Identified as a feminist – lesbian gathering place and store since 1992, Wild Iris Books is, once again, expanding its service to the community!

Wild Iris Books is evolving as an all inclusive “everyone is welcome” environment with a focus on spirituality, education, self-actualization, and healing.

To that end, in the past year, Wild Iris has grown to be the largest Metaphysical and New Age shop in North Central Florida.

And it’s still growing!

Enter Cheryl Krauth’s new business partners; Erica Merrell and Bernadette Carter!

Most of you already know Cheryl Krauth!

For those of you who do not…

Cheryl Krauth, for the past five years, has been one of the driving and sustaining forces behind the amazing growth and development of the sacred space that is Wild Iris Books.

Cheryl is a computer networking professor at Sante Fe College for the past 14 years and is a highly sought after internet and computer consultant.

Previous to her tenure at Sante Fe, Cheryl spent seven years working for the American Red Cross in Jacksonville. During that time she served as a founding member of the North Florida Aids Network, Vice-Chair of the North Florida Drowning Prevention Coalition and wrote many grants for HIV/AIDS education training.

Cheryl has, also, had the privilege of being mother to two wonderful human beings. Her 19 year old son Sean and 17 year old daughter Jessie have been very supportive of her commitment to Wild Iris Books and have been very helpful its growth and success.

Cheryl is the logistical and strategic thinker of the team who is one of the most non-judgmental, compassionate persons on the planet.

Erica Merrellserved as the Senior Secretary for the University of Florida’s Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. There, Erica’s duties included the creation of 4-H programming and curriculum, grant writing, and young investor programs.

Erica has made a name for herself in Alachua County by fighting for choice and serving as the Director of Patient Services for Planned Parenthood Clinics in Gainesville and Tallahassee.

Additionally, Erica has an extensive work history as a store manager in the retail book industry, so her knowledge of material and suppliers is a fantastic asset to Wild Iris Books and its patrons.

Now that you know most of the official business type “stuff” about Erica, what you need to know next is that Erica is as passionate a soul as they come. If you have a cause or a need, Erica is the one you want on your side.

Bernadette Carter is a marketing and promotion expert who is taking Wild Iris Books to the next level on-line and, then, beyond!

Her expertise with web presence and Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Social Media will help Wild Iris grow into an internet and social media force to be reckoned with!

Bernadette’s background is flowered with amazing experiences from ghostwriting for the metaphysics and spirituality industries – to creating and running programs for at-risk teens – to touring the country as a standup comic.  There are so many adventures to list; you’ll have to come hear the stories yourself!

And we cannot forget to mention she’s our in-house Psychic Medium. Could there be a message waiting for you?

As a team, Cheryl, Erica and Bernadette have penned a new mission statement;

“In order to better serve the community, Wild Iris Books will forever be a safe and sacred space for all.

Our pledge is to support, nurture and encourage all who seek spiritual, emotional, mental and physical development, guidance and healing.

We will always choose to offer those products and services we believe to be of the highest and best good for the universe, earth and community”.