Grimalkin Metaphysical in Royal Oak Builds Community and Satisfies Spiritual Needs
(Ellen Shanna Knoppow, Feb. 4, 2024)
Royal Oak, MI – Grimalkin Metaphysical, new to Royal Oak as of December 2023, is more than a place to buy incense and altar supplies. Married partners Alex Kramp and Lyle Kramp who own and operate the shop respectively, aim to offer something to satisfy everyone’s spiritual needs. That might include intention candles crafted by Alex that promise prosperity or a spiritual awakening, psychic tarot readings and all manner of books related to the occult.
From the handmade stained glass that hangs in the front window, to the creative clothing options and eclectic artwork, every item is curated with care.
“Our intent for it is to be like a spiritual community center,” Alex said. “Metaphysical, spirituality, a place for people of any gender, gender identity, sexuality, race, religion to come and gather.”
And don’t let the fact that a black cat named Luci roams the space or that they offer Satan-themed t-shirts suggest Grimalkin Metaphysical is anything less than hospitable. Luci makes friends quickly and customers are invited to enjoy coffee, tea and lattes, available for a donation. The walls are painted in a DIY riot of colors.
The retail portion of the store opens to an event space with a stage and an area set aside for a soon-to-be apothecary featuring herbs and other remedies. A third space, now used for storage, will be an art gallery. Open mic nights are on the horizon.
“People can get married here,” Lyle said. “They can have events here on their own, birthday parties, anything they want.” He described a kind of hall with retail along with a “loungey-type area” for relaxing, stress-relief and practicing rituals. They also invite artists to reach out for opportunities to share their work.
Grimalkin Metaphysical as an entity experienced its own spiritual journey, a rebirth of sorts.
On Christmas Day of 2022, the store’s previous incarnation, Alleycat Metaphysical Supplies in Mount Clemens, was destroyed when a pipe burst and caused a flood. Although Lyle was able to save Luci the cat—who survived 11 hours among the flooded merchandise—all inventory was lost. Lyle and Alex were both transformed by the trauma of losing Alleycat.
“He was gone for seven minutes,” said Alex, describing what was likely a seizure that Lyle experienced several days later on Jan. 1. “He dropped dead from stress. So there’s been a very intense spiritual journey for the both of us.”
Alex said their paths over the past year led them to open another shop; this time they gravitated toward Royal Oak where Alex lived previously. Because both Alex and Lyle are LGBTQ+, establishing themselves in a queer-friendly area was a priority. Unexpectedly, they found a location on 11 Mile Rd. east of downtown.
Regular events held at Grimalkin Metaphysical include a metaphysical discussion night on Wednesdays, an LGBTQ social club on Thursdays and on Saturdays, folks can gather to create art with either their own or the venue’s supplies. Attendees must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult. Groups are free but donations are encouraged.
Now that the space is looking great and the programs are coming together, Lyle and Alex are looking into marketing and networking, and community collaborations, “because word of mouth only goes so far,” Alex said.
Grimalkin Metaphysical is located at 1208 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak 48067. Check out their website at https://grimalkinmetaphysical.my.canva.site/ for info on retail offerings as well as meet ups like the Open Discussion Group, the LGBTQ+ Social Club and the Grimalkin Art Club.
