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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Here's What Life Is Really Like As An Etsy Witch
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." One of the strangest orders that Tee, a full-time Etsy witch and psychic, can recall was a request from a girl trying to decide whether she should cryogenically freeze her beloved deceased dog. She sought out Tee's counsel to determine if it was worth the money. That was an odd one even for Tee, who's been practicing witchcraft since she was 8 years old. But people often do reach out to her during these moments of extreme desperation, but usually, it's hoping for a six-figure job or the return of a lost lover. Thanks to her popular Etsy store, SpellboundByTee, which offers spells in addition to psychic readings, she's able to help customers nationwide—on a website that was once primarily known for quirky knick-knacks. Witches like Tee have been in very high demand this summer. I'd trace the spike in Etsy witch interest back to this May, when influencer Jaz Smith posted about the witch she hired to prevent rain on her wedding day (there were clear skies all weekend). But throughout history, increased interest in alternative practices like astrology, and yes, magic, has surged during periods of extreme political and economic uncertainty. Tee saw this firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rise in health-related requests and a higher overall demand for spiritual support. 'When outside circumstances are overwhelming, more people tend to reach for spirituality," Tee says. "They're looking for resources, and they may feel like [standard] organizations are failing them.' Artist Psychic, another Etsy witch, says the platform's convenience also plays a factor: "I think a lot of the increased interest comes down to accessibility and the sense of community the internet creates," explains Artist Psychic. "People can connect with spiritual practitioners they resonate with from anywhere in the world, without feeling judged or having to leave home. Social media and platforms like Etsy have made it easier for people to discover spiritual services, and I think the last few years—with everyone spending more time online—have accelerated that trend." All of this attention on the Etsy witches could easily lead to speculation about their legitimacy. So to clear all of that up, we chatted with Tee and Artist Psychic to address some of the Internet's skepticism, learn a bit more about their daily lives, and to reflect on this summer's Etsy witch boom. Could you walk us through what a typical day in your life looks like? AP: Every day is a bit different, but I like to start my mornings by grounding myself, usually with a cup of tea and quiet time for meditation or journaling. Once I feel centered, I review orders and messages from clients around the world. I do readings, cast spells, and respond to follow-up questions. I also prepare rituals, gather materials for spellwork, and sometimes sketch soulmates for my custom readings. The rest of the day often involves business admin, updating my Etsy listings, or brainstorming new offerings. I always try to end the day with time in nature to reset my own energy. Tee: I wake up and start my morning meditation. Then I move on to tending the altars I have for my ancestors—I'll ask them for protection. Next, I review my Etsy orders and prepare to fulfill and schedule them, whether they're written readings, phone readings, rituals, or custom handmade products, like candles. If I'm in my physical store on a certain day, it's the same. I just have to assist customers with product choices, readings, and any questions they may have. Once I'm home from the store, I check my Etsy and clean my altars. I always end my days in gratitude and with a good cleanse. What's a common misconception about Etsy witches that deserves correction? AP: That all Etsy witches are just 'selling hope' or are somehow insincere. In reality, most of us put real intention, energy, and time into each reading and ritual. There's a genuine desire to help, and a lot of emotional labor goes into the work. Tee: That they are all capitalizing on a trend, selling gimmicks, and aren't legit or credible. How often are you met with clients who are skeptical? Tee: You get skeptics who want to be believers. Many people are skeptical because they want to control the outcome, but you can't. I can do love [spells], but if you're not putting yourself out there, or if you're still comparing everyone to your ex, you need to be working on cutting cords and doing some healing. Because guess what? You might not even need attraction [spells] once you do that. People will be drawn to you because of the healing they see. What's the most 'unconventional' request you've ever received from a client? AP: I've seen quite a range of requests over the years! One that stands out was someone asking for a spell to help their houseplants thrive because they felt like their plants were 'avoiding' them. I've also had requests for everything from helping a beloved pet communicate their feelings to spells for success in reality TV auditions. People's wishes are so varied and creative. What inspired you to pursue witchcraft professionally? AP: I've always felt drawn to spirituality and intuitive work, even as a child. Over time, my personal practice