Simple Strands
115 Merchants Square
Cumming, GA 30040
Located in the Stars and Strikes Plaza
(770) 781-2283
Website: http://www.simplestrands.com
The best part about Simple Strands is the owner, Marion, who is quick to greet you when you walk in the door and is always ready with a smile and conversation. She’s fabulous, and so is her shop. Now, Simple Strands is not a sterile-looking establishment with things placed “just so.” This place has personality, and there are treasures in every nook and cranny. This means that you may have to do a bit of searching to find what you want. Searching is no problem for me because there’s so much to see, and if you can’t find what you need, you can always ask. If the specific herb you’re looking for isn’t in the back section, there are also herbs along the front cash register area, and maybe other places. Again, ask if you’re looking for something specific.
Simple Strands has something for everyone. There are herbs, candles, crystals, books, etc., but where this shop truly stands out is with their selection of statuary, which is extensive. There are statues everywhere. If there’s one in particular that you’re looking for, you’ll probably find it here, and if they don’t have it, they can probably get it for you. The shop also has a large selection of jewelry of all kinds, as well as talismans and other trinkets in glass cases that span almost the entire length of the shop. It’s possible that I spent a full hour looking at everything and picking out some things to buy. There is also a Reader on site, but you might want to call ahead for an appointment to make sure they’re not already booked. The store also hosts “Socialize on Saturdays,” at 3:00 pm, though this gathering didn’t seem to be happening while I was there that particular Saturday. I’m sure it largely depends on who decides to come that day and has a topic that they want to discuss.
One thing that I’m always interested in when I visit these shops is the clientele and how well the business is doing. Simple Strands has been in business since 2005, so it’s quite possibly one of the oldest occult shops currently in the greater Atlanta area. I can’t speak for weekdays, but while I was shopping there on a Saturday, the store was bustling with customers from all walks of life. Magick is a heavily female-dominated practice, so it was a pleasant surprise for me when I noticed a couple that had been browsing the shop at the same time I was there, and it was the male of the pair who was doing the purchasing and not the female. These magickal practices and traditions that we are drawn to have deep roots worldwide, and I’m always pleased to see others taking part, especially when they break the white female stereotype.
