Who are we? An Introduction to Skulls & Cauldrons

The story of this union began way back in the late 1980s when I (Yvonne/Cylestea) first met Chokuraa -- in middle school, of all places. Though starting a business together wasn't something on our minds way back then, that connection and friendship we had in high school is what led us to where we are right now ... but there's still more to the story than that.

About Yvonne, and how Cylestea Fortunaa was born

I'm not new to running successful small businesses -- I've been doing it on and off since I published my first book in 2008. I've been setting up tables and canopies and sharing my own creations since way back then. While my products may change once in a while, I never do -- I am always that weird kid that nobody could ever really relate to.

I picked up my first book on witchcraft when I was 13 years old I fell in love ... and I never really turned back, either. I have been a practitioner in all that time and studied my butt off to know all I can about my craft. I like to call myself an eternal learner.

My foray into divination began with a pendulum ... and, oh, how it has grown since then. I was doing bone & trinket throwing before it blew up into a popular modern way to tell fortunes. I have created my own ways to read oracle cards and my own layouts, and I am even creating a few of my own oracle decks now.

While I didn't really learn about witchcraft until I was 13, I believe I was born a witch and a healer. I could dive into the things I learned as a young child that led me to this thought, but it's long and confusing, even to me. Let's just say that I realized I was a healer when my mom got sick, but I'd been the go-to for advice from friends and strangers since I was old enough to talk. It was my mom's illness in 2007 that pushed me to start going to school for a degree in Health & Wellness. While that didn't work out, I did end up finding a better schooling option for me, where I earned my Bachelor of Metaphysical Sciences in 2008, my Master of Metaphysical Sciences in 2009, and my Philosopher of Holistic Life Coaching in 2011. I even went back and earned my Doctor of Divinity in Spiritual Counseling in 2018.

In 2010, I started my first witchy business, Airmid's Attic -- named after the Celtic goddess of healing and herbs. We made runs, spell kits, and more. It was a very small business, but it was fun and I gained a ton of knowledge about becoming a vendor at events. But, then life got in the way. I did delve very deeply into alternative healing modalities and continued to learn more even after my mom passed in 2014.

Fast forward to 2017 -- I launched The Art of Dreams and Divination. Life had finally settled down enough that I felt like I could get my entrepreneurial hat on again. I started out crafting witchy items, from dream catchers to dream pillows (definitely a focus on dream stuff, as well as divination products). My biggest success began when I started putting together bone & trinket starter kits -- and then people started asking me to do readings for them. It was time for me to up my game. So, I found an oracle deck I connected with, got to know my bones & trinkets, and off I went to show people how powerful my intuition really is.

In 2020, I was lucky enough to be invited by a new friend to share a space with her at a local antique mall and that too was a big success. While we no longer have our booth and she has since relocated to Arizona. we both found inspiration from one another that has led us to where we are today.

And, where I am is in a Twin Flame relationship with my soul and business partner running this little business called Skulls & Cauldrons. Chokuraa inspired me to become a Reiki Master, to continue honing my gifts, and to just be myself. It's nice when you don't feel forced to hide who you truly are. Next step -- Certified Yoga Instructor and brick-and-mortar store for Skulls & Cauldrons (you can help by donating).

About Chokuraa

This talented guy prefers to stick with his witch name when it comes to publicity -- but know that he is a Reiki Master and talented intuitive with a very old soul.

Chokuraa went through a spiritual awakening about 5 years ago. It led him off the path of Catholicism, a path his parents put him on at birth, and into the Wiccan way of things. While his Pagan path changes the more he grows and learns, he focuses on his drive to heal people.

It was when our paths crossed again in life in 2021 that things began to change. After reaching out to me because I came to him in a meditation, we began to grow a friendship bond that would become so much more. vIn 2022 we found ourselves together as a couple and our mutual need to teach the world and heal the world led to the start of Skulls & Cauldrons. The name may sound a little dark, but that's the idea -- it's a balance of dark and light, because that is, after all, what life is.

I inspired Chokuraa to start doing his extremely accurate Tarot readings for more than just his friends -- and that was just the start. He is very intuitive, even more than I am. I make up for it in the empath department, though. He then dove headfirst into learning Palmistry.

Something I always remembered about this guy in high school was that he was very creative and artistic -- and I was sad to see it wasn't something he focused on in adulthood. But, because I love inspiring people, I was able to bring that back out in him as well. So, we both craft items for the business. Where I focus a lot on both witchy and oddities, he mainly sticks with witchcraft creations.

So, where does the horror side of the business come in?

What fun is having a business of your own if it doesn't encompass all of your passions? Skulls & Cauldrons is a culmination of witchcraft, divination, oddities & curiosities, and horror. We're both horror movie fans, so it makes sense.

But, what makes us stand out are the skills of Chokuraa's teenage son. This kid is a talented SFX makeup artist and makes bloody, spooky art that tends to creep people out, but in a good way!

And, what fun is a small business if the whole family isn't involved?