About us
Our history goes back to 1992 when IGIGI was first opened. After many years in Colchester, the environment changed significantly making it difficult to stay in the town centre. In 2008, we moved to Elmstead Market with a slight name change to IGIGI2U.
The name IGIGI was chosen from Babylonian mythology and means ‘Gods of the Heavens’. This seems very apt for a shop that when opened was deemed a New Age shop.
IGIGI2U was the passion of Jan Dehaney. She was the most caring individual who always put others before herself. She followed her spiritual journey for over 30 years, developing the most amazing talent with an incredible knowledge about all things spiritual especially crystals. Training with Philip Permutt (the UKs leading crystal expert) she reached the level of Crystal Master Teacher before inspiring and teaching others.
Elizabeth, her daughter, has always taken an interest in IGIGI2U, training as a crystal healer in 2015. She would often be found in the shop both during the week as well as weekends often with her children charming customers into buying even more crystals!
Following Jan’s passing in 2019, Elizabeth wanted to maintain the shop to allow people to have a place to come and relax. It’s a very special place where people feel the weight lift when they walk in the door. Along with her brother Alastair, they ensured the future of the shop. Elizabeth is now a Crystal Master Teacher, also training with Philip Permutt and runs training courses for those wishing to know more and become crystal healers.
The pandemic proved to be a tough time in retail, perhaps Jan was looking down on IGIGI2U and after numerous lockdowns the doors reopened. We were supported by two fabulous members of staff. After Amanda retired, Chris remains with us and works in the shop during the week as well as running some courses. Between us, we can answer all your questions about everything related to crystals and spirituality.
We are now extending our offering by opening our virtual doors to more people with the launch of our new website and online shop. Thank you for your support for our small business. Who knows what the future will hold…