Carlisle crystal shop to close as owner launches new handcrafted business

Crystals and More, based on Lonsdale Street, will shut at the end of January as owner Michelle Dunning announces a new direction and the launch of a brand-new venture. Michelle says all stock and furniture in the shop, which has built a loyal following over the years, must go. She will be turning her focus to a handcrafted botanical business, Willow Scentcraft, creating soaps, balms and candles inspired by nature. Inside Crystals and More. (Image: Supplied) The new business will operate primarily online, offering subscription boxes and occasional pop-up appearances at local markets. Willow Scentcraft is set to officially launch in February 2026. Michelle explained: "It's not a goodbye fully as we're simply changing business direction. "The change of direction came from losing my mum earlier this year. I started to re-evaluate what I wanted out of life and where I saw myself in 10 years time. "I realised I wanted to get back to my roots. "I love being out in nature and creating, so Willow Scentcraft was born. I will grow my own herbs and botanicals to use in the soaps and balms. "It allows me more time to be out in nature and indulges my creative side." Michelle Dunning, owner. (Image: Supplied) Michelle added that running a retail shop can be incredibly time-consuming, and moving online will provide more flexibility for both her and her customers, with plans to offer wholesale in the future. She said: "I absolutely love the shop, over the years we've built up an amazing customer base and I've made some beautiful friends for life. However, running a retail shop can be incredibly time-consuming and it's time for me to spread my wings to a new venture that allows me flexibility and a chance to use my creative side again. "The social media groups are staying, just changing the name to Willow Scentcraft so the majority of wonderful friends and customers who we've met over the years will still be with us." Willow Scentcraft can be found at Michelle’s updated Facebook link:https://www.facebook.com/share/17i2CJ7DTt/.

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