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Peace of Mind Emporium Logo Quilt, made by Julie A. White RN
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The Peace of Mind Vision
| 'In The Beginning", sacred watercolor art by Ann Rothan. Original painting owned by Peace of Mind Emporium |
Many customers ask, "How did this place get started?" Or "How did you come up with the idea for this place, as there is no other like it?"
Uncovering a Life's Purpose
Julie White RN came to Vermont in 1988, from Cooperstown NY, with many years' experience in staff nursing, nursing education, and management in maternal-child health, pediatrics, family nursing, cancer, and hospice care. She assisted in creating the Birthing Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
| Rutland Regional Medical Center Birthing Center is dedicated in 1990. Julie White RN,Nurse Manager (L) is congratulated by Nursing Chief Ruth Keech RN (R). |
By 1992 accumulated life and job stresses had worn Julie down physically, mentally, and spiritually, and she entered into a very dark time of her life. She felt as if she had lost herself. Medical care and therapy were helpful, yet there was no where to find resources or comfort during this healing process. "I knew I had reached a crossroads and had to make a change. I had always been a nurse... what else could I do? My artistic abilities were not utilized in my scientific nursing practice. They were separate, not to be shared, as I had been told many years before as a nursing student. How and what could I contribute in the next phase of my life? What was my life's work to be?"
The Vision
Suddenly, without warning, the answer came to Julie. While sitting on her living room couch, contemplating the life yet ahead of her, she looked out her bay window on Feb 12, 1993. There in a blink of an eye, she saw it.....
" a room with blue and white walls, soft music playing, wind chimes tinkling, a water fountain with an angel at the center, floor to ceiling windows with small glass panes looking out upon trees and nature, a large peaceful quilt at the entrance, and shelving filled with books and gifts, pertaining to the milestones of life and chronic illnesses." It was a store-front she imagined, run by nurses, who would be there to offer comfort and guidance to people going through life challenges or health crisis.
"At that moment a tremendous sense of peace came over me.... an inner knowing, complete calm, serenity. This was what I was supposed to do ... I was seeing my future. This place was a fusion of my artistic abilities and my nursing science... A place of wholeness. For myself and for others."
| Barbara Fitzgerald RN, Castleton State College Nursing Professor for 25 years and maternity nurse. Voted Vermont Nurse of the Year (1992). |
She immediately called Barbara Fitzgerald RN, a colleague who had experienced many spiritual visions throughout her life. Julie wanted her input and expertise in helping her to understand and interpret what she "saw".
They met the next day, and Julie described her vision. Barbara assured her it was real, powerful, and could help a lot of people. Barb, at age 62, was ready to retire and start a new project. She offered her support, labor, and commitment.
"But where is this place?" Julie said. "Where is there a place that fits the beauty and magical images I saw in the vision?"
They both immediately thought of a fairly new building in Rutland Vermont housing three shops. "The scenes of the vision fit the west-side shop perfectly," Julie said, "but that shop is successful. This vision must be a dream, a fantasy of sorts. It can't possibly be real."
A day later Julie drove up the road to prove herself right. However, the west-side shop was vacant. There was a "For Lease" sign on the door. Julie was awe- struck.
The Preparation
| Sign entrance to The Shops at Mendon West, storefont of Julie's vision. |
From those moments on, all the details fell into place synchronistically to move Julie and Barb forward in their quest to create this "vision" into a real store for people who where stressed.
Julie immediately phoned her oldest brother, a former bank president, and asked, "How do I start a business?" He said, "Write a business plan with financial charts, etc. Then take it to a bank for financing. I will send you a book." Julie said "UGH!"
A few days later she opened the local newspaper, and turned to the business page, usually one she bypassed quickly. One sentence in the lower left hand corner caught her eye ...."For women who want to start their own businesses, call Trinity College Women's Small Business Program.......Orientation Night is free and open to all." Julie phoned. The orientation was in one week, and the four month course was beginning in a few months.
