Meet Ali Smith of Pittsburg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Smith.

Hi Ali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ali, and I use both they/them and fae/faer pronouns. My background is in victim advocacy and violence prevention education. I spent most of my college career in this area and then spent until 2019 in this field. I started a non-profit, Q Space, in 2018 and am still a chair. I worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters through 2021. I started making bookmarks out of tarot cards in January of 2021 after my rescue dog, Zoe, ate part of my tarot deck. At first, I was upset, then I made a meme (like I often do), and then I decided to do something creative with the leftover cards. Being a self-proclaimed bibliophile, I decided to make bookmarks. After sharing with friends and on social media, I realized other people wanted tarot bookmarks too. Thus, the Witchy Bibliophile was born. I make bookmarks, keychains, and magnets out of upcycled tarot and oracle cards.

2020 brought many challenges for individuals and the world, but it also brought many opportunities for introspection and growth. In 2020 I began cultivating my love for plants which led to gardening, hiking, and foraging. Ethical foraging is a large part of my creative process. When the earth offers some extra magic, I add that to each of my products. From herbs for bath soaks to shells and rocks for spell jars to pine cones to infuse with cinnamon – the earth has much to offer if we ask. 2020 was also the year that I began exploring my spirituality through witchcraft. Connecting with the earth and my intuition gave me a sense of peace and harmony but also confidence in my power. I practice through rituals, spells, and meditation.

I’ve been making most of my care products since 2015. There was a time I made everything from makeup to shampoo. Through experimentation, I’ve realized what works well and what doesn’t and what I should leave to others who do it better. Today I make bath soaks, massage oils, lip balm, shower steamers, and sugar scrubs. Throughout the last couple of years, I have also been learning more about herbalism through books, webinars, and gardening. In 2022 I decided to begin my master’s in herbal medicine through the American College of Healthcare Sciences. I just finished my first semester. I have been working on formulating my herbal teas and have three teas out.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I’m a disabled, autistic, queer, gender-fluid person, so my life has been full of struggle. After contracting COVID-19 in the spring of 2020, my already chronically ill body, began experiencing fatigue and pain. I was soon diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Since I am a creative who makes things with my hands, this cannot be easy. Repetitive movements, stirring, candle making, cutting, etc., can take a toll. Frequent breaks are needed. This makes it nearly impossible to make items in bulk when needed. Brain fog, lack of concentration, and forgetfulness make it challenging to complete tasks promptly and efficiently. With my business, vending events are essential to getting out in the community and getting recognized with my business. The vending events are often outdoors and in crowds. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) makes it challenging to maintain an even temperature, and I get easily overheated and exhausted. I must be more than prepared to function throughout the day with my compression gear, extra hydration, fans, hat, mister, etc. Standing for extended periods is also tricky, so I have to make sure I have a chair or a space to rest. Chronic pain is also exacerbated by the weather and sitting or standing in one place for a very long. Managing my disabilities is just a part of my life and business. Having a dynamic disability means I never know if it will be a good day or a bad day – or just a day. Thankfully I have the support of friends and loved ones who are always by my side.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an herbalism student, forager, and upcycle. I am currently working on my master’s in herbal medicine. I create herbalism-based self-care products such as herbal teas, bath soaks, shower steamers, lip balms, herb-infused oils, and tinctures. I forage herbs, plants, bones, feathers, rocks, shells, and more to put into my spell jars and ritual work. I upcycle tarot and oracle cards into bookmarks, keychains, and magnets. I upcycle scrabble pieces into the decor.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
2020 brought many challenges for individuals and the world, but it also brought many opportunities for introspection and growth. In 2020 I began cultivating my love for plants which led to gardening, hiking, and foraging. 2020 was also the year that I began exploring their spirituality through witchcraft. Connecting with the earth and my intuition gave them a sense of peace and harmony and confidence in my power. It led me to the business I have today.

Pricing:

• Herbal Teas: $4 – $20
• Bath Soaks: $5 – $14
• Bookmarks: $3 – $8

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thewitchybibliophile.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewitchybibliophile/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewitchybibli0phile
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/witchybiblio
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@witchybibliophile

Image Credits:
Main Frame Design & Photography