Finding Your People: How Spirit Fest Expos Are Building Community One City at a Time – An Interview with Mary Ellen Popyk

What if many of us actually stood in line to be here on Earth at this exact moment in history?

Mary Ellen Popyk thinks we did. After more than four decades of watching the spiritual world evolve, sensing things outside the five senses since she was a child, and now leading one of the largest networks of metaphysical expos on the East Coast, she has a particular vantage point on what is happening right now. She calls it the birthing of a new energy in the world. She believes the chaos most of us are feeling has a purpose, and that the people drawn to spiritual gatherings right now are exactly the people who chose to be here for this.

Today, Mary Ellen is the founder of Spirit Fest Expos, weekend spiritual gatherings that pop up at seventeen cities and counting. Before Spirit Fest, she ran Sanctuary for Mind, Body and Spirit in Memphis, a metaphysical store that served as one of the city’s central gathering places for nearly six years. In this conversation, Mary Ellen shares the full story of her own awakening from a Catholic childhood and a Mormon adolescence, what twenty years of running spiritual events has taught her, and the practical wisdom she has gathered for anyone drawn to community in a fragmented world.

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What do you sense is unfolding on our planet right now, especially from your perspective of being deeply connected to the spiritual world?

Mary Ellen Popyk: That’s a really good question, because this is really an exciting time. I’ve always been someone who’s been in touch with things outside of our five senses from a very young age, so I’ve been around a long time. I’ve seen a lot and experienced a lot—but right now, it feels like we’re going through something I’ve never experienced before.

Younger generations think and relate to each other so differently. And even though it can look like chaos in the world, what I really feel is that something new is being born. The way people responded to the pandemic, for example, was very interesting to me. I feel like we’re in a truly pivotal time, and I think a lot of us chose to be here for this moment. It’s exciting—and I think things are going to continue to intensify. People will be looking for more and more ways to go within and realize that the answers are already there; they just need to learn how to access them.

Did your journey into spirituality begin in childhood, or did it come later in life?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I was raised Catholic, and I had my first supernatural experience when I was seven, during my first communion rehearsal in church. We were sitting at the end of a pew, and I remember looking up at one of the Stations of the Cross. It was the first time I’d really seen those images.

And suddenly I had this flash—this deep knowing of who Jesus really was. Not the suffering image in front of me, but his energy, his teachings, the way he spoke in parables. It felt so beautiful and true. And I remember thinking, as a little kid, looking at the altar, “This isn’t what he wanted.” That was a lot to process at that age, and I didn’t tell anyone. I definitely didn’t go home and share that with my Ukrainian grandmother.

At the same time, I was sensing other things—mostly ghosts, honestly. I thought everyone could. I would talk to my mom about it, and one day she laughed in a way that made me realize she didn’t understand what I was talking about. So I just went quiet about it.

When I was 12, my parents divorced, and my mother became Mormon. That introduced a different kind of spiritual framework. But what really changed everything was my stepmother. One morning, she saw a listing in the newspaper for a psychic fair and asked if I wanted to go. I said, “I’ll get my coat.” And that was it—it felt like I had found my people. That experience is really the reason I do what I do today.

What stood out to you from that first psychic fair?

Mary Ellen Popyk: What fascinated me most was seeing what other people were interested in. There was such a range—ghosts, auras, astrology, chakras. I didn’t even know what auras were at the time. But the people there were so open. They would talk to you, guide you, and even if they didn’t have what you were looking for, they would point you in the right direction.

I remember books everywhere, and even getting someone’s mailing address so I could write to them. It was just so exciting. And there were also things where I thought, “That’s not really for me,” but it didn’t matter. It’s like walking into a grocery store—you don’t need everything there. What mattered was the diversity, the options, and the openness to explore.

Did your family support this part of your journey as it unfolded?

Mary Ellen Popyk: My stepmother understood how important that moment was for me, and we talked about it a little, though she wasn’t as into it as I was. Interestingly, my mother—who was Mormon—became more open over time. I think that faith is more metaphysical than people realize.

She eventually believed that I had a gift and even felt I was somehow exempt from certain teachings because of it. That was a big shift for her, especially being so devout. Not everyone in my family felt the same—some of my Catholic relatives still aren’t thrilled. But that’s why finding community matters so much. When you find people who understand you, it feels like finding a new family.

