Into the Otherworld with Tabz Jones of Ivy and Bat

Interview by Ms.X

Step inside the dreamy, gothic world of Ivy and Bat, where ancient myths, forgotten forests, and handcrafted magick collide. At the heart of this one-of-a-kind brand is Tabz Jones, a fantasy digital artist and handcraft artisan whose creations are as enchanting as they are intentional. From cold process soaps steeped in storytelling to illustrations laced with lore, Tabz channels a lifelong passion for folklore, nature, and the goddess Persephone into every piece.

We sat down with Tabz to talk about the spiritual roots of her business, the inspiration behind her handmade offerings, and the beauty of embracing both shadow and bloom.

Tabz Jones, CEO of Ivy and Bat LLC

Q&A with Tabz Jones of Ivy and Bat

Q: Can you tell us about your earliest creative memories? Were there any particular stories, crafts, or traditions from your childhood that still influence your work today?

A: I grew up in a multigenerational household where creativity was part of daily life—whether it was ceramics, painting, baking, or storytelling. My grandparents passed down myths and family lore, and I was always drawn to fairytales and ancient legends. Those early influences still shape everything I make. There's something sacred about keeping those traditions alive in new forms.

Q: How has your eclectic pagan path and connection to Persephone shaped your creative voice and business philosophy?

A: Persephone, and by extension, Her husband Hades, is central to how I see the world. Her duality—light and dark, growth and decay—reflects the balance I try to embrace in both life and art. As a spiritual guide, she reminds me that transformation is cyclical and necessary. Ivy and Bat is a reflection of that ethos. I try to make space for both the beautiful and the eerie in my work, honoring all sides of nature and self.

Q: What inspired the name Ivy and Bat? Can you share the deeper symbolism behind it?

A: Ivy and bats are both symbols associated with Persephone. Ivy is ever-reaching, evergreen, and enduring—just like our need to seek meaning. Bats dwell in the in-between spaces; they’re intuitive, often misunderstood, and incredibly powerful. The name felt like a spell in itself, tying together themes of resilience, shadow work, and sacred mystery.

Q: Your work blends gothic and fantasy aesthetics with myth and nature—how do you balance those elements in your digital art and handcrafted creations?

A: I think of it like weaving a tapestry. Each thread—whether it’s a visual motif, a scent profile, or a mythological theme—adds depth. I let intuition guide me, and I always aim to tell a story through contrast: softness against shadow, the sacred meeting the strange. It keeps the work grounded, but otherworldly.

Q: Do you approach making soap, perfume, and candles the same way you do a piece of digital art?

A: Absolutely. It all starts with mood and emotion. A scent can be as evocative as a painting. I often build products around specific myths or moments—like Persephone’s descent, a haunted woodland, or a moonlit ritual. Whether I'm working with pixels or mixing something up in the lab, it's a process of conjuring something immersive.

Q: What kind of dreams are you hoping to share with your customers?

A: Dreams that feel like they belong to another world—yet still connect deeply to your own. I want people to feel seen in both their softness and their wildness. My hope is that Ivy and Bat invites people to reconnect with forgotten magic and make the mundane a little more sacred.

Q: How do you infuse storytelling