Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilyn Waggoner.
Marilyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I retired in 2010, a good friend of mine, Latrell Maples, approached me about producing the Metaphysical Fairs. Latrell had been the producer of the Fairs for about 10 years but was no longer physically able to do all of the “heavy lifting” required to organize and set up the events. So, in 2011, I established Spiritual Life Productions, a production company with the following mission: education of the public and spiritual guidance to individuals seeking knowledge.
In 2013, we had the opportunity to purchase The Austin Alchemist, an online advertising outlet for Austin-based metaphysicians and spiritual practitioners. Julia Chambers independently manages that website. She has prided herself on offering a reasonably-priced, excellent advertising opportunity for local folks.
In 2014, we were fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to purchase the Spirit of All That Is Fair from Susan Wright.
This monthly Fair was well-established at Austin’s Nature’s Treasures and is still well-attended today. That same year, we took the opportunity to purchase the aura camera from one of our practitioners who chose a different career path. Marsha Perkins operates the camera and gives meaningful interpretations of the photos In 2015, we were experiencing enough success to move to Spiritual Life Productions LLC. Our Metaphysical & Holistic Expos were combined and our audience continued to grow.
We have been blessed with having the most talented and reputable practitioners and vendors participate in our events. Many of our folks have been participating in this Fair for over 25 years! And, we have a lengthy waiting list for openings in the Fair. It’s quite a testament to our Spiritual Life Family that we have a very large number of repeat guests. Many of our guests have grown with us and supported us on each step of our journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth road. In the beginning, developing logos, signs, Fair handouts, establishing advertising outlets, working with printers, website developers, etc., was a bit challenging. I maintain an email list of over 3,000 guests and a postcard mailing list of over 2,000. Developing that list was labor-intensive and maintaining it after each Fair is no small chore!
We have had multiple “homes” for our Fairs. Seems like we relocated about every 2 years. Finding a venue with a large enough space – at a price, we can afford – was difficult. With rising venue costs in Austin, our prices have experienced modest increases over the last several years. We have established our “home” at Austin’s Norris Conference Center. We’ve been there for 2 years and hope for this to be our “home” for years to come.
Of course, the Covid pandemic caused us to stop the Fairs and Expos for several months during 2020 and 2021. We’ve begun having Fairs again in July 2021 and, so far, the path looks clear for continuing Fairs.
The practitioner/vendor component of the Fair has been a joy! Our folks are cooperative, easy to work with, and fun to be around. In 10 years, I’ve had only 2 “personnel” problems.
We’ve been impressed with Spiritual Life Productions LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There’s so much to tell you about Spiritual Life Productions! We are a company that produces Metaphysical and Holistic Fairs and Expos in the Austin and West Texas (Midland-Odessa) areas.
Spiritual Life Production’s Fairs are the oldest and largest metaphysical events in the area. This Fair was handed down from woman to woman 4 times over a period of over 45 years! Many of the practitioners and vendors have been with the Fair for the entire 45 years.
Our practitioners/vendors include:
- Meditation
- Astrology
- I-Ching
- Tarot
- Palmistry
- Numerology
- Runes
- Iridology
- Theta healing
- Coffee cup readings
- Reiki
- Ear candling
- Energy healing
- Mediumship
- Aura photography
- Books
- Crystals
- Unique stones
- Jewelry
- Salt lamps
- Pendulums
- Tarot decks
- Divination tools
- Holistic and natural wellness products
- Essential oils
- Unique gift items
We produce 4 Expos each year in the Austin area and 1 Expo in West Texas. We also hold a monthly Fair at Nature’s Treasures. Admission is free at that event to encourage newcomers to attend. At our educationally focused Expo, lectures are interactive and hosted all weekend long. Attendees can ask questions and learn more about metaphysical and holistic topics from seasoned experts and teachers—in a friendly environment.
We are very proud of all of our events! We all work hard at making these experiences fun and educational for all of our guests. One of our unique events is our Annual Predictions Panel, offered in conjunction with January Austin Expo. At that event, five of our talented practitioners prepare predictions for the year(s) to come. This free event is always fun and thought-provoking!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We’re seeing a significant increase in attendance at our events and the number of practitioners applying to the Fair.
In addition, other metaphysical events have been introduced in SanMarcos, San Antonio, and Wimberly. I’m happy to report that they are also doing very well!
Although I don’t have any hard statistics, I do know that we have seen an increase in the number of attendees at our events, and several folks that haven’t attended since 2013-2015 are returning to the Fairs again. I suspect that this development is associated with the current national and world affairs
Pricing:
- Quarterly Austin Expo admission fee – $10 for those over 5 years of age, $5.00 for children under 5
- Annual West Texas Expo admission fee – $10 for over 5 years of age, $5.00 for children under 5 $10
- Monthly Spiritual Life Fair at Nature’s Treasures – Free
Contact Info:
- Email: SpiritualLifeProductions@gmail.com
- Website: www.SpiritualLifeProductions.org
- Facebook: Spiritual Life Productions