How did your spiritual path evolve as you got older?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I stayed connected to it through high school, but when I went to college, I really put it on the back burner. I was trying to navigate the 3D world. That lasted for about 15 years. During that time, I got married, got divorced, and was just trying to figure life out.

But right after my divorce—literally within weeks—I was drawn back in. I started buying books, and it just exploded from there. I was living in Memphis at the time, and there weren’t many resources, so I started going to a Unity Church. That eventually led me to open a metaphysical store.

Another store was going out of business, and I took their inventory on consignment. Then I expanded the space so we could host events. People came—sound healers, readers, all kinds of practitioners. It just grew naturally.

What were you doing professionally before opening your store?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I was a travel agent—that’s what I went to college for. But around 2000, the industry changed when commissions on airline tickets were cut, so I left and started temping. I actually loved that—it gave me a chance to work in different environments and meet all kinds of people.

Around 2005, I hosted my first event. It went well enough to keep going, and I started seeing how many people had offerings to share. My original idea was just to rent a space for events, but then I got the call about the store closing, and everything aligned. It really felt meant to be.

That said, running a store is a lot. I had no idea how much work it would be. And then the economic crisis hit, which slowed things down. But we kept going.

How did your work eventually evolve into Spirit Fest Expos?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I kept doing events in Memphis, even after the store closed in 2012. Then I moved back to Florida after my daughter graduated from high school. I got a job at Disney and thought I was going to live a more “normal” life.

And it was wonderful—I loved it. But eventually, I realized that the pull toward this work was still there. So around 2017, I started doing small shows again in Orlando—maybe 20 vendors.

I built connections slowly, reaching out, talking to people, and using social media. Then the pandemic hit, and I thought it was over. But Florida reopened quickly, and I saw firsthand that people were still showing up. That’s when I knew—we’re not done. So I went right back to planning events, and they grew quickly from there.

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What is it about putting on an expo that feels so compelling for you—like something you’re meant to do?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I love organization—I’m a Libra. Even as a kid, I was doing things like organizing a carnival to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Back then, Jerry Lewis had a telethon every Labor Day, and people would host little backyard carnivals and send in donations. I just loved doing things like that.

But it’s really twofold for me. There’s the organization piece, and then there’s bringing people together. Creating something that offers what was so meaningful to me at different times in my life—that sense of spiritual connection, meeting others of like mind, and finding resources.

It’s easier now with the internet—you can find anything—but it doesn’t replace talking to people in person. We can connect online all the time, but there’s nothing that takes the place of being there, face to face.

Can you give an overview of Spirit Fest Expos today—how many cities, how often you run them, and where you’re expanding?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Gosh, I think we’re at about 17 now. We do a lot across Florida and up and down the East Coast. I’m originally from Syracuse, New York, so we’ve done events in central New York as well, and we’re looking at Boston. Virginia Beach is scheduled this year, and we just did Memphis again.

We’re also exploring expansion out West—Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Southern California. But we’re very intentional. We don’t want to go where there are already a lot of shows—we want to go where there’s a need. I really feel like spirit will lead us to where we’re meant to be.

What makes a Spirit Fest Expo unique? What would someone experience if they attended?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Every show has its own energy, but we have some really unique vendors. For example, we have sound healing practitioners who’ve designed massage tables that vibrate with specific frequencies—it’s not just music playing, it’s a full-body experience. They might use tuning forks as well.

We have a practitioner who brings hammered singing bowls from Nepal—he sources them himself and teaches people how to use them. We also have really strong psychic readers, and one thing we’re proud of is that many of our crystal vendors don’t just sell stones—they teach you how to work with them.

We also have speakers running throughout the day, and people come for different reasons. Some come for a couple of hours, others stay the entire weekend. And yes—we make sure there’s good food. That matters too.

How do you create real connection and community at an event like this, rather than just people moving from table to table?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Experience is the keyword. We’re not just offering a place to come and buy things—we want people to have a meaningful experience.

Before each show, on Saturday morning, all the vendors gather together. It’s actually my favorite part of the weekend. We set intentions, say a prayer, and really align the energy. We ask to be guided—to say the right thing to the right person at the right time. So by the time the doors open, that energy is already in place. And people feel it—that’s something we hear again and again.

We also create space for connection. There are areas where people can sit, wait, and talk. Even if someone isn’t planning to buy anything, they can still engage—ask questions, explore, learn. The speakers bring in a wide range of topics, and at some events we offer workshops, mediumship galleries, and opportunities to meet authors and artists.

