Witch Baby in Summit, NJ
A new, charming addition to Summit's downtown is a witch boutique called Witch Baby, which sells vegan and cruelty-free bath and body products. It's founder Chelsea Selby Randazza's third store in New Jersey, following locations in Cranford and Red Bank. She launched her business in 2013, experimenting with her mother's beauty products and majoring in alternative medicine in college.
As a child, she was taken in by family members and given the nickname "Witch Baby." When she turned 12, she began to study witchcraft as a means of understanding and embracing her occult roots. Selby says her business is a reflection of that. The shop's products are crafted with the help of a variety of herbs, crystals and oils to provide a sense of peace, cleansing and rejuvenation. It is meant to turn your everyday bathroom into a sacred space that is a "tower moment" - a time of self-love, care and connection with your true nature.
When you walk into the store, it is reminiscent of walking into a bakery: colorful cakes of soaps shaped like downy clouds and tarot cards line the shelves, alongside jars of face masks, scrubs, salts, oils and other magical potions. There are also mystical, beautifully crafted bath bombs that range from a navy and gold-dusted astrology bomb to a deep crimson Dragon's Blood product.
The store has a quarterly subscription box as well that comes with a zine, three bath bombs, and surprises like body oil, exclusive pins and crystals. Each box has a theme, such as the current full moon or the Witch baby cam show zodiac signs, and the products are designed to coordinate with each.
One of the most popular items is a hex jar, which can be filled with salt or roses to remove curses and spells. Selby also offers a full line of spiritual cleansing, protection and hex-breaking candles and crystals. She's even created a special line of products to help those going through grief.
While it's not the best idea to assume that a bad run of luck is due to someone hexing you, there's no harm in seeking out witches who can assist. The most important thing is that you have an open mind and a willingness to learn.
As for the hexing kerfuffle, it is important to remember that calling someone a "Baby Witch" has problematic implications. It implies that more experienced witches are inherently smarter, wiser and more aware than novices. The fact of the matter is that it takes a lot of work and dedication to develop as a witch, regardless of your experience level. It's time to abandon the snarky label and stop using it to demean other witches. It's a big part of why so many people are upset with the recent WitchTok hexing kerfuffle. If you want to be a witch, you need a willing ear and an open mind – the tools and trappings come later.