I decided one day to venture into trying to sell my handmade jewellery at Heritage Park, in Calgary. I was very nervous but also excited at the prospect of having a store sell some of my items. Enter Leena. A very kind and helpful person, (think someone who will actually walk you to the washroom, not just verbally tell you directions, lol!) Since our initial first meeting a couple years ago, I have come to learn more about Leena and her unique and wonderful approach to life and work. I have had the pleasure of being at her night markets and Halloween one this past year as well. So I figured it only fair to share with my community more about her, and why she is my cool witchy “sister”. Her interview is below. 🙂

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Brandy (B:) How did you get into working at Heritage Park? (What are your role titles and general duties). What is your absolute favourite part about your role?

Leena (L): I’ve been with Heritage Park for 6.5 years and came from corporate/mall retail. I started as the Retail Stores Manager, transitioned into Retail Stores & Guest Relations Manager, and for the last 4 years, I’ve been in my role as Senior Manager, Retail Operations. In my current capacity, I run retail as a whole, both front of house (staff and stores) and back of house (ordering products for our 13 retail locations, sourcing new vendors, initiating new retail spaces from concept to reality, and merchandizing). I also oversee both the retail and main warehouse functions, and run our Market Nights program. My favourite part of the role is that it’s a big job, but it gives me so much to do that it’s tough to get bored at work – there’s always something going on!

B: Yay for keeping busy, lol! Sounds like a rather hectic role. The Market Nights were a lot of fun! I really enjoyed meeting different people, and of course getting to hang out with you! However, they do require a lot of energy and I’m sure organization on your end. What would you say is the best part about doing the vendor markets? What is the hardest?

L: Markets are one of my favourite duties because it allows me to connect with the community and support local businesses in a meaningful way. I’d say the most challenging part is when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

B: Ahh yes… good ol’ Calgary weather! It really does play a big part in the markets for sure. As a little switch in gears here, my blog talks about spirituality, depression and anxiety. Would you have any experiences that you would be open to sharing?

L: So much I could say here! As a neurodivergent AuDHD person, it’s so important to manage your mental health well. I manage my own by trying to make sure I give myself a lot of down time when I’m off work, good sleep hygiene, and digging into my own spirituality which has lead me down many paths. I would classify myself as generally Pagan though I’ve also studied in Wicca.

B: Thank you for sharing! I am glad to hear you have found some ways to manage your mental health and well-being. It sounds like you have a more holistic approach to it, which is awesome! And it’s interesting how something like mental health can lead people into exploring spirituality. I have found this to be a very common thread within this community.

Extending from that, have you had any experiences with ghosts or spirits? Do you enjoy tarot and/or oracle readings? Also, have you had any “spooky” experiences while working at Heritage Park? (Or is there a story that staff like to share with new recruits?) Spill the tea!! 😉

L: I read tarot and oracle cards myself as well as have other divination experience although I am most drawn to oracle readings. My cards are sassy and always tell me off when something isn’t right – whether I listen or not is sometimes a different story haha. There are many, many haunted buildings at the park, and I have had a ton of unexplainable things happen while at work including some creepy things like a door knob rattling without anyone to rattle it, or a door bouncing off someone but no one is behind it. My favourite ghost here is the cat that haunts Gledhill’s Drugstore. When alone in the store in the mornings, we often hear it jumping down off the counters with an otherwise unexplainable thud. I’ve learned that when I’m entering a building during off hours to say hello and goodbye lest something happen.

B: Oh nice! I would personally have to agree with you on using oracle cards more. There is just something about the energies that come with those readings. Also, love that your cards (and guides) can be sassy! I also don’t always listen to my guides haha! Still it’s great that you at least let them speak. 😉

Those are also some cool experiences at the park. Cute that one energy is a cat. Sounds like a sweet protector. And a very good idea to say hello and goodbye (especially) when leaving a building. (Got to appreciate Ouija board rules in respect to spirits).

Speaking of the kitty cat, we are a pet loving community! Please share what pets or animals you get to enjoy in your community.

L: While I don’t have any pets currently, most recently I’ve been the proud guardian of some lovely animals. One being an epileptic German Shepherd. Luna, a diabetic Dachshund; Rex, and a three-legged black cat; Gizmo (a.k.a. Yarr the pirate cat). I used to call our crew “the island of misfit toys” haha. I love animals and miss mine every day.

B: Aw they sound lovely! I especially love that you referred to yourself as a “guardian”. I think that’s so beautiful and very fitting. We really are the guardians of some beautiful creatures. I am glad you got to spend some time with what sound like some fun personalities. I can also appreciate missing yours daily. They will always remain in your heart.

Now, moving back to more random questions, lol… When you’re having a more stressful day, what do you do to calm down? What do you do for FUN? These can include things outside of work, as well as during a busy work day. (We love giving people suggestions for how to make their work days more entertaining/enjoyable!)

L: My job can be quite stressful as I wear a lot of different hats but the great people I work with make my job a lot of fun and we can usually be found laughing about something even on the stressful days. Organizing and prioritizing is hugely helpful when managing different aspects of the business. The people make the role enjoyable! When I’m not at work, I watch movies, read, and try to get outside as much as possible to recalibrate.

B: Agreed! People absolutely can make the job better, especially when laughter is involved. Those also sound like wonderful ways outside of work to calm down or chill out and relax. Thank you for sharing.