You can do a lot online, but being physically present—sharing space with others—that’s where something real happens.

How do you personally express your intuitive or spiritual gifts within this work, beyond organizing and hosting?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I feel like I use my intuition a lot—especially when it comes to choosing which cities we go to, the people we connect with, and coordinating dates so that everyone feels supported. I also work intuitively with the floor plan, which is actually something specific about us. We don’t have vendors choose their own booths.

We do that intentionally, so everything flows well. For example, you wouldn’t want a reader next to someone playing gongs. So I use intuition to place people in a way that feels aligned for everyone.

But beyond that, it’s really about holding the space and the energy. I think you do that too with the magazine—it’s about the vibration. People are drawn to it. They’re drawn to that light.

Personally, I’ve studied different things over the years. I studied reincarnation with Dr. Walter Semkiw, who wrote about identifying past-life connections—he was a medical doctor who found patterns between historical figures and people living today. I worked with him for a while, helping to make those connections. He identified things like physical similarities, shared soul families, even how people hold their hands in portraits—it’s fascinating.

I’m also really drawn to Atlantis and ancient history, so those are things I could speak on. But honestly, there are so many people who specialize in those areas that I don’t always feel the need to step into that role.

Do you speak at your own events, or mostly focus on organizing them?

Mary Ellen Popyk: In the past, when we had more conference-style events, I did speak. I’ve even tried to do a short welcome at some of the expos, but there’s always something happening—so it’s hard to step away.

But I do enjoy speaking when I get the chance. I’ve had speakers come up to me afterward and say they really enjoyed what I shared, especially around reincarnation work. So if the opportunity comes, I’ll do it. And if not, I’m happy continuing to run the show.

From your experience, what are some common ways vendors struggle at expos—and what helps them succeed?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I always try to approach that gently. I’ll never tell someone how to run their booth, but I might offer a small suggestion—like adjusting the direction of their sign or making something more visible. Sometimes it’s just little shifts that can make a big difference.

I also offer every vendor a free 15-minute consultation if they want guidance—whether it’s their first show or they’re looking to grow. And often, they learn just by observing others—seeing what works, how booths are set up, how people engage.

The only real challenge I see is when someone has difficulty working in a busy, noisy environment. Not everyone is suited for doing readings or sessions in that kind of space, and they usually realize that on their own. In those cases, I might suggest small adjustments, like placing them against a wall for more grounding.

But overall, there’s a natural progression. The first show is always the hardest, but many people grow quickly. One of my favorite stories is about a woman who started with a crowdfunding campaign just to afford her first booth. Now, she has a double booth, beautifully designed with flowers and products—and it’s one of the most stunning at the show.

So I’m always open to helping. It’s really about supporting people as they find their rhythm.

What advice would you give to vendors who want to be truly successful at an expo?

Mary Ellen Popyk: This is such an important piece, and it’s something experienced vendors will often share with those who feel like they didn’t have a good weekend—you really can’t measure success just in dollars and cents.

You have to look at the connections you made. That’s why collecting contact information is so important—email addresses especially. Even if you need to offer a small giveaway to encourage that, it’s worth it. If you’re a practitioner, having a sign-in list is key.

Because you might not do a lot of sessions during the weekend, but someone could reach out the following week and book a full package. That’s where the real growth happens. That’s prosperity—it’s not always immediate income, but having what you need to keep growing your work.

What are some practical strategies vendors can use to stay connected with people after the event?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Giveaways are really helpful—things people will actually keep. Bookmarks, for example, are underrated. You want something that keeps your name and contact information in their space.

We get emails all the time from people saying, “I met this vendor in a corner of the room, and they sold this one product I can’t find anywhere else.” And then we have to figure out who they’re talking about. So the more ways you give people to remember you and find you again, the better.

It’s also really important to bring people back to your website. Not just when they need to buy something, but to keep them engaged. Social media is helpful, but it can be unpredictable. You don’t own those platforms.

Your website is yours. So having all your offerings, videos, products—everything in one place gives you stability. It’s your foundation, no matter what happens elsewhere.

What makes effective signage at an expo booth?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Signage makes a huge difference. I often see vendors starting with a small sign on the table, and that’s a good beginning—but having a stand-up sign behind you changes everything. It makes you visible from across the room.