deepened, and friends and family started coming to me for advice, readings, and spells. Eventually, I realized this was my true calling—I wanted to help others find hope, healing, and empowerment through spiritual work. Turning it into a professional path was a leap, but it's been incredibly rewarding. Tee: I started helping my grandmother and grandfather when I was around 8 years old. They taught me how to do rootwork and witch doctor work as I matured. My grandma always had people coming to her home for homeopathic remedies, medicines, readings, spiritual work, dolls, amulets, and charms. As an adult, I started to do the same. After their passing, I took on their clients here in my home. You could say it came naturally—and it's who I am because it's what I was taught and raised with as a child. Some abilities were taught, but do you also think you were born with any? Tee: I do think I was born with it. This is the most macabre thing, but from when I was young, I always knew when people were going to die. I don't know how, but something about them would look different to me. When life leaves the body, someone's complexion is gone. When I would meet a person who was going to pass away, they'd have that look initially, and I'd look again, and they'd look like themselves. I was never really afraid of the dead or the dreams I would have—I was just kind of curious, and that's when I started asking questions. I think [my abilities are] natural to me, but I do feel like we all have a connection. Some of us find it earlier than others. Dogma teaches us 'This is how it is.' Once you get rid of the dogma, I think we all have the ability to connect [with our power]. How do you protect your own energy while working with so many clients? AP: Boundaries are key! I make time to ground myself before and after every reading, and I'm intentional about taking breaks and practicing self-care. I also limit the number of readings I do in a day and keep certain aspects of my personal life private to maintain balance. Tee: I never skip cleansing or protection. Do you ever feel taken advantage of by people you're close to because of your skills? AP: It happens occasionally—friends or acquaintances sometimes expect free readings or ongoing advice. I've had to learn to gently set boundaries and remind people that, while I love helping, my energy and time are limited. Tee: When I was younger, I did because I didn't have strong boundaries, so I would just let my cousins and friends drain me. There has to be reciprocity, and once I realized that, I stopped and set boundaries. Do you have a favorite reading or service to provide? If so, what is it? AP: I love soulmate readings, especially when I can include a sketch or detailed description of the person's energy. There's something so special about helping someone feel hopeful about love or their future. Manifestation rituals are another favorite—I enjoy channeling positive energy toward someone's deepest wish. You Might Also Like Here's What NOT to Wear to a Wedding Meet the Laziest, Easiest Acne Routine You'll Ever Try
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shein releases alarming report about its business practices and products — here's what you need to know
Shein releases alarming report about its business practices and products — here's what you need to know While fast fashion giant Shein is making efforts to become more sustainable, a report shows its carbon pollution has increased by over 20% compared to 2023. What's happening? Shein has been in the spotlight for various issues, including its massive impact on the environment from high levels of pollution and waste. Shein's 2024 Sustainability and Social Impact Report outlined several areas the company is focusing on to improve: Equitable Empowerment (People), Collective Resilience (Planet), and Waste-Less Innovation (Process). These three pillars include goals such as sourcing responsible materials, decarbonizing its supply chain, designing circular systems, and expanding sustainable innovation. These are impressive strategies, but Shein has a long way to go before it can hit those targets. As Sustainability Magazine detailed, the report revealed that even though it's taking steps to cut carbon pollution, its Scope 3 emissions — indirect air pollution within a company's value chain — increased by 23.1% from 2023. Meanwhile, its Scope 1 and 2 pollution, direct and indirect air pollution from purchased electricity, respectively, soared to over 94% for dirty energy and nearly 33% for location-based pollution. The company's total heat-trapping air pollution in 2024 was roughly 28.9 million tons. "Like many companies, we face the complex challenge of decoupling our growth from resource consumption," the report noted. Shein said it is "actively" working on reducing its planet-warming pollution production in both its day-to-day operations and throughout its supply chain. