Witches and rituals can sound seriously spooky to the average ear, but Debbie Bailey paints a very different picture. The owner of If the Broom Fits, a witch shop in Beaverton, says her store and spiritual practice are often a last resort—and first breakthrough—for many folks who have tried everything to shake stale or uneasy spirits. She recounts a time a mother came in looking for an answer for her son’s night terrors, which she remedied with a sparkly bear figurine and an incantation.

Bailey’s witchy ways began as a child, talking to the moon. A military brat who moved around a lot, she landed in Oregon in 2004. She began teaching witchcraft classes in her home, eventually opening her first store in 2012 in Tigard (she moved the shop to Beaverton in 2020). Today, autumn naturally drives an influx of traffic, with folks interested in everything from Reiki sessions and tarot readings to crystals, incense, and brooms—yes, really. “It’s symbolism for sweeping away negative energy,” Bailey says. “And then of course, if you’re a witchy person—it looks good.”

Favorite item you carry in the shop? Our handmade brooms. We get them from a local broom maker who uses broom corn, not straw. 

Favorite part about fall? The leaves changing color and dancing. 

Favorite place in the city to clear your mind? Any forested area. 

Go-to Portland restaurant to take out-of-towners? Seventeen Hot Pot.

Food you hate that everyone seems to love? Sushi.

Retail store that’s Portland’s best-kept secret? Al’s Garden & Home, or any nursery. 

Favorite book? Court of Thorns & Roses series.

Favorite TV show? Yellowstone, 1923, all of those. 

Current playlist song? “Bad Dreams” by Teddy Swims.

Favorite PNW road trip? Going to the Port Townsend area—close to the coast but in the forest. 

Local fall dish you love? Homemade soups—anything you can do in the Crock-Pot.

Who’s your hero? Ann Moura and Laurie Cabot. I look up to them. 

Best advice you’ve received? Life is full of choices, and you have to live with those consequences. 

Worst advice you’ve received? Not to marry my husband. 

Scariest career moment? Being bombarded with negative energy during a reading.

The best gift you’ve received? My children and grandchildren. 

What excites you the most about Portland’s future? I would love to see it cleaned up and be the beautiful city it was when we moved here. 

What excites you the most about the future of witchery? Bringing new people into the craft. 

Three words that describe Portland? It’s my hometown. (I count myself as being an Oregonian now since we’ve lived up here so long.)

Three words that describe you? (Totally) out of control.