That wellness influencer in Sedona rubbed me the wrong way

I took a trip to Sedona last month and visited a popular crystal shop that a big Instagram wellness influencer always promotes. The whole place felt like a factory, not a peaceful spot. They were pushing $80 smudge sticks and telling people they had 'bad energy' if they didn't buy one. I overheard the staff talking about how they crank up prices for tourists who recognize the influencer's name. It made me wonder if she actually believes in the stuff she sells or if it's just a cash grab. Has anyone else visited a place tied to a canceled or controversial influencer and felt the same?

2 comments

2 Comments

allen.ivan24d ago

Went to a similar spot in Sedona last summer and it was exactly the same vibe, total tourist trap. Saw them sell a $10 crystal for $75 to some excited girl who kept name-dropping the influencer. Honestly made me lose a lot of respect for the whole wellness scene out there.

lilykelly24d ago

Fifteen bucks for a fancy rock sounds like the price of admission to me, @allen.ivan. I mean, if that girl walked away happy with her story and her crystal, who are we to say she got ripped off? People pay markup for concert tickets and fancy coffee every day without calling it a tourist trap.