Heim — Local services in Iowa City

The shop itself is super cute and I was a returning customer. Sometimes the shop owners project their political views on to me and it makes it difficult to really want to buy items that are for my personal enjoyment when I have to deal with huge national issues . Like I’m stressed out enough if I want to buy something that’s supposed to renrich my life how I am supposed to do that when the shop owners righteous injustice anger energy is directed at me meanwhile I’m one of the marginalized people she wants to defend …

It’s great to want a more conscious compassionate just and fair world but I think that world is also inclusive of running a good business. . . It’s fine that we are social conscious but when I just want to buy a rock or a new shirt and I have to think about how capitalism sucks or how the president sucks or how certain people think every one should be - it isn’t good business

I should walk in feeling welcomed and wanted , and I should walk out satisfied with my purchase. That’s it

They need a space for their political and ethical views that do not super impose those views on their customers a lot of their views are about defending minority and while that’s nice , it makes me super uncomfortable to feel under their surveillance. I feel hostile energy from them in their shop because I Amy or may not hold their exact sentiments or even if I do I just am there to buy a rock not start a political or social movement or revolution and I made the mistake of voicing a slightly different nuanced opinion out loud once and have felt like. Idk like what happened to human kindness since then Anyways cheers to human decency. Worlds changed by your example not your opinion. It makes it hard to be a customer if I’m expected to feel exactly how you feel and if I don’t or if you perceive I don’t then I’m not treated well mean while I just am there to by a rock. This shop might be exactly right for a certain type of person or vibe but for me I feel imposed upon for simply just wanting to be a customer and for not wanting to match political energy very often your not with us your against us vibes. Like come on I’m just a customer buying things. Can some one please show me where the legal agreement was that if I want to buy things from your store then I’m expected to hold exactly the same anger and feelings and opinions you do regarding the same issues and people in the world

You need to be really careful make assumptions about your customers when dealing with issues that are largely based on collective trauma and collective suffering. Especially when thy themselves are just looking for a safe space.

I found these memes based on the vibes the store kinda gives off but

Idk. Like. I’d rather not be projected upon for no reason when I’m looking for beneficial...

When I first visited the shop it was my first time ever in Iowa city and I really enjoyed it the person who checked out my items was nice and the store seemed really neat. I decided to come back a few months later and I had a complete opposite experience when with a friend. The person working was extremely rude and actually berated me in the empty store because of the comment I made to my friend about a personal preference in crystals. I couldn’t believe the experience I had I was almost in tears and my friend had to drag me out of the store because I was so stunned and frozen in place. It took me about a year to be able to go back and I finally did. Thankfully a different person was working and she was fine but the whole time I was in such a state of anxiety I stared at the floor. I tried to reach out to the owner about what happened and had no reply. Overall I am fairly disappointed and wish I had a better experience because I do not currently try to recommend this shop to my friends, which is sad because the look and overall atmosphere of the...

As a freshmen at the University of Iowa, this store provided me with more than a way to spend my spare change but friendships, knowledge, and a sense of belonging. I have been frequenting Heim for 3+ years and many more to come. From the incredible array of crystals and oddities to the thoughtfully crafted second hand clothing arrangements, this small business has it all! When looking at where they source their goods, it is often a peer small business or artist. If you are passionate about supporting the creative minds of today, than this is definitely the store for you! ⭐️ During these times of hate and discrimination, Heim has always provided a safe and welcoming space for. It is not often you walk into the store and only leave with a smile, but Heim is different than most stores. I encourage all to make Heim a stop at your next down town outing or college visit. I promise you will not be disappointed!

And P.S- they allow pets in too! So make sure to bring your furry friend the next time you...