We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessie Barton, owner of Night Owl Oddities in Morrow, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I think that I’d have to give it to the love my business partner Ashley and I have for our community. She and I met at Morrow High and have spent our whole lives right here in Clayton County. Too many of our neighbors are living below the poverty line and have adopted a mindset consumed by hopelessness and sorrow. It’s the passion she and I share for empowering people that is the most important part. It’s the love we, and our employees have for our family of customers. It’s the calling we feel to educate, enlighten, and generally be here for our community in any way we can. Love changes lives, communities, and the world. It’s that love that motivates us in our own difficult and dark days, and its love that reminds people that they are not alone.

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.
When it comes to business, Ash and I do things a bit differently than our counterparts. We operate on the motto of “Southside Spirituality”. This means we offer all the good shit without the bullshit. Spirituality doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or cryptic. We are committed to teaching you how to use the tools we sell and to hearing you without judgement. We want to make crystals, meditation, and all forms of spiritual expression accessible to everyone. We aren’t selling metaphysics to the highest bidder, we are simplifying and demystifying it so everyone can get in on this.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the very first places I would take a visiting friend is the Beechwood Exchange. They are a funky little antiques shop on Lake Harbin Road that has managed to remain a local secret for far too long. You can find nostalgic nods from nearly every decade as well as priceless treasures and tasteful decor. The shop keep is also just the kindest man on the planet! After that we would hit the VN Pho on Jonesboro Road for some fried tofu pho and honeydew bubble-tea and mosey on over to the City Hall park to enjoy it. It’s a beautiful place to relax or take a stroll around their springy track!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man! So many people deserve credit for helping us get here! Ashley’s parents, Alicia and Robert, have done so much to support us, especially in the store’s infancy. My Pop and Nanny, rest their souls, did everything in their power to make sure we knew we were loved and believed in. The training Ash and I received during our years at Crystal Blue and the relationships we forged while there- priceless! We also have the best employees in the world! Patrick Martian, artist, and Autumn Green, spiritual consultant, are always happy to help you find the perfect spiritual tool or do tarot card readings to help bring you clarity and peace of mind. They bring so much to the table and we are eternally grateful for them.

We wouldn’t even BE here without all of the vendors, consigners, and customers we have worked with over the years. We often hear stories of mechanics, hairstylists, and cashiers recommending our store to their clients. That means everything to us! The fact that people like our little store enough to spread the word- its humbling beyond words. So, giant shoutout to each and every customer and an extra shout for those that are spreading the word!

Instagram: @NightOwlOddities

Facebook: Night Owl Oddities

Yelp: We don’t mess with yelp because they routinely take down our positive reviews

Phone: Text us at 678-499-0908

Address: 912 Mt. Zion Rd, Morrow GA 30260

Image Credits
Jessie Barton

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