Passersbys are drawn to the windows of Journey’s, the new holistic healing center on Court Street. Pathways of products are visible through the windows: books, jewelry, aromatherapy, stones, teas, and cards. But to owners Torrii Rogers and Lisa Solterbeck, Journey’s is not just a store, and its beauty is more a byproduct than a primary purpose.

Offering classes, readings, counseling, a meditation area, and much more, Rogers describes the center’s purpose as “a supportive tool to help people realize their full potential. No matter what path you choose, whether it’s Christian or Buddhism or Pagan, you can find something here to support you on your journey.”

Journey’s own path to opening its doors at 456 Court St has been one of setback and struggle. Originally intended to be opened in a historical residential building on Hood Street, with city approval, the business was halted by vast opposition of the Grant Neighborhood Association. Opponents went on record as reluctant to see the loss of an historic single family home, to see the character of the neighborhood change, as well as having questions about parking and traffic. Rogers and Solterbeck believed, since other businesses were allowed to operate in the area, more issues might have been in play.

"The Grant neighborhood clearly didn't want our business in their community. The attorney that represented the Grant Neighborhood spoke to us after the City Council had overturned the hearings officer ruling and said, ‘You freaked them out with the types of spirituality classes you were going to have.’ There were other rumors of what the resistance was about, but none were clear,” said Rogers and Solterbeck.

Once shut out of the Grant neighborhood, the partners found themselves financially drained and unsure of their next step. They stumbled onto the Court Street location when Rogers went next door to Casey’s Hot Dogs to get her son curly fries. She says, “I drove up and I saw the place, and I was like, ‘this is it!’”

Journey’s was installed in record time, with the help of family and friends.

“As soon as we got the keys, I think it was not even one week [until they moved in].”

The owners describe their final location as 10 times better than the original.

“We are thrilled with our new location and love the welcoming community of the downtown area. It's a refreshing breath after what we went through.”

Beyond the storefront, Journey’s offers an array of services geared toward spiritual health. Solterbeck, a licensed clinical social worker, has over 150 clients and operates her practice, “Inspiration and Associates” from the upstairs office. Downstairs, Journey’s conducts classes and employs practitioners of many healing arts, including intuitive readings, soft-touch energy work, reiki, meditation, massage therapy, hypnotherapy, and acupuncture.

When asked their response to members of the community who are uncomfortable with Journey’s metaphysical bent, Solterbeck and Rogers reply, “Come and meet us. Do a reading with us. It’s just not scary stuff. It’s just thinking outside the box a little.”

Adds Rogers, “We just want to be here for people. We’re not looking to get rich or anything like that. We just want to be able to pay the bills and give folks what they need.”