January 2018 - 20 FOCUS ON BUSINESS www.eastwichitanews.com
Something up their sleeves
At Stevens Magic Emporium, family business thrives on tricks Joe Stevens can’t wait to get up and go to work each morning. That’s a bold statement for a business owner who’s in his early 80s, but he just smiles as he shares the source of his passion for his quiet but booming business on East Douglas Street. Joe Stevens owns and operates Stevens Magic Emporium with his son Mark. Both are professional magicians who love their craft, and still practice it regularly. But most days, the father and son team are focused on operating their mail-order business that ships magic tricks and supplies all around the world to magicians ranging from amateurs to some of the best known in the business. On a recent afternoon, two orders ready for processing in Mark Stevens’ office were eye-catching. One was a magic effect headed out to the well-known duo of Penn and Teller, and the other was a book order ready for shipment to none other than magician David Copperfield. “It’s all because of Joe,” said Mark, who heads up the company’s Internet sales division. “We work with the biggest performers in the business, and Joe is friends with them all.” But for both Joe and Mark Stevens, the business isn’t just about helping the industry’s stars. It’s also about getting wide-eyed youths interested in the craft, and helping amateurs become more and more proficient with their magic tricks. “I can’t wait to get here every day,” said Joe. “There’s always a new trick to learn and share with our customers.”
Joe Stevens says he got hooked on magic at age 10 when he saw Harry Blackstone Sr. perform. “When the bug bites, there’s no inoculation,” said Joe. “I started with small stuff, and when I got older, magic took a back seat to other things.” Joe was a talented basketball player at Wichita North and then Wichita University, where he was inducted into the Shocker Basketball Hall of Fame a few years ago. He had offers to play professionally, but became a Fuller Brush salesman instead because the money was better. After 22 years with the Fuller Brush Company, Joe and his wife Martha opened The Emporium in Wichita in 1975. They sold costumes, magic supplies and novelties, and the business was successful. About 20 years ago, they sold The Emporium, and Joe and his son Mark, who had been bitten by the magic bug as well, opened Stevens Magic Emporium at 2520 E. Douglas. Today, about 90 percent of the company’s business is mail orders, and involves 15,000 customers around the world. “Every six weeks we send out a catalogue, and we also have the Internet business,” said Joe. “At the shop, we show products to customers, and we teach them how to use them.” Sometimes that includes a star magician, like David Copperfield. “When he comes to town he always comes to see us,” said Joe. “And Criss
Angel is a friend, too.” Both Joe and Mark continue to perform magic shows, and another magician who is involved with the business, Shawn Reida, also performs shows in the area. All three are available for performances with companies, groups and even small parties. Something new this year will include
adult magic classes that are forming now through Stevens Magic Emporium. Call 316-683-9582 for information or email joe@stevensmagic.com. Class sizes are limited. And if you’ve already been bitten by the magic bug, visit 2520 E. Douglas. Joe Stevens can’t cure your ailment, but he can help you enjoy the side effects.
Joe Stevens performs a magic trick called the “Vase of Alah” for a wide-eyed customer. Every time the vase is emptied of water, it magically refills.
STEVENS MAGIC EMPORIUM “Performing Magic in Wichita for 50 Years”
• Professional Magic Entertainment for All Types • Corporate Entertainment for Trade Shows • Mentalism & Personality Horoscope Readings • Excellent for Holidays - Birthday Parties Walk Around Magic - Social Events - Reunions Civic Organizations - Prom Events - Church Events Office Parties - Barmitzvas - Senior Groups Assisted Living Groups - Gospel Magic • Excellent for Small or Large Groups
Call for Info & Bookings 316-683-5861 At Stevens Magic Emporium, customers can purchase a wide variety of magic tricks, either directly from the store or by mail order.
Ask for Joe Stevens 2520 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214
“Stevens Magic Emporium continues to represent the art with integrity, substance and trust. Wishing you continued and welldeserved success.” -David Copperfield “You have raised the bar for brick and mortar magic shops! Thank you for everything you continue to do for the magic community.” -Criss Angel