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New Ashland store promises heaven on earth By Morgan Rothborne Updated: Aug 22, 2022 04:19 PM A A The Haven offers products for mental, physical, spiritual well-being The Haven, a new retail store in Ashland, includes an expansive crystal collection, art, jewelry, clothing and wellness products. [Photo by Denise Baratta] Founders Sanandaji Kryst, left, and Shekinah Ma Kryst during the grand opening of The Haven Friday in Ashland. [Photo by Denise Baratta] A long vacant space at 142 E. Main St., in Ashland, opened Friday as The Haven, a store offering products for mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Visitors walking into the two-story, wood-paneled space Friday were greeted by the cello music of Daniel Sperry and multitudes of sparkling crystals. “What would that look like, what would that feel like, if you could just have the opportunity to experience heaven on earth for a moment?” said Sanandaji Kryst, co-owner of The Haven with his wife, Shekinah Ma Kryst. The couple said they were married in a previous life, something they knew as soon as they met. Standing in the center of the store in nearly matching outfits of flowing white and gold, the couple said they moved to Ashland the day of the Almeda Fire, after traveling the world collecting the items for sale in The Haven. “Had we had these sorts of things along our journey, we know it would have been so beneficial,” Kryst explained, “Of course, you don’t need tools to experience divinity, but it does help.” On tables throughout the space, different kinds of crystals sparkled above signs describing the effects each one promises. Amethyst for the third eye and creativity, smoky quartz for grounding and calming, citrine for prosperity. In the center of the sales floor is a jewelry counter offering talismans made of other gems or containing tiny vessels of water collected from locations around the world where miracles have happened, Shekinah Ma Kryst said. “We took these waters, and we blessed them further,” she said. Along the walls of the store, visitors can find hand-rolled incense, pashmina scarves, superfood supplements and teas. “These families, that have been doing this for generations, they don’t just pluck the tea. They ask the plant if it would like to be harvested,” said Mia O’Brien, events director for The Haven. On the second floor of the shop, workshops will be offered on how to use the teas, crystals, essential oils and other wares sold at The Haven, O’Brien said, including how to make your own perfume with essential oils. The owners said they hope to work with other local businesses and the community. “We want to have an outreach, to work together, to create together. Our intention in the near future is to support local charities. That’s one thing we would love to hear from the community of Ashland — what is needed?” said Shekinah Ma Kryst. A lounge with white couches along the back of the store will be used for tea ceremonies on tables with glass tops balanced above enormous crystals. Rooms once used as dressing rooms are now mediation pods, O’Brien said. Visitors can step in, close the curtain, sit on benches and admire artworks created by the owners of The Haven. Through the beauty of the works, the owners hope, visitors will receive something of the sacred. “People generally live the same: They wake up in the morning; they go to work; they feed their children; they go to sleep,” Kryst said “So what would it be like to be lifted in a cathartic way? Without having to take yourself out of reality and still be a part of it at the same time,” Kryst said. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Morgan Rothborne at [email protected] or 541-776-4487. Follow her on Twitter @MRothborne.