A holistic wellness pop-up shop opens in Ararat

A new shop in town is open for business, offering holistic healing services to help customers feel their best.

Heart Centred Reiki opened last week thanks to a Pop-Up Grant Program offered by Ararat Rural City Council.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison said there has been a healthy amount of interest in Council’s Pop-Up Grants Program from neighbouring operators.

‘The Pop-Up Grants are designed to re-energise the town by transforming underutilised spaces and vacant shopfronts to pop-up shops,’ Dr Harrison said.

‘This initiative enables entrepreneurs to easily test a business idea or take a home-based business to a main street presence with a $2,000 grant and a flexible lease in time for summer.’

Walking into Heart Centred Reiki on Barkly Street, you’re immediately met by a sense of calm – the space boasts two treatment rooms and stocks a range of locally made shampoos and moisturisers, crystals and jewellery.

Rekik Master and teacher, Nolene Gration first learnt Reiki over 30 years ago and has years of experience in the alternative therapies space; most recently providing treatments and holding classes in Black Range. She is excited to be bringing her expertise to Ararat.

‘I’m a firm believer of healing from the inside out – I see Reiki as a practice that complements a person’s wellness journey, using holistic healing to promote relaxation and creating clearer pathways for energy to flow.

‘I often get asked what people can expect from a Reiki session – and there is no ‘right’. Every session is different with some people experiencing tingling and warmth and some seeing colours. Pretty well everyone though experiences deep relaxation.’

‘If you’re curious about alternative forms of wellness or looking at ways to help manage stress, anxiety or trauma, stop by the shop to have a chat to see if Reiki may work for you.’

‘I look forward to meeting new faces and am thrilled to have received great support so far. We have some free sessions coming up so that people can learn about and experience Reiki and other energy-healing techniques. It is such a privilege to work in a community who are keen to experience something new.’

Commenting on the process of opening a Pop-Up Shop in Ararat, Nolene said it was seamless and well-supported.

‘I first heard about the Pop-Up Grants program through Council’s website. They helped me get in touch with the real estate company and I was able to negotiate a six-month lease,’ Ms Gration said.

‘Council’s Pop-Up Grants gave me the courage to open up a practice in Ararat thanks to the support and funding from the program. I’ve walked past the shopfront many times and always had a good feeling about it – Ararat has a vibrant CBD and community.’

An official opening for Heart-Centred Reiki will be held on 17 November 2023 at 125 Barkly Street. To make a booking or find out more about upcoming workshops, contact Nolene on 0408218954 or [email protected].

For more information on Council’s Pop-Up Grants program, contact the Economic and Development team on (03) 5355 0241 or email [email protected].