During the next months as she fantasized about resigning from her nurse manager role, she moved ahead in the research and planning phases of this new "unique" business. But changing fantasy into reality is often thwarted. However, not this time. Her next cue came quickly. She was told by her superior that her job was to be eliminated. She was being considered for a higher level administration position. This was a powerful affirmation for Julie that this vision was not to be dismissed. There was no turning back. It was time to make the leap of faith into the unknown. It was time to jump. And jump she did.
| Nancy Snow LPN lends a hand to stock inventory prior to opening...are we ready yet? |
By the end of 1993, she had completed a four month intensive business course and had an 84- page business plan in her hand complete with research, marketing, customer analysis, and financial projections. Four bank interviews later, and after hearing "Very few start-up businesses make it to five years, especially retail, especially owned by women" she found the right banker with the right financing. Start-up Funds were secured with a SBA loan.
The Implementation
It was a year from the time of the vision until Julie and Barbara were ready and able to commit to a lease for a storefront. Throughout that entire year, the storefront Barbara and Julie wanted miraculously remained vacant. They worked like beavers, learning how to shop for merchandise, paint, haul slate rocks for the Angel Fountain, and coax family and friends into helping their mission. Finally they were ready to open the doors. On 100% blind faith.
Peace of Mind Emporium Opens
| Entrance to "The Shops at Mendon West" and Peace of Mind Emporium. |
Peace of Mind Emporium opened on July 4, 1994. It was one of three businesses in a three condo building. Word-of-mouth spread. This was the store where there were nurses.....And it was amazing to see how many different kinds of customers came through the doors: Women, men, college and high school students, nuns, teachers, counselors, police, tourists, health professionals, correction officers, mayors, grief-stricken parents, divorcing partners, people living with cancer, hospice workers, and stressed, overworked professionals, moms and dads. Each customer immediately noticed the "aaah feeling" as they came through the door and usually left feeling more relaxed and hopeful.
| Becky Bush, RN, Barb Fitzgerald RN, Nancy Snow LPN, Colleague and Workshop Presenter Belleruth Naparstek, Guided Imagery Expert, & Julie White RN in 1998 Peace of Mind Emporium. |
Within three months holistic health classes were started. Massage services began within six months. Classes in the loft space grew to 40-50 people which were designed to hold about 20 people. Nancy Snow LPN was hired as an additional nurse, a wonderful colleague and Julie's former star employee from the hospital. Shortly thereafter another highly respected colleague joined the "retail and resource staff", Becky Bush RN, former nurse manager of the hospital cancer unit, nurse educator at the local college, and hospice nurse. These nurses, along with Barb Fitzgerald and Julie, were a powerful force, working tirelessly and joyfully, bringing their many years of health, counseling, and teaching expertise together. Each customer coming through the door was welcomed with a smile and knowing nod.
Connections and Relationships
| Steve Hall and friends in Rutland Vermont during their first East Coast appearance in the Fall of 1998. (l-r) Ellen Sutherland, Sinclair Lott, Dave Patt, Steve Donovan, Steve Hall, Carol Robbins |
Some of the most wondrous experiences during this journey were the friendships that developed between the staff of Peace of Mind Emporium and artists, vendors, and customers. For instance, simply playing a sample music CD for customers resulted in Julie contacting Los Angeles- based international Steinway recording artist Steve Hall (www.stevehall.com). A phone friendship developed, and over the course of a year, plans were made for the LA based artist to come East with his band for a fall concert in Vermont. So successful was this event that the group continued to travel to Rutland each October for the next five years. As a result of this connection, over $12,000 was raised for the Rutland Country Women's' Shelter.
| Piano Quilt is presented to Steve Hall and Robyn Hall at Peace of Mind Emporium after their first concert October 1998. (insert) Julie's quilt on the album cover of 'Treasures and Gifts' Click here to purchase |
Julie and Steve collaborated on several albums, one with a quilt that Julie made featured on the cover of one of Steve's albums, "Treasures and Gifts." Steve and his guitarist, David Patt, composed "Peace of Mind" as a tribute, and recorded it on several best-selling albums. Peace of Mind Emporium customers were so moved by this artists' music that he received many touching letters retelling stories of how his music brought comfort and helped friends and family when faced with life's hardest times.
