By Shelby Yarchin
“When people walk in, we want you to feel like this is your store. Everyone is welcome.” Jennifer Ireland leans back in her chair with a smile on her face. She’s seated across the table from her husband of 23 years, Matthew. The two of them are the owners of one of the Newest businesses to Downtown Laramie: The Accelerated Dragon & Rising Pheonix.
There is an interesting mix of two beloved endeavors within its walls. The right side of the store is lined with hand-crafted shelves stocked with a variety of Role Playing Games, Comic Books, Customizable Dungeons and Dragons figurines, and much more. To the left is a variety of products that usher in meditation and mindfulness; complete with guiding books, crystals, and sage. When asked about the interesting combination, Matthew had to say “We have a very interesting cross-over. There’s a lot of people who will pick up some dice, and then go over and pick up some Palo Santo’s. It’s a lot more in conjunction than you would think.”
The couple unwittingly stumbled into Laramie after a night of camping in Denver with their daughter. “ it was the most horrific camping experience that I’ve ever had. In the morning, basically, just bleary-eyed, I’m like “Drive until there’s a Hampton Inn.” We ended up in Laramie.” Jennifer explained, “When we woke up and came to, we started to look around and noticed there’s a downtown, there’s a downtown that’s open, there are hardly any storefronts available, and there’s a university.”
The Accelerated Dragon & Phoenix Rising offers a wide array of learning opportunities. Both Matthew and Jennifer host nights specific to instruction and community. “The whole goal is, it’s fine if you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re looking for people who are looking to play and get along with other people.” Matthew stated.
As of the time of writing, the store has custom nights for the people of Laramie to learn new skills, and hobbies:
Monday: Chess
Tuesday: Game Nights
Wednesday: Phoenix Days (Mindfulness/Meditation)
Thursday: League Day
Saturday: RPG Day (Alternating Campaigns)
Worried about starting something new? Matthew and Jennifer are passionate about their shop and drive home the point that anyone can play. Matthew states “ Everybody starts at zero. All the games are fun, people have a good time, we learn as we go. 90% of our store is people participating.”
Visit the Accelerated Dragon & Rising Pheonix at 615 South 2nd Street, and follow the business on Instagram & Facebook for updates!