I love small buildings and small mysteries. Here, at 82 7th Avenue and 301 Bleecker Street in the West Village, there is a remarkable, tiny, two-story building occupied only by Zena and her daughter, Sylvia, who practice their trade as psychic readers. The triangular building dates from 1910 and is only 468 square feet, 234 per floor. The place just exudes charm – windows face both Bleecker Street and 7th Avenue South and allow easy viewing of the interior from the street. A brass placard on the exterior wall says “Zena, New York & Cannes.” See the gallery of photos here.
I have passed by this shop for decades. It is quiet, with its glowing interior beckoning to me. Last night, it was time to probe this mystery. As fate had it, while shooting from the outside, pressed up against the beveled glass windows, Zena came by to enter her shop and asked if I would prefer taking photos from the inside. I accepted the invitation and entered for the first time.
This is one of the most comfortable small spaces I have ever been in. Everything is arranged and appointed just so. Soft fabrics, lighting, and warm colors are everywhere. There are stained glass lamps, solid brass finishes, and hardwood floors. A small stairway leads to the second floor, where more plush furnishings could be found, including a sofa. Zena told me that Architectural Digest had visited to do a story illustrating what can be done with small spaces.
I always wondered how such a small enterprise could support a shop in a high-profile, high-rent district. There are many possible answers, but Zena gave me one that made the most sense: she has owned the building for the last 25 years.
An elegant diamond-shaped sign hanging in the window proclaims “Clairvoyant.” A promo piece with a price schedule below lies below it. I cannot speak to claims of psychic abilities, and I have no experience with Zena or her daughter. For me, it was the mystery of the place that drew me to Zena’s…
Oh, this place looks so inviting, cozy, and comfortable! I want to go in right now for my reading. Alas, I live too far away. sniff sniff
Readings are quite pricey here – tarot – $40. But a step inside or a look from outside is worth the trip.
Hello Brian – This is my first time visiting you. How strange, I was just thinking of this wonderful building but couldn't remember the Psychic's name. I put my disc of photos from a recent trip to NYC in my computer to find the name and then returned and discovered your flickr and blog and that you had just posted these yesterday. These strange coincidences happen to me all the time. Lovely photos.
Catherine
beautiful photos but more over cool readings! Thanks again;)
Be warned. The woman in this shop is a horrible crook. She has exploited the sick and broken hearted for years. Very smooth and cruel. Belongs in jail.
Lina adds…
I first was drawn to Zena by the lyics in a Joni Mitchell song. Saw Zena's daughter in 1999 and Zena in 2009. Surprisingly, both women gave very similar readings. The daughter was right-on on so many facts, I was awe struck. I'm not buying the scam warnings. It was great fun to meet both ladies and the building is wonderful. Loved your pictures and love your website.
You should "buy" the scam warnings. Zena aka sylvia Mitchell is being sued by a client fruad. These women are true crininals and should be avoided and put in jail. Sylvia has "helped" many families of 911. Her speciality is helping contact dead children for grieving parents.
Sylvia Mitchell, aka Zena, is currently wanted for felony Grand Larceny by the NYPD Sixth Pct Detectives thanks to an investigation by Private Investigator Bob Nygaard. Mitchell has been on the run ever since Nygaard built a case against her. These beautiful photos are really crime scene pictures of where Zena scams her victims
please do not mix up zena with sylvia. yes sylvia is a fraud, but she was only someone working in the shop she no longer works there, zena is infact an older women. She is wonderful and is beyond gifted. After her reading and spirtual advice i am now a better person. She truly changed me with her compassionate sincere heart.