About Us

The Gothicary was born of love, loss, healing—and a trip to Salem.

I’m Rachel, the creator, collector and chaos alchemist behind The Gothicary.

A few years ago, I lost my husband of 23 years and suddenly found myself a widow, an empty nester and 50 years old—with a career in HR that was sucking the life force out of me. I began creating as a way to heal, reconnect with myself and make something beautiful from the chaos.

Then I went to Salem.

That trip reminded me that there is power in embracing the strange, the spiritual and the parts of ourselves the world often tells us to tame. I came home knowing I wanted to build something different: a place filled with beauty, humor, history, magic and things you simply don’t find everywhere else.

What began with my own art grew into an online shop, vendor markets and a retail booth. When our previous retail location abruptly closed, we were forced to accelerate the dream of opening a real brick-and-mortar store. Happenstance led us to an incredible space in historic downtown Leesburg—and we signed the lease without hesitation.

Today, The Gothicary is a little gothic, a little witchy and a little unhinged. I spend countless hours creating and curating products from independent artists, makers and small businesses across the country. We also collaborate with other small businesses to create exclusive Gothicary candles, perfumes and merchandise.

The store is built around three pillars:

Poe gave it shadows—dark academia, Victorian gothic, tarot, horror and literary treasures.

Alice gave it wonder—whimsy, curious gifts, bookish delights and a willingness to follow the strange idea down the rabbit hole.

Medusa gave it power—goddesses, witchcraft, beauty, feminine strength and our ever-simmering feminist rage.

The Gothicary is more than a place to shop. It is a place to explore, connect, laugh, create and feel completely at home in your own beautiful weirdness.

Darkly divine. Slightly unhinged. Welcome—you belong here.