Brandiilyne Mangum-Dear, owner of Hattiesburg's only metaphysical shop, The Red Jasper, has been honored by Mississippi Capital City Pride for her advocacy work and community involvement.
Mangum-Dear, known as “BB” by her customers, is a prominent LGBTQIA+ advocate and the founder of The Dandelion Project. She also served as the founding vice president of The Spectrum Center. Since 2017, she has owned The Red Jasper, a spiritual shop offering a variety of healing services and products. Originally located behind PJ’s Coffee on U.S. Highway 98, the store has since moved to 3416 Hardy St., near the University of Southern Mississippi.
Before opening The Red Jasper, Mangum-Dear was a pastor at Hattiesburg’s only LGBTQIA+ church. During this time, she began her spiritual journey, which eventually led her to open the metaphysical shop. She managed both her pastoral duties and the shop for a time but later shifted her focus fully to The Red Jasper.
“We don’t consider The Red Jasper a retail store,” Mangum-Dear said. “We consider it to be a healing space, a place where you can come in and find your true power. You can remember your divine self and find the healing that you need.”
In addition to selling crystals and spiritual tools, The Red Jasper offers various services, including Reiki healing sessions, oracle card readings, and tarot card readings. Many students from Southern Miss are among the shop's clientele due to its proximity to campus.
Chyanne Middleton, a former USM student and Hattiesburg resident, reflected on her experiences with The Red Jasper.
“The Red Jasper introduced an inner peace and clarity that permanently reshaped my frame of mind,” Middleton said. “Every visit I take to The Red Jasper has reminded me that I have constant guidance toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.”
Mangum-Dear encourages the community to experience the healing and guidance offered at The Red Jasper.