Every day new adventures presented this Peace of Mind staff with ways to help customers on their life's journeys. Retreat bus trips for customers were planned to the Maine Ocean; with staff massage therapists and instructors taken along to entertain all.
Famed Guided Imagery expert Belleruth Naparstek, (www.healthjourneys.com) agreed to come to Vermont and present a workshop on the use of guided imagery with patients in hospitals and use with chronic illness.
Vermont- born Christina Tourin, long time harpist at the Trapp Family Lodge, returned to her Green Mountains to provide instruction and performance in Harp Therapy for Peace of Mind customers. Christina had become the founder and Director of the International Harp Therapy School and Program, based at the San Diego Hospice, which teaches students to learn harp therapy for use in hospitals and hospices all over the world. (www.emeraldharp.com)
Purchase Christina's CDs
Moving Forward
| The transformation of Peace of Mind Emporium from a three condo building into one business in 1999. |
In 1999, the vision expanded to include purchase of the entire building and property. Angels, in the form of contractors, appeared and converted the building beautifully into one business. Lovely gardens were planted. Peace of Mind Emporium now had its own permanent home, and had evolved into a highly respected and professional business.
The Vision is Tested
During the expansion phase, Becky Bush RN agreed to partner with Julie in helping move the vision forward. They met with Kathleen Johnson, famed astrologer and friend, to determine compatibility in business partnership and visioning. All systems were go. A few weeks later, Becky collapsed from a ruptured brain aneurysm and then suffered more from a stroke during her surgery. As she lay in a deep coma in Intensive Care, not one hospital colleague expected her to survive. Her complications were massive. Her family and friends were desolate. Peace of Mind staff rallied and got in touch with every holistic instructor and mentor they had in their file. Reiki students and teachers, psychic healers, angel professors etc sent healing intentions and prayers. Christina Tourin, harp therapist, arriving back in Vermont from Scotland, drove immediately to the hospital and used her harp therapy to waken Becky from her coma, connecting with her resonance tone. Guided Imagery for Stroke, by Belleruth Naparstek, played repeatedly in Becky's room, and Steve Hall's music wafted through the Intensive Care Unit. Peace of Mind staff provided massage, reiki and much prayer.
| Becky Bush RN and Julie White RN plant flower bulbs at Peace of Mind Emporium Fall 1999 |
Six weeks later Becky left the hospital for rehabilitation. Her mind was intact, yet her body severely paralyzed on her right side, and she was unable to speak. Her shear will, huge spirit and fierce independence helped her regain her ability to walk, and function with much independence. Within three months she returned to work part- time and within a year she moved to Maine to be near her family.
Her recovery was clearly enhanced by all the connections and relationships made through Peace of Mind Emporium. Staff stays in close contact and remains friends. Her book, "Who Said You Could Die" written just months before her surgery, is on display and sold at at Peace of Mind Emporium.
A year after her stroke, a copy of the original astrology recording for Julie and Becky was found and played. Indeed there was a sentence on it that indicated within a ten day period around April 1st that Becky could possibly go off a different direction and not partner, yet work in communication and stay involved in the vision in some other way. Her accident was on April 6th 1999. To this day she remains for all, a courageous, shining spirit and role model for all associated with holistic healing and spirituality. She has learned to communicate in a new way. Her healing is not finished. She is indeed a true Partner to Peace of Mind Emporium.
