Divine North's Journey: From Pequot Lakes to Nisswa's Heart

It’s early in Pequot Lakes, and frost paints the windows of a modest shop tucked just off Main Street. Sunlight streams through, catching on rows of amethyst clusters and shimmering stones, illuminating shelves stacked with books on healing and connection.

Behind the counter stands Jessica Worthington, owner of Divine North where first-timers say their shoulders drop, and regulars feel, as one puts it, “instantly at peace.”

For Jessica, each morning’s step into the store is, in her own words, “amazing.” This isn’t just a place for commerce; it’s a refuge, a classroom, and—if you ask around—a touchstone for conversations about well-being, spirituality, and the challenges and strengths of rural life.

But change is afoot. Divine North, after two years in Pequot, is preparing to relocate to downtown Nisswa in the old Moxy building, opening December 1st. The move speaks volumes about the store’s journey, the local demand for community spaces, and the broader trends shaping life in middle Minnesota.

From Accounting Spreadsheets to Heart-Centered Healing: Jessica’s Path

Jessica grew up loving the woods, her current home still her favorite place to recharge—proof that even a shopkeeper with a crystal business values Minnesota’s quiet, natural beauty.

Her first crystal? An amethyst cluster, bought with field trip money as an eight-year-old, more interested in rocks than rockets at the Kansas NASA center gift shop. “I was immediately drawn to amethyst,” she recalls, and so began a lifelong fascination.

Before opening Divine North, Jessica worked in corporate accounting, but found the grind of spreadsheets and numbers increasingly unfulfilling.

“People either liked [my authentic self] or they didn’t,” she laughs, but it was stress—“I was tired of sitting at a computer all day”—and a growing interest in Reiki and sound therapy that pushed her to create something new.

“I wanted a place for people to feel joy, calmness, and connection,” she says. This vision grew from seeing clients in borrowed spaces to opening her own shop.

Welcoming All: Building Inclusive Community in the Lakes Area

Jessica’s commitment to welcoming everyone has made Divine North more than just a retail space. She explains, “I always tell people that you can come just visit the crystals and like sit and read the books—like they don’t have to buy anything."

"I really am trying to create a space where people feel welcome and they feel calm and they feel just at peace.”

In a community where beliefs and backgrounds may differ, she prioritizes respect for all, saying, “Everyone deserves respect and to be treated with kindness—and the earth too.”

Divine North’s door is open to all, whether you’re seeking spiritual growth or simply a moment of peace.

More Than Retail: Classes, Workshops, and the Next Phase in Nisswa

With the move to Nisswa, Jessica is dreaming bigger: more space for workshops, sound healing sessions, gentle yoga—what she calls “Sunday Reset,” a monthly event tailored for all ages and abilities. Book clubs, community events, and a new dedicated sound room are planned. “I want Divine North to be a hub for practitioners,” Jessica says, “where anyone interested in sharing their knowledge can do so.”

Why community? “People lack connection in today’s world,” Jessica explains. “We’re so reliant on social media and live such hectic lives.

That’s why spaces like Divine North matter.” Standout events like “Astrology and Wine,” hosted by local astrologer Ashley Bella, exemplify this, blending fun, learning, and care in an atmosphere where “every client feels seen.”

“It’s the energy in here—the crystals, the sound instruments, and the people. I have very little to do with it. My customers create it with their own kindness and open hearts.”
—Jessica Worthington

Practical Tips for Navigating Change—And Finding Local Connection

If you’re adapting to new community trends or exploring spiritual wellness in central Minnesota, consider these:

• Community over Commerce: Look for spaces that welcome conversations, not just transactions.

• Workshops and Events: Try local classes—gentle yoga, meditation, or book clubs—for connection and stress relief.

• Support Ethical Businesses: Ask about sourcing and environmental practices. No business is perfect, but transparency counts.

• Reach Out: Even for skeptics, honest dialogue and learning can build bridges.

• Prepare for Seasonal Shifts: As businesses move or expand, anticipate new opportunities—classes, collaborations, and expanded support.

What’s Next for Connection in Central Minnesota?

Divine North’s evolution—from a Pequot Lakes side room to a Nisswa Main Street fixture—echoes broader shifts across rural Minnesota: a hunger for community, belonging, and spaces that blend the mystical with the practical.

While not everyone may agree on crystals’ power or healing workshops, Jessica’s story illustrates how local businesses adapt and serve as more than just stores—they become gathering places in changing times.

How will these new spaces shape our community’s future? We’d love to hear your thoughts—email us at joshua@lakesareanewsletter.com.