Dreaming Goddess — Attraction in Town of Poughkeepsie

Let me begin by stating I am a frequent shopper at this store. I have been going for years, and I bring in friends and family members to support this local business. I typically go in for crystals or candles, and occasionally gifts. I never hesitate as far as how much I spend and when I bring in my children, they are not given a limit in spending and bring to me what they want. They love the store and the idea behind the merchandise. We have only been greeted warmly by associates, not the owner. Which is unfortunate, but I typically accept it and go about my business. Today, however, was especially disappointing. I brought my daughter in, who isn’t able to get out and do much during these trying times. She is health compromised so I only take her to small shops where everyone is wearing masks, etc. That said, I take her in today to do some random shopping. My daughter knows her way around the store well, so we go in, follow the signs/directions to put sanitizer on, and go about our shopping. Within 5 minutes I already had $100 worth of product piling up, and with a smile. When I walk into the crystal area to see what my daughter has picked out, the owner snidely says “can you please stay next to your child?” I responded with “sure, but why? Is everything ok?”....let me be clear. My children always choose their items on their own being that it is a small space, I always see where they are. The owner the says “I mean...social distancing...plus we...ya knoww...like when people stay with their kids because it’s better for the storrreee so yeaaaa”....Her tone was plain nasty, as if we were contaminating her store. She gave me a rude look again and moved to the next room. She also did not have on a mask. Offended? I wanted to drop all of my stuff and tell her it’s better for her store if we don’t buy anything. However, wanting to set a good example for my daughter, I ignored the woman’s snide, rude and inappropriate behavior, and paid for my merchandise. Meanwhile, before she made the rude comments to me, one of her associates had told her she had a customer on the phone and she rolled her eyes and snapped “tell him I’m busy!” One would think during an economically difficult time, small business owners would be kind to folks shopping and spending their hard earned money. Not this shop. When we left my daughter asked why the lady was so mean. My response? We can’t figure out why people act mean, we just don’t want to take that energy with us. Will I be shopping at dreaming goddess anymore? No. Will I be taking friends and family there? No. There are many other shops to pick up the merchandise that...

I rarely write reviews, but I feel a responsibility to speak out for others who may have left this store feeling humiliated or silenced. My experience with this establishment was nothing short of unsettling—and it begins and ends with the team member, Shayleen.

From the moment I walked in, I was met not with warmth or welcome, but with an air of passive-aggressive hostility that bordered on paranoia. I came in simply to explore and test fragrances—standard practice at any store selling perfumes. Yet despite some clearly labeled “tester” bottles on display, I was firmly told no. No explanation, no courtesy. Just an unshakable sense that I wasn’t allowed to engage with the products.

This wasn’t just poor customer service—it was gatekeeping, plain and simple. Shayleen made NO attempt to conceal her disdain, as if I was unworthy of even sampling what she sold. I left feeling not like a customer, but like an intruder. And based on numerous reviews across Yelp and Google, my experience isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a pattern.

Let me be blunt: this is a business that seems to judge who is "worthy" of shopping there. If you don’t look a certain way or fit into the owner's narrow view of a “trusted customer,” expect to be treated like a threat rather than a guest. It’s discriminatory, demeaning, and completely out of touch with what modern retail—and basic human decency—should look like.

To those thinking of supporting this business: ask yourself if you’re comfortable giving your money to a store that makes certain customers feel small, suspicious, and unwelcome. The owner is doing real damage to her own brand by refusing to treat all people with dignity.

Oh, and as for the merchandise? The crystals—hyped up as rare and “energetic”—bear a striking resemblance to wholesale offerings on AliExpress. Something to think about before you spend $60 on a $6 item.

If you’ve been mistreated by Shayleen or felt unwelcome at this business, please like and upvote this post to help others find it. NO ONE deserves to be made to feel small for simply walking into a store. Choose to shop where people are treated with respect.

This store does NOT deserve your...

I first starting going to The Dreaming Goddess in 2013. A friend had told me about it and THE MINUTE I walked in, I knew I had found a special place. It was a combination of the people, the amazing array of products, the magnificent jewelry and the marvelous selection of greeting cards.

I recall my first visit with so much fondness! On that day I met Rhianna, Shaylene and Shyla. I didn’t realize you needed to make an appointment for a reading. (I was naïve to the process, what can I say?) Well, don’t you know on THAT day at THAT time there was a cancellation and I was able to grab the space.

And so began a love story.

I started getting monthly readings with Shyla which continued until she left. I introduced many of my friends to the shop and often we came together for readings. I felt a loss when Shyla left. Never fear though, Shannon was able to provide me with an astonishing reading. And then, well, then I met Jessica and the deal was sealed.

Jessica and I became monthly buddies as well.

I don’t feel like I need a reason to go to The Dreaming Goddess – sometimes I just want my spirits lifted, and what better place to go?!

I cheered the addition of the Crystal Room. I adore the bookshop for a cause. And I think my VERY favorite thing is the giant book containing samples of the many, many, MANY card decks you can purchase from the shop.

I love that I always feel welcome at the DG. I love that I once had a question about a newsletter format (YEARS ago) and Rhi answered my question, I love that the people who staff the store KNOW THEIR STUFF and are kind, considerate and most importantly, fun!

I travel about an hour to go to the shop, which is probably a good thing otherwise I suspect I would spend a great deal of time there.

If I am going to spend my money I want it to be at a place where I feel welcomed and fully appreciated. Cared about. Asked about.

Go. Dream. Find your Goddess.

You will know it was a divine trip as soon as you walk...