Meet Karen “wren” Estremo | Owner, Priestess

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen “wren” Estremo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen “Wren”, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Following the death of my daughter, Arielle Rose, I needed something to do. She was a Pagan and I decided the best way to honor her memory was to open a shop to be of service to the Pagan community and build a strong safe space for the practice of alternative spiritual paths. She is the Rose. The Dragon is the co-founder, who was the object of her affection at the time of her death.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the beginning, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was in a great deal of pain following the death of my daughter who was killed by a drunk driver 12 days after her 20th birthday. I owned a restaurant and catering company, but I sold it after Arielle’s death because I just didn’t have the heart to continue. So I was looking for something to do with all the love I had for her and the grief I felt. I talked it over with her friend Hugh and we decided opening a metaphysical shop would be a good thing to do since there weren’t any to speak of in Orange County at that ti.me. To be very clear, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Fortunately, Hugh had some retail experience and I had more dollars than sense, so we gave it a shot. Customers would come in and ask for things I’d never even heard of. I’d say, “I don’t have that. Should i?” Yep! Ok! I’ll get some! And over time, I acquired a pretty comprehensive stock. I also read a lot and learned about Wicca and many alternative spiritual practices. We began teaching classes, offering open public rituals, readings, drum circles, poetry readings, story-telling, psychic faires, author receptions and book signings, and our com.unity grew and grew. Because of the losses I have suffered, I have developed a deep compassion, so in addition to the supplies we offer, I also became legendary for my hugs. Sometimes our people are going through devastating personal hardships, and when I sense there is a need for connection, I offer a hug. Sometimes we will hug for a really long time and cry together because people need a witness to their pain. It is as healing a thing as exists anywhere. We also engage in activism and support for LGBTQ+ and all the marginalized folks. We support directly, and through customer participation, a number of causes including MADD, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, 2nd Harvest, OC Pride, and Pagan Pride LA/OC. Our co.munity is generous, brave, supportive, inclusive, and I so proud of the way they show up for each other.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With my culinary background, eating and drinking wonderful things is high on my list. Favorite restaurants include The Cauldron in Buena Park, Burnt Umber Coffee in Garden Grove, Bosskat Kitchen in Old Towne Orange, and Santa Ana Brunch Club in Santa Ana. They all offer the most wonderful food, beverage, and overall experience.

The Chance Theater is Anaheim Hills is the place to go for live theater. Back when I still owned my restaurant, I catered many of their opening night galas and fundraisers. I’ve watched them grow from a very modest endeavor to a really impressive thing. Their productions are not run-of-the-mill, but cutting edge and always well done.

I’m a fan of live music and there are a few musicians I follow. Cisco Robles is a guitarist who performs with a couple of bands. Whenever I can, I go see him play. Jimmy Becker is another fine guitarist and singer-songwriter I catch whenever I can.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been countless people on this journey that have helped to create this vision. My co-founder Hugh, authors Ed Fitch, Scott Cunningham and Ellen Dugan, Native American flute player White Feather, drum priestess Candy Eaton, my right-hand Addie Velasquez, my late husband Robert and so many others have contributed so much, especially in the early years. It has been a labor of love and a privilege to build and serve this community.

Website: https://Www.thedragonandtherose.com

Instagram: @thedragonandtherose

Facebook: The Dragon and The Rose

Yelp: The Dragon and The Rose

Image Credits
Me. It’s a selfie.