One of York’s most unique shops has gone up for sale – and is looking for a new owner.
The Zentist, on Gillygate, is a haven for all things spiritual, with the shop stocking crystals, tarot cards, incense, essential oils, and more.
Now its owner, Barbara Stepowanyj, is looking to pass on the baton to someone new.
Barbara has owned the shop for nearly eight years. She first knew of The Zentist when she worked at a coffee shop on Gillygate from 2007 to 2010.
After Barbara sold the coffee shop she moved on to work for Lloyds/Halifax. It was in 2016 when a couple of friends notified her that The Zentist was closing down.
“At the time I had put in for a higher paid job,” Barbara told YorkMix. “However I didn’t get it as I was meant to come here – and the rest is history!”
Barbara owns the business with her partner, Mike.
“I’ve always been into crystals,” said Barbara. “I love tarot and spiritual things like that.
“We sought to change the whole dynamic of the shop.”
Today, The Zentist has 500 different types of crystals, rare statement pieces, essential oils, incense, angels, and tarot and oracle cards.
“We built it to a profitable business. A lot of people come in and offload their problems, and as long as somebody leaves happy and peaceful when they leave – as best they can – I feel OK.”
After nearly eight years, Barbara feels like it’s time to move on. The business is currently up for sale through Stephensons Estate Agents, and Barbara is looking to sell it as a going concern.
It has a guide price of £49,950.
Barbara is hoping the next owners will “take the shop to the next level. I’m not much on social media, it’s overtaken me, but that’s where it would do really well, if somebody could do a lot of things on social media.”
She is keen to emphasise though that it’s “business as usual. We’re not closing down.”
“It’s a lovely shop and we always get positive feedback from customers so come in and take it to the next level!”
The Zentist on Gillygate is open Monday to Saturday 10:30am – 4pm, and Sundays 11am – 3pm. Find out more at their website here.