Along similar lines, do you have any favourite crystals and why? Or, if not crystals, is there anything you use now (or as a child), to bring you comfort?

L: Black Obsidian, Clear Quartz, and Tourmaline are my favourite crystals. I find they help keep me grounded. I love most stones though so even a rock that catches my eye usually gets placed in my collection.

B: I love that! I used to collect rocks before crystals, so I can appreciate the attraction to any stone’s energy. The above ones you mentioned are great too for protection. Definitely some favourites.

How about cleansing your energies? Do you prefer “fire” (so candles and incense), or “water”, like baths, showers, etc.? Or do you have other methods for cleansing energies?

Another way to look at this question: Do you have any tricks or techniques if you, or someone close to you, is feeling anxious? What are some ways to calm down and adjust those feelings to something more positive?

L: I’m mostly drawn to air and water, but I love all of the elements. When stressed or needing a cleanse my first stop is usually an intentional shower so I can let the energy wash away down the drain, or stepping outside on a windy day. I’ll also cleanse by burning Sage, Palo Santo, or a really great incense (my favourite is Patchouli Forest). I’ve also been known to take my shoes off and forest bathe whenever there is moss on the ground. I love moss!

B: Ohhh I like the forest bath idea. I can understand the grounding effects with being barefoot.

Okay, let’s bring it back to work again. What are some things or events you would like to bring to Heritage Park?

L: I would love to bring more retail pop-ups to the park, and this year I implemented a Metaphysical Market that added to the already popular Ghouls Night Out event, which was my favourite market to host since implementing the markets at the park back in December 2020.

B: That would be amazing to have more retail pop-ups! Super cool that you implemented the markets. You obviously have some fantastic ideas for park engagement and are in a very important role. Are there any other upcoming collabs/events? (Happy to cross promote!!)

L: Right now nothing new that I have planned as my focus has been on getting retail ready for park opening in May. There will be the evening markets throughout the summer, but specific dates are still to be confirmed. We did get to enjoy the “Once Upon A Christmas” market, which was a lot of work, but in the Spring I would love to host another witchy market.

B: Here’s hoping for some more witchy markets! Please keep us all posted on those for sure!

Let’s do some fun rapid fire type questions. What is one thing that scares you? (This can be like spiders or skydiving, etc.)

L: I used to be unreasonably afraid of butterflies (weird, I know haha) but I’ve been able to work towards getting over that irrational fear. I’d say now that heights is probably my worst fear.

B: Butterflies are a fair fear considering they are still insects. I think most people don’t really like any flying insect lol. However, butterflies sometimes get a pass because they can be considered pretty. So I can appreciate the fear, and heights is definitely something I am fearful of, too.

Okay, some more rapid questions!

What is your favourite Halloween movie?

Your favourite Christmas movie?

Also, what is your favourite area/section of the park for Halloween and the “Ghoul’s Night Out” (GNO), market? What about at Christmas time?

L: “Nightmare Before Christmas” is both my favourite Halloween and Christmas movie and I usually make sure to watch it twice a year at Halloween and Christmas. My favourite part of GNO is how great the park looks after dark, and how nostalgic it feels since it reminds me of trick-or-treating as a child. For the “Once Upon A Christmas” market, I’d say it’s the Kids Only store because it’s such a unique offering and the kids have a lot of fun being able to surprise their families with gifts that they can’t open until Christmas.

B: That movie is so popular! Nice that you enjoy it twice a year, too. I would definitely agree that the park looks super cool with all of the decorations during Halloween time. I love that the park has different sections for different ages and interests, too.

Now miss Leena, you’ve mentioned before that you previously had a wedding business. That is so cool! Can you expand more on how that was and what you enjoyed about it? What did you find difficult in that role/industry?

L: I loved planning and seeing the completion of such special moments in people’s lives. I love Love, and it was such a rewarding career. The most difficult part is when something goes awry on the day of and scrambling to fix it before it becomes worse and has the potential to ruin someone’s big day.

B: I can imagine that being very difficult trying to scramble a fix before it becomes a bigger problem, especially on such an important day!

Now, just for fun! Which spot would you pick at Heritage Park to hold a ceremony, and why?? What style of wedding dress is your absolute favourite and why?

L: I would say either Gasoline Alley for large indoor events, or Prince House Lawn for smaller, more intimate outdoor weddings. They are both such beautiful venues. I have a champagne taste for wedding dresses and my favourite designer is Pnina Tornai although I also love themed weddings and dresses that stray from the traditional all-white look. For myself, I would love a Pnina Torai dress in black!

B: Great options! Also, I absolutely hear you on the “champagne taste” for dresses haha! I think themed weddings can be super fun, too.

One last question! What is your favourite type of show or movie to watch to unwind? Your “garbage TV”, if you will. Mine is “90 Day Fiance.

L: I love comedy and romance so anything in that genre even the super cheesy Hallmark movie ones. For guilty pleasure reality TV shows, I think the Love is Blind franchise is a really interesting concept and social experiment. What can I say, I love Love!

B: Amazing! Thank you for sharing Leena. I know this community will appreciate your insights and now have a better understanding of your role at Heritage Park. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this interview and spending some time here.

L: My absolute pleasure to chat with you as always! Cheers

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If you would like to connect with Leena regarding upcoming events at Heritage Park, or to apply for becoming a vendor at upcoming markets, you can connect with her at her email below. 🙂

Email: lsheppard@heritagepark.ca