Over 20 years ago Kelly Oswald founded The Oracle in a 300 square foot space under the Nester’s grocery store in Whistler. The business expanded in 2012 with the Sechelt store and again in 2013 with a store in West Vancouver. The Whistler and West Vancouver stores have since been sold. Today the Sechelt store is mainly run by Kelly’s son Ian and his wife Michelle (and their kids). They have touched many people’s lives over these years, through the store, its associated charities, and not least, working with the amazing staff that help support them.
“Every day is an adventure when you run your own business. These past 20+ years have mostly been a good adventure” says Kelly. And, “when you do well in business, you get to do good in the world.” Kelly lives her life and runs her business around this quote. She has been working with many of the same artisans throughout the years.
Visiting The Oracle never fails to delight. You will see, when you enter the store, the care that is taken to mix whimsy with quality. Items range from clothes and singing bowls to cards and curiosities. Their incense has been made by the same family in Bali for many years, crafted and packaged by hand. The Oracle also deals with a third generation silversmith family and, in-house, Susan makes the gemstone bracelets. All the products in the store carry meaning of some kind, whether it is the quality of the material, the family story, the energy, or the beauty. Everything has a good background. The Oracle is very particular about sourcing fair-trade, ethically produced products.
Kelly couldn’t have accomplished so much without the assistance of “the best staff ever.” So many good people have come into her family’s lives, some students for a summer season and some long term employees. At least four staff have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit that Kelly embodies and opened their own businesses to success. Plus thousands of gracious customers have crossed the Oracle’s threshold and entered into this magical, feel-good store.
Kelly makes sure she keeps the energy of giving and receiving going by contributing to charities close to her heart. “Be the Change Endeavours” offers the “Be the Change Scholarship,” which supports two young adults graduating from Chatelech Secondary School and Sunshine Coast Alternative School to further their education. Each school chooses the grad who they believe is contributing to making the world a better place.
The Oracle also supports an existing charity called Por Los Nińos de Zihuatanejo in Mexico. They facilitate two students in the scholarship program and donate to their medical and health care.
A third charity is “The Underwear Brigade,” a program run by Por Los Nińos in Mexico. All schoolchildren have to have a uniform in Mexico, and sometimes in paying for a uniform the parents don’t have funds for undergarments for their children. This charity helps provide these vital garments to students so they can be comfortable going to school. The Oracle’s charitable giving is supported through donations, money raised from their Crystal Gumball Machine, “Be The Change” cards, and Zoltar, a corny, mechanical carnival prophet that spouts tongue-in-cheek words of wisdom.
What would a store called The Oracle be if it didn’t offer an opportunity for personal counsel? Have you found yourself in a place of uncertainty? Psychic intuitive readings may be able to point you in the right direction, or at least provide a different perspective. This technique may seem “woo woo” to some people, but many lean into intuitive readings for guidance. Past clients have ranged from famous actors to police officers.
The Oracle has many intuitive readers. You can choose from Astrology, Tarot, Oracle Cards, Channeling, Mediumship, Angel Reading, Intuitive Guidance, and more. If you feel hesitant about seeing a intuitive in person, you can have a reading via Zoom. Or maybe try out tarot coins. These provide guiding keywords to channel curiosity and they are created right here in Secret Cove.
The Oracle carries many beautiful Tarot card designs. Kelly has designed and written a few decks of her own. There is the “House Hippo” deck where these adorable creatures share their whimsical wisdom. “Untangled” is your healing companion focusing on guidance for emotional trauma support. “Myths, Monsters and Mysteries” introduces Canadian folklore and exquisite art work, including Kelly’s dad as the fisherman of Malespina. This deck guides you on your own fascinating life journey.
There is more to this business than meets the eye. Did you know that The Oracle also services weddings, corporate events, personal smudging and clearing, as well as space clearing and cleansing?
And how fun would it be to host a private party or special event where one of Oracle’s exceptional intuitive readers provided Tarot Reading, Palm Reading, Tea Leaf Reading, Hand Writing Analysis, Mediumship, or Numerology? That would be a memorable event.
Keep up to date with what is coming in store on The Oracle’s Facebook page, where Ian has fun unboxing new items. As Ian and Michelle, along with their kids, transition to running the store, Sechelt will be able to enjoy the whimsy, creativity and delight of The Oracle for many years to come.
Find the oracle at 5644 cowrie street in Sechelt or online at theoracle.ca.