Being an entrepreneur was never in Alex Wonder’s plans. Originally an artist from North Idaho, Wonder received her BFA in visual arts from Boise State in 2013 before moving to Salt Lake City to pursue her creative dreams. Specializing in witchy-inspired art pieces made from homegrown, foraged, and upcycled goods, she found her niche in collaged tarot cards, which she uses to provide tarot reading experiences.
Her journey into entrepreneurship began with Wonder Tarot, a company that designs and sells high-end tarot cards while offering accurate readings. “For me, the joy of the business is getting to see people have intimate experiences exploring their lives with my artwork,” she said.
Initially running her company completely on her own, Wonder saw enrolling in the Master of Business Creation (MBC) program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business as an opportunity to elevate her business. “The MBC program promised the business knowledge I was lacking, but it also targeted my favorite aspect of business: creation,” she said. “It’s helped me grow from an artist with a business to an entrepreneur with potential and further opportunities at my fingertips.”
Wonder Tarot stands out by offering tarot readings and decks as mementos of shared emotional and spiritual connections. Wonder’s expertise in tarot is validated through her creation of three decks, which have impressed her clients and enhanced their experiences.
When her decks didn’t initially sell at art fairs, she began offering tarot readings, which led to the flourishing of her business. Her decks and art started selling as well because everyone who attended her readings was passionate about tarot.
Accomplishments for Wonder Tarot include consulting with over 500 people using her cards and partnering twice with the Rape Recovery Center to help raise funds and organize an art show for their fundraising gala. More recently, Wonder published her third tarot deck, featuring 79 original pieces of art, a guidebook, a luxurious box, and a velvet bag. The limited edition of 104 signed and numbered decks also offers larger-sized prints for art collectors.
The company’s website has been revamped to make scheduling tarot virtual readings easier, offering various session lengths and prices to meet different clients’ needs. There’s even an option to hire Wonder for events and read for guests.
In the short term, Wonder aims to build more of an online presence, despite her initial resistance. Recognizing the need for flexibility, especially post-pandemic, she is adapting to reach a broader audience. Long-term goals include developing Wonder Tarot into a company hired for entertainment at events and parties, and expanding on her successful “Tea and Tarot” events.
Wonder’s decision to enroll in the MBC program was driven by her desire to make her company more successful. The program has been instrumental in refining her business strategy, teaching her to think strategically and implement the best research, tactics, and marketing practices.
“I was honestly really surprised at how holistic the MBC program was,” Wonder noted. She was not expecting courses on human resources management, self-care as an entrepreneur, the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship, boundaries, and negotiation. She also praised the supportive and respectful professors.
Wonder encourages everyone to try a tarot reading, highlighting its value beyond divining the future. “Tarot can be tools of self-development, self-care, creativity, journaling, expression, and so much more,” she said.
With her MBC education and artistic vision, Wonder is poised to continue making a significant impact through Wonder Tarot, helping others explore their lives and creativity with her unique tarot experiences.
Learn more about Wonder Tarot at wonderartsllc.com.
