she also teaches Reiki.
Depending on the class, Spear said participation ranges from 10 to 15 people. She added that a typical class time can last anywhere from one hour, to an hour and 15 minutes.
A monthly membership at Celestial Phases costs $111 for 12 classes. For one class, the cost is $15.
Spear said people can sign-up for the classes online, through their website. She said they do take walk-in’s; however, it’s not guaranteed that an individual will be able to join the class as they cap each class at about 15 people.
Aside from offering in-person classes, Spear still offers online classes. Nonetheless, she said there hasn’t seemed to be any resistance to people attending in-person.
A list of classes and events can be found on Celestial Phases’ website at https://www.celestialphases.com/.
Along with the classes, Spear operates a crystal boutique within the studio, selling CBD products, incense, crystals, books, yoga mats and more, with the recent addition of locally made crystal jewelry. Spear said she is all about “supporting local business.”
The items that are not made locally, Spear said she curates from a warehouse about an hour and a half away. She told Reminder Publishing that she travels to the warehouse twice a month, as she likes to hand select and “feel the vibration of the stones.”
Spear emphasized that she cares about everything that fills her studio. “A lot of love [was put into this],” she said.
When people learn about the boutique, Spear said they take advantage of it. “People come in and are relieved,” she said.
Spear's daughter Heather said all of the items at the boutique are “reasonably priced” and affordable. Although items differ, she said the majority of prices are under $50.
Another amenity located within the studio is a tea bar. Spear said this is most popular during the winter months. Celestial Phases collaborates with other nearby businesses. For instance, on July 21, they will be putting on “Yoga in the Park,” which is sponsored by the Steaming Tender Restaurant in Palmer. If all goes well, Spears said they are hoping to offer this event at least once a month.
Since opening her shop, Spear said business has been “good” and hopes to expand it even more.
“Our landlords have been spectacular,” she said. “They love what we’re doing.” Additionally, Spear said they have received a lot of love and support from the community. She noted that a lot of their customers are from Monson and Palmer, although they have seen residents from outside these towns.
Celestial Phases can be found on social media such as Facebook, Instagram and even TikTok. Heather is responsible for updating these accounts. As the content and items being sold are constantly changing, Heather said, “It’s a work in progress.”
Celestial Phases is located at 130 Palmer Rd., on the second floor. Their hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. While they are open for some yoga classes on Monday, the crystal boutique is only open from Tuesday through Saturday.
For additional information on Celestial Phases, visit their website at https://www.celestialphases.com/.