Stepping into Spectrum in Kansas City’s Northland, you’re greeted by the scent of incense and shelves filled with tarot and oracle decks, accompanied by the glimmer of crystals and statues throughout. Dreamcatchers and tapestries drape the walls, and although the atmosphere is warm and inviting, what truly sets it apart is the energy of its owner, Nikkie. Tucked into the corner of the shop, she sits, and for her, Spectrum isn’t just a place to sell products — it’s an extension of who she is and the community she’s built.
Since opening in 2016, Spectrum has been an extension of Nikkie’s personality, filled with warmth, individuality and intention. “I’d had upset after upset in my life, and I realized I needed to do something just for me,” Nikkie shared. That “something” became Spectrum — one of the only metaphysical shops in Kansas City’s Northland, known for its unique, high-quality products and welcoming atmosphere.
When Nikkie first opened the shop, she deliberately left her name off the signage, choosing to call it simply “Spectrum.” The fear of failure held her back. “What if it didn’t work? Then everyone would know it was me who failed,” she admitted. But as the shop grew and became a part of the community, so did her confidence. “It’s Nikkie’s Spectrum now because I’ve owned every part of it — my struggles, my triumphs, all of it,” she said. Adding her name to the sign wasn’t just a change in branding; it was a reflection of how far she’d come.
The name “Spectrum” reflects the core philosophy behind the shop — a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Nikkie explained that the idea of a spectrum encompasses all facets of human experience. “It’s about inclusion,” she said. “We’re all weird in our own ways, and that’s beautiful. Whether it’s music, light, or the gifts we share, it’s all a spectrum, and there’s room for everyone.”
Initially, Nikkie hesitated to use the name because of its association with autism — a topic close to her heart as the mother of two autistic children. However, she realized the word carried a broader meaning that perfectly captured her vision. “It’s not just about one thing,” she said. “It’s about the full range of who we are — emotionally and spiritually. Everything is part of a spectrum, and that’s what makes it all so beautiful and connected.”
Spectrum reflects this philosophy not only in its name but in its products too. The shop is home to many tarot and oracle decks, crystals, incense, candles, journals, smudging supplies and more. “I have always over 800 different decks in stock. That’s kind of my thing. Definitely sets me apart from the other stores in Kansas City or anywhere,” Nikkie said. She’s equally proud of her crystal collection, featuring over 75 affordable, polished stones, and her statues representing deities from various pantheons. Customers can even take a moment for reflection in the meditation room during store hours. “Everyone is included here, no matter where they come from or what they believe,” Nikkie said. “That’s what I wanted — a space where people can feel safe to be exactly who they are.”
Despite the wide variety of items sold here, customers often say it’s Nikkie herself that keeps them coming back.
For Geo, a regular for over three years, shopping at Spectrum feels like catching up with an old friend. “Nikkie is fierce, hilarious, and so easy to talk to,” he said. “The energy she brings is unmatched. It’s not just shopping — it feels like seeing a friend.” Geo added that Nikkie has a knack for helping him find what he needs. “She guides me toward crystals or tools I didn’t even know I was looking for. I wouldn’t shop here as much if she weren’t here.”
He also described the shop as more than a retail space. “It’s really good energy — it’s calming. And I know so many people who come here because it feels like a second home,” Geo said. “I would absolutely say that Nikkie has built a community around the shop.”
Charlie Warner shared these sentiments, calling Spectrum a hub for connection. “You can tell Nikkie cares deeply about the relationships she builds,” he said. “It’s not just a store — it’s a place where people feel understood.” Charlie also noted how Nikkie’s thoughtful approach makes Spectrum stand out. “What stands out to me is the interest and care she puts into her relationships with customers. It’s a niche interest, but she makes it so accessible.”
It seems Nikkie’s care for her customers goes beyond the transactional. Her warmth and humor make everyone feel at ease as she takes time to connect, whether that’s guiding someone through their first tarot deck or helping them select a crystal with the right energy. “I want people to leave feeling better than when they came in,” Nikkie said. “That’s what matters to me.”
Her thoughts on personality stem from a well-remembered Kansas City commercial from her youth. “There was this ad that always said, ‘You can’t get by on your brilliant personality,’” Nikkie recalled while laughing. “But here I am, proving that wrong. My personality is one of my greatest assets. It’s contagious — if I’m open and likable, it encourages others to be the same.”
The ad’s message stuck with her, not as a warning but as motivation. “They were trying to say you need more than charm to succeed, but I think they underestimated the power of connection,” Nikkie added. “I’ve built this shop on relationships, kindness, and real conversations.”
This openness has made Spectrum a space where strangers become friends and community naturally grows. “The people I’ve met through this shop are the best part of it,” Nikkie said. “They’ve shown me so much love and acceptance, even when I’m not at my best.” For Nikkie, maintaining this environment isn’t something she forces — it just happens. “It’s something so very natural that happens organically,” she said. “I think the space itself creates this feeling of safety and openness, and people just respond to that.”
Nikkie’s commitment to community is evident in everything she does, from hosting spontaneous meditations to celebrating milestones with her customers. One of her favorite memories is her 2020 birthday, when she invited people to stop by the shop with no obligation to buy anything. “It was a record-breaking sales day, but it wasn’t about the sales,” Nikkie said. “People came just to say happy birthday and show their love. It was one of the most beautiful days I’ve ever had.”
Moments like these remind Nikkie why she started Spectrum, but running the shop hasn’t been without its challenges. Nikkie juggles the day-to-day realities of owning a small business, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced her to rethink her approach. “Change is hard, but it’s necessary,” Nikkie said. Although she doesn’t have weekly scheduled events or classes anymore, she said, “Now, the space works in ways I couldn’t have imagined before. Sometimes, at 11:30 in the morning, we’ll have a pop-up meditation, and it’s incredible to see how the energy shifts.”
These changes have only deepened Nikkie’s commitment to her vision. “Spectrum has taught me so much about vulnerability, boundaries, and authenticity,” she said. “It’s given me the gift of connecting with people on a deep level.”
As Spectrum continues to evolve, Nikkie remains focused on her mission of inclusivity and connection. She hopes to expand the shop’s offerings while maintaining the intimate, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a success.
“We’re all part of a spectrum, and it’s all beautiful,” Nikkie said. “This shop is my way of celebrating that.”
Spectrum isn’t just a shop — it’s a reflection of Nikkie. Through her warmth, humor, and dedication, she’s created a space where everyone is welcome and individuality is celebrated. For Nikkie, Spectrum is more than a business — it’s a labor of love, a sanctuary, and a testament to the power of connection.