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "As of May 2025, we have approved near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the Science Based Targets Initiative, and the SBTi has verified our net zero science-based target by 2050," the report continued. Why is Shein's pollution output concerning? Pollution released from manufacturing and other industrial activities contributes to poor air quality and higher global temperatures, which can result in more extreme weather, displacement for people impacted by disasters, and greater strain on the health of communities. As extreme weather events are becoming stronger, longer, and more frequent worldwide, it's concerning that Shein's pollution levels are moving in the wrong direction. Aside from the negative effects of pollution on people and the planet, fast fashion also creates massive amounts of textile waste and requires tons of resources to support its operations. According to 100 billion garments are produced each year, and more than 101 million end up in landfills (sometimes after just seven to 10 uses). That's not entirely the fault of companies, but they do encourage people to constantly replace garments because they're typically of poor quality and don't last long. Because most fast fashion clothing is made of synthetic fibers that shed easily, the industry is a huge source of microplastic pollution, which ends up in waterways, the soil, and other areas in the environment. Since the industry prioritizes the rapid production of trendy, inexpensive clothing, it also requires the use of immense amounts of water, chemical dyes, and energy. What is Shein doing to help the planet? Sustainability Magazine explained that the company set a goal to supply all of its energy for operations from renewable sources by 2030, through both on-site solar panel installation and the purchase of energy attribute certificates. It has already made impressive strides, as 76% of its electricity for operations came from renewables last year. In addition, it plans to deploy hundreds of electric vehicles for warehousing and logistics needs in China. As far as reducing waste, Shein has implemented recycling at all 33 of its warehouses in China and its Center of Innovation for Garment Manufacturing. According to the report, these measures have led to a 95% recycling rate. It appears the fashion world could be slowly becoming more sustainable, but in the meantime, there are plenty of thrift stores and eco-friendly clothing brands that offer high-quality items at major discounts, and you can feel good knowing they benefit the planet. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fashion giants Shein and Temu in hot water after secret shopper investigation: 'Shocked'
Fashion giants Shein and Temu in hot water after secret shopper investigation: 'Shocked' Online fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu are facing pressure from European regulators after a secret shopper investigation uncovered serious safety violations in a range of their products. What's happening? The European Commission is cracking down on Shein and Temu after discovering dangerous and noncompliant products sold through the platforms. These include baby teethers with choking hazards, sunglasses with no UV protection, and children's raincoats laced with toxic chemicals. A report from members of the European Parliament also found banned substances linked to fertility and developmental harm in cosmetics sold on the sites. EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath said he was "shocked" by the findings, as reported by Euro Weekly News. This news is surfacing as the EU struggles to manage an overwhelming influx of imported goods. In 2024, the bloc received 4.6 billion cheap shipments under €150, double the number from the year before. Why are discount and fast-fashion retailers such as Temu and Shein concerning? These violations are putting people at risk. From toxic chemicals to unsafe children's products, the quality issues show how ultra-cheap imports are more dangerous and problematic than people think. In 2023, the EU issued a record 4,137 alerts for unsafe nonfood products. Shein's and Temu's business models are also concerning. Many of their items aren't made to last, feeding into the global mountain of landfill waste. About 101 million tons of textile waste are generated every year. And in the U.S., about 85% of all textiles end up in the dump each year. To make things worse, European companies that play by the rules face higher compliance costs, putting them at a disadvantage compared with low-cost international sellers skirting regulations. What's being done about it? In response, the EU is considering removing the €150 duty-free threshold and introducing a per-package fee to better fund customs, which is already being overwhelmed by the sheer number of orders. McGrath also plans to raise the issue with Chinese officials at the upcoming EU-China summit. Shein has responded by pointing to its compliance investments, and Temu shared a report about its seller vetting and compliance checks. But so far, EU officials remain unconvinced. Consumers can do plenty to curb the environmental effects of fast fashion and cheap retailers. First, rethink your shopping habits. Shopping secondhand can save money while cutting waste. Plus, thrifters often find luxury or valuable items at dirt-cheap prices. Learn about better alternatives in this guide to breaking up with fast fashion. While the scale of the issue is massive, awareness and action from everyday shoppers can help hold retailers accountable for the true cost of cheap goods. Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics? Giving me money back Letting me trade for new stuff Making it as easy as possible Keeping my stuff out of landfills Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
