Erzulie’s: Hot Southern Voodoo Love Items! [classic article]

I have been to New Orleans both pre- and post- Katrina. I almost feel selfish when I go to Erzulie’s; they are hurting so badly and the shop is so healing. The proprietress of Erzulie’s, Anna, is so much more than just an owner. It would be more accurate to call her the “mama” of the store. She painted the whole place, does the artwork for her products — which she hand-blends herself – she does the marketing, the consultations, everything. She even sets out little snacks and glasses of wine, as they are browsing. It’s so nice and clean there, I have sat down on the carpet, Indian-style, smelling all the products and looking through books. I don’t think I would do that in any other French Quarter store: they’d either be too grungy or too chi-chi for that.

You know how it is with love – first, you gotta love yourself! Erzulie’s has a very luxurious line of beauty products to keep you in the running. Her honey soaps are made with Louisiana grown organic honey.

Keeping my own secrets to myself, I can’t tell you exactly how her products have been powerful in my life – but man, they are! She sure knows her stuff. Voodoo is a recognized religion in the U.S., so she has confidentiality with the people who schedule consultations. I talked to Anna about her store and life in New Orleans now.

How are things in New Orleans these days?

Whoo! Nothing has changed since Katrina. Small businesses are closing every day. There are a few more lights on, that’s it. Tourism is completely anemic. There is a battle between the city and the state.

How is Mardi Gras looking for this year?

I have no idea! We have no way of knowing. We’re praying.

 

We are coming to Valentine’s Day. Tell me how Voodoo practices can fit into that.

 

Well, it’s socially standard for everybody to celebrate. Voodoo is perfect for love and people looking for relationships; Voodoo focuses on love.

 

Does a person have to be a member of a Voodoo church or organization for Voodoo philosophies to be effective?

 

No, not at all. You do have to respectfully petition for what you want, but your religious affiliation is not a factor. Voodoo helps everybody!

 

You custom craft your products locally. Tell me about that.

 

I hand-craft everything! I use the most precious oils and rare botanicals. I’ve made it a lifelong practice.

 

Your store is not like the other stores in town, what with their cave-like atmospheres, smelling like clove cigarettes and dust. Tell our readers how you set up your store, what they can expect to see.
We focus on the holistic aspect: health, healing, balance. I painted the whole store by hand. I’m not a tourist store, not Hollywoodian. Everything here is consecrated, so that you are bringing Spirit into your home for health. All our products are organic. When people come here, they find peace, no judgment.

If you can’t make it New Orleans (and you should, y’know), then www.erzulies.com is the next best thing. You can get everything you need, even schedule personal consultations!