Business Community

Business Spotlight: Soullective Space brings the metaphysical to Gig Harbor

Posted on August 7th, 2023 By: Julie Warrick Ammann

“It’s for the joy,” Emily Sabounchi, exclaims as she shares the driving force behind her decision to establish the Soullective Space— a natural handmade goods boutique offering energy work and community events.

The store, which opened in April, is quietly tucked away from the summer bustle of Harborview Drive. Situated behind and above Gallery Row, it is easy to miss the postage-stamp-sized store. A small sidewalk sign in front of Direction Apparel (Formerly Tickled Pink) directs visitors to the back of the building.

Half the fun of visiting Soullective lies in the small-town journey itself: around the corner, down a path, in front of the grassy courtyard, and up the stairs to the red brick building with the bright yellow door on the right.

Emily Sabounchi outside The Soullective Space in Gig Harbor

Metaphysical theme

The vibe of this energy-focused store is undeniably cool and serene.

It’s sparkly too, a fitting decorum for a business with a metaphysical theme. Streaming natural sunlight through the windows, with glimpses of the harbor, lend a radiant shimmer to the numerous crystals and stones on display.

Collaborating with local artists is important to Sabounchi. There is jewelry from Vashon Island, candles and apothecary from Tacoma, handmade soaps from Ruston, and nature-inspired spa products from Olympia.

Beyond the sparkles and salts and stones lies a place, says Sabounchi, she hopes will allow people to connect to their personal wisdom and celebrate their life’s journey.

‘Look at this little town!’

Sabounchi’s own journey began far from a quiet small town in the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in Los Angeles, Sabounchi would pursue a career as a real estate agent. During the pandemic, Sabounchi and her husband decided to leave California.

Upon hearing that their friends were relocating to Tacoma, they entertained the idea of moving north as well. With curiosity piqued, they gazed at a map together and stumbled upon a quaint little town. “We literally looked on a map. Hey, look at this little town!”

Sabounchi was overcome with emotions upon her first arrival to Gig Harbor. “I started crying because it was so beautiful.” The couple purchased a home, and Sabounchi traded her fast-track LA life for the slower pace of Gig Harbor in 2021.

Although she would transfer her real estate license from California to Washington, she began to question her career path. When a prestigious real estate company invited her to an interview, Sabounchi decided not to go. “It doesn’t match who I was,” she realized.

After arriving in Gig Harbor, Sabounchi began to feel lonely in her new town. “Our friends were supposed to come (move to Tacoma) but they didn’t.” When Emily noticed there weren’t a lot of metaphysical stores, she saw an opportunity to bring something new to Gig Harbor, while also fostering community.

Everything from incense to Tarot readings

Sabounchi was no stranger to selling energy-related goods. Prior to this venture, she had been running an Etsy store, showcasing a diverse range of products such as incense holders, leather journals, and meticulously crafted ritual kits. These kits included essentials like candles, sage, crystals, and other earthy items, all designed to support and enhance activities like meditation, or simply to bring joy to one’s life.

The Soullective Space also offers energy work, something Sabounchi found helpful in her own journey to cope with depression and anxiety. Sabounchi turned to the Japanese practice of energy healing known as Reiki. Reiki involves a practitioner placing their hands on or near the recipient’s body to facilitate the flow of energy and remove blockages.

Sabounchi now holds certificates in Reiki and other energy work modalities, including yoga, meditation, and Akashic Sound And Multidimensional Healing.

Soullective also offers sound healing sessions utilizing the sound waves (vibrations) from crystal singing bowls, chimes, and gongs. A calendar of events includes the many offerings, including an upcoming Reiki & Sound Healing session on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Tarot readings are offered every Thursday between 12-4 pm. For those seeking celestial guidance in matters of finance, relationships, and other life issues, astrology sessions, and classes are also available to explore the wonders of the stars.

Emily Sabounchi works inside her The Soullective Space in Gig Harbor.

Reiki for pets

Not only are there Reiki sessions available for humans, but also for pets, catering to their needs such as separation anxiety, pain relief, and various other challenges faced by our beloved furry friends.

“At the end of the day it’s all about nature and connecting to Mother Earth,” says Sabounchi. When it comes to, “building a community, we all have (something) different we can share.”

At Soullective Space, Emily Sabounchi shares joy. The frequency of joy radiates abundantly from this humble, unassuming tiny storefront, hidden like a secret garden amidst the bustling noise of the main drag.