The Results
| The Peace of Mind Emporium Angel Professors: (Mary Engel, Christina Tourin, and Ann Rothan) and owner Julie White RN |
July 4, 2009 marked the fifteenth birthday of Peace of Mind Emporium. Though the other three original nurse staff members have moved into retirement or into the background due to necessary life reasons, the business has continued to grow and keeps presenting new surprises each year. Julie still remains in awe of this whole experience, and is amazed that the business takes care of itself each and every day.
"Throughout the years, I have known in my heart, that we have been Divinely led. I take my responsibility very seriously as Visionkeeper. I stay true to the mission of this very special place, always going to a quiet place to "open my heart for God's Divine Guidance" as to what we next need to do.
Many people have walked through the door of Peace of Mind Emporium and have felt the special feeling here. I believe many lives have been enhanced because we are here. All of us know there is something wonderful that has occurred here, and we are honored to be a part of this vision. Our customers support and encourage us to keep creating wondrous things. I am, at many times, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the vision's implementation and results.
So many magnificent artists, health professionals, and friends have been a part of this 15 year journey. I know that the angels are smiling down on us, and there is a wee spot of goodness that we have planted on this earth. May this place of hope, peace and inspiration, and healing continue to grow and bloom!"
With Heartfelt Thanks to all our Customers,
Julie A. White RN, MSN Visionkeeper, 2009
~ One fan letter written to international Steinway recording artist Steve Hall in Los Angeles has resulted in over 5 concerts in Rutland raising over $12,000 for the Rutland County Women's Shelter.
| Julie presents a check to The Rutland Womens' Shelter Director Bonnie Gainer for the coins retrieved from the Angel Fountain, December 1995 |
~ Over $8800 in coins have been collected for local charities from the Angel Fountain.
~ Richard Paul Evans, author of "The Christmas Box" visits Peace of Mind. Rutland dedicates the 22nd Angel of Hope statue in the United States, "dedicated to all parents who have lost children".
(www.richardpaulevans.com)
~ Belleruth Naparstek, famed Guided Imagery Expert, leads workshops for Peace of Mind Emporium customers.
~ "Angels Among Us" CD by Steve Hall is dedicated to the Vermont Angel of Hope Statue for families who have lost children
~ Ann Rothan, sacred watercolor artist, (annrothanartist.com)
Mary Engel, angel professor, and Christina Tourin, Founder of International Harp Therapy School collaborate for Annual Angel Nite held in December each year.
| Author Richard Paul Evans meets Julie at Peace of Mind Emporium. |
~ A Peace Pole and Garden are dedicated on the grounds, July 4, 2004, on the 10th anniversary. Visit our Peace Pole Page.
(www.peacepolemakers.com) (www.worldpeacesociety.org)
~Hay House Publishing Company awards Peace of Mind Emporium ‘Best Promotional Display" among its 5000 independent book stores in National Contest during Hay House 20th Anniversary Celebration Jan 2008. (www.hayhouse.com) Prize awarded were two tickets aboard the Hay House "I Can Do It At Sea" Cruise to the Mexican Riviera April 2008 featuring top Hay House authors and lecturers. Julie met Louise Hay on board and sailed with Loretta LaRoche, Lisa Williams, Collette Baron-Reid, Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson and Brian Weiss, Sylvia Browne and more... see Special Events
| Hay House Founder Louise Hay and Julie White aboard the SS OOsterdam Mexican Cruise 2008. |
~ Two additional national Hay House contest awards are presented to Peace of Mind Emporium in 2009. Hay House authors visit, present workshops, and author signings. They are enchanted with the facility and staff. visit Special Events
~Peace of Mind is used as site for national instructors in holistic modalities.
~ By 2009 over 14,000 massages and health services have been performed by the staff of holistic professionals at Peace of Mind Emporium.
~ A Bereavement Center is set up in the store featuring grief books and comfort items. National bereavement experts lead Grief workshops for families, professionals and especially for parents who have lost children on an annual basis. A Hospice and Grief counselor is added to the staff.