You don’t need to invest a fortune. You can get a good stand-up sign for around $150, and there are plenty of people who can help design it at an affordable price. Even a tabletop pull-up banner looks more professional and gives you more space to communicate what you offer.

The key is visibility and clarity. People should be able to glance at your booth and understand what you do.

Also, everything in your booth should feel professional. Whether it’s printed materials or handwritten signs—if your handwriting is great, that can work—but overall it needs to feel intentional and high-quality. People can tell when something was thrown together at the last minute.

Flyers and handouts are inexpensive now, so there’s no reason not to have them.

And if you’re using a tent or frame, adding your branding across the top is incredibly effective. It helps define your space and makes you visible from a distance. It’s one of the simplest ways to elevate your presence.

How important is it for vendors to understand the specific venue setup before arriving?

Mary Ellen Popyk: It’s really important. Many of our venues don’t have wall space at all—everything is set up in the center aisles. Even though we include that information ahead of time, it can get overlooked. So vendors should always ask in advance.

The same goes for table covers—some events provide them, some don’t. It’s better to know ahead of time, so you’re not surprised. Understanding the physical space helps you prepare properly and show up feeling ready.

What helps a vendor truly stand out in a busy expo environment?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Lighting makes a big difference. Even simple string lights can elevate a booth, especially if you’re using a tent or frame. You don’t have to spend a lot—there are battery-powered options that work well and don’t require expensive venue electricity.

Having a statement piece is also powerful—something visually interesting or unique that draws people in. I often find myself saying, “That’s really clever” or “That’s really beautiful” when I see booths that stand out.

At the same time, it’s important to be mindful. For example, fragrances can be tricky—some people are sensitive, so even something that smells wonderful to one person might be overwhelming to another.

And again, small touches like giveaways can help. People are naturally drawn to them, even if it’s something simple.

What has changed over the past 20 years in the world of expos and spirituality?

Mary Ellen Popyk: The biggest shift has been in advertising. Years ago, it was all radio, television, and newspapers. Now it’s much more digital—streaming, social media, email lists.

But the expos themselves haven’t changed that much, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. The core interests are still the same—people want to connect, develop their intuition, and understand things like chakras and auras.

What has evolved is the quality and variety of what’s offered. For example, sound healing has advanced so much. I really feel like it’s ahead of its time, and that in the future we’ll see it integrated more into mainstream wellness and even medical settings.

How do you view well-known spiritual teachers compared to local practitioners at your events?

Mary Ellen Popyk: Having well-known speakers can be a draw—it’s exciting for people to see someone they recognize, especially if they’ve followed their work.

At the same time, one of my main focuses is the vendors. We have people at our shows who are at a conference-level in terms of what they offer—they just might not be traveling the country or thinking of themselves that way.

So I want people to know that you don’t have to travel far to experience something powerful. There are incredible practitioners right in your own community. That said, it’s always fun to see well-known teachers too—there’s something about hearing them in person that feels special.

You’ve mentioned interests beyond expos—like travel and historical research. How do those connect to your work?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I’ve always loved travel, even as a kid. I didn’t do as much of it for a while, but now I’m getting back to it—and it’s part of why I’m expanding the shows into new cities. I just enjoy it, and I trust that if it wasn’t aligned, I wouldn’t feel so drawn to it.

Historical research has also been a lifelong interest. I’m fascinated by how we got to where we are—whether that’s ancient civilizations, the pyramids, or different periods in history. I think a lot of people feel that curiosity.

And then there’s transformation in a very literal sense—I’ve been raising monarch butterflies. I say “raising,” but really I’m helping support the process. Only a small percentage make it to adulthood, so I try to give them the best chance.

Watching that transformation—from a tiny caterpillar to a butterfly—is incredible. It’s such a powerful reminder of resilience and growth. It really feels like an analogy for life.

Is there anything you wish you had been asked?

Mary Ellen Popyk: I think we covered a lot. I just want to say I really appreciate what you’re doing. There’s something special about holding a magazine in your hands, and the quality you’re creating really stands out.

People are looking for meaningful resources, and there are so many incredible individuals out there. So thank you for being part of that.

Where can people learn more about Spirit Fest Expos?

Mary Ellen Popyk: The easiest place is our website: SpiritFestUSA.com. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook—we’re more active on Facebook right now.

All of our upcoming shows, dates, and locations are listed there, and we’re always adding more as we plan ahead.