By Sam Stoker
This issue we spoke with Lindsey who has recently opened a new café and spiritual space in Durham City, 3 of Cups, along with her sister.
POTN: Can you tell us a little about your business?
Lindsey: 3 of Cups is an inclusive coffee shop/cafe run by myself, Lindsey, and my sister Bernie. It was born from the idea of creating a welcoming and inclusive space where people can be themselves and connect with each other. Named after the tarot card which is all about community and connection, we wanted to create a safe space where people can relax, enjoy our home cooked food and baked goods, buy items to help them on their own spiritual journeys, and get tarot readings. I am tarot reader and a qualified crystal healer, my sister Bernie is entrepreneurial and has always wanted to open a cafe. We decided to combine our passions, and we both love baking so make all of the treats ourselves. Bernie created the menu and cooks all of the food.
POTN: How would you describe your path?
Lindsey: I have always been spiritual and have loved tarot since I was a teenager - our Aunt was a tarot reader and author who travelled all over the world teaching and reading tarot for people. She bought my first tarot and oracle decks, and crystals, when I was young (I still have them today!). It was always something I practiced, alongside a career in marketing. However when Covid hit in 2020 and we all had to work from home, it was a shock to the system especially as I was classed as 'clinically vulnerable' due to a previous heart transplant in 2002. It helped me slow down and assess what I actually wanted. In 2024 I took a career break to refocus and realign with something that was more fulfilling, I decided to read tarot and create astrology readings full time. Working at alternative markets and online I helped people with their own journeys via tarot readings. The path of living more seasonally, following the wheel of the year and also the lunar cycles made me feel like a much more empathic and authentic version of myself. I also loved the alternative community I'd become part of. Bernie's journey has been similar to mine, she had owned her own businesses previously and ill health led to a reassessment of values and career. We didn't want to be caught up in consumerism and wanted to do something that was meaningful to us both.
POTN: What brought you to your path?
Lindsey: As above really, a shift in perspective and change in my own lifestyle. My journey from a corporate career to living more seasonally and intentionally - it was a path of self-discovery and learning a new way to live that was more aligned with my values. When I started living more spiritually, I felt like I understood more about myself and the people around me. Bernie and I both felt it was important that we created a safe space for everyone with our cafe, where people can explore things like tarot, astrology and crystals - where they can ask questions, come together, and learn more if they'd like to. Bernie is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights so it made sense to incorporate this into our cafe, too. A lot of people in the UK are fearful of the future, with developments politically here and abroad making many communities feel unsafe, and our space will be somewhere we hope offers some solace, and a sense of community and support.
POTN: Are your faith and business entwined?
Lindsey: Yes, our spirituality is at the core of the business. Our cafe is driven by both of our personal journeys, beliefs and the community feel we want to build. The values of the cafe are centered around inclusivity and connection, whether through tarot readings, conversations, or simply being in a space that embraces alternative and spiritual lifestyles. Everyone is equal in the cafe, from the customers to the staff - all staff are paid the same as we all work just as hard as each other. We also try to keep our prices very fair, all of the food is homemade and we try to accommodate everyone.
POTN: What's in the future for your business?
Lindsey: We've only been open for 4 weeks, but have had so much positive feedback on the vibe of the cafe, the food, and the general experience as well as tarot readings. It's been great having conversations with customers about their own spirituality and their own journeys. We are now starting to look at hosting workshops and evening sessions where people can come together, for example, around new and full moons, aromatherapy workshops, art workshops, and more. Just working on building that sense of community, really, but also trying new things, embracing creativity, and celebrating each other.
You can find 3 of Cups Durham at:
58-62 North Road
Durham
DH1 4SQ
Facebook: facebook.com/people/3-of-Cups-Durham
Instagram: instagram.com/3ofcupsdurham/
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