Find Mystery, Peace, Wellness & A Lil’ Magic At New Local Shop

Plant Magic Market

3219 Howard Avenue, Columbus

By Natalie Downey

A holistic lifestyle is described as one which focuses on the health and wellness of a person’s entire being. In the past few years, more people have become interested in healing through plant medicine and natural resources. A local entrepreneur has realized the need in the Columbus area for conscious-living options and has decided to do something about it.

Plant Magic Market

Plant Magic Market, located on the corner of Howard Avenue and 33rd Street in Midtown, opened in November of last year. Owner Olivia Hight had already established her reputation for her unique Golden Paste, which she sold in years past at the Saturday market on Broadway. “It was a side hobby I enjoyed,” Olivia said. She had always had an interest in using plants as medicine, which led to her learning more about herbs and holistic remedies.

Olivia taking care of the customers

photo by Sterling Pierce

For years Olivia focused on making and selling her signature turmeric paste, and would occasionally include some crystals at her booth at the market. Her interest in herbalism and spirituality led her to expand her reach in the community when she opened her storefront, giving people a one-stop-shop for holistic and esoteric finds.

Plant Magic Market

With a focus on the esoteric, Olivia sells items that can’t usually be found in Columbus. She describes Plant Magic Market as a Botanica, meaning an apothecary and spiritual shop. The shop offers items ranging from essential oils to plants to incense. Herbs line the walls in glass jars, and a wide variety of loose leaf tea is available. Books on spirituality and tarot card collections give the casual browser a sense of intrigue and curiosity.

Plant Magic Market

Olivia says her biggest sellers, surprisingly, are the crystals. “People like to pick out their crystals in person,” Olivia explains. “When they buy them online, they can’t touch them and hold them.” Because crystals are often sought after for their unique attributes, it can be helpful to experience them in person when selecting them to take home. Olivia has recently expanded the size of her crystal section, an eye-catching array of stones in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

In addition, Olivia has hosted several on-site block party events at her shop and plans to make them a regular thing. Pop-ups from other local businesses like Beejou Craft Kombucha and Ride on Smoothies, plus in-store tarot card readings make these events a fun gathering of local people who are interested in spiritualism, well- being, and the allure of the natural world. She also plans to host workshops at Plant Magic Market which will give the community the opportunity to dive deeper in learning about holistic health and spirituality.

Plant Magic Market

Items handcrafted by local artists, such as handmade jewelry, can be found at Plant Magic Market as well. “I like to have things that were made by local people too,” Olivia explained, echoing the sentiment that can be found amongst many local business owners: Local entrepreneurs support each other.

“Mostly word of mouth has helped make people aware that we’re here,” Olivia said, grateful for the continued growth in business her shop has seen. “Business only continues to pick up.”

Undoubtedly, opening a local business during the pandemic was daunting, but the community has been supportive of Plant Magic Market. “The response has been awesome,” Olivia said, “A lot of people are thankful that Columbus has a place like this now, and it’s been good to revitalize this area.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by anyone who leaves Plant Magic Market, a truly magical place with a lot to offer our growing community.

Plant Magic Market is open from 11 am - 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday and is located at 3219 Howard Ave in Columbus. Look for them on instagram and facebook @plantmagicmarket.

Olivia Hight

photo by Sterling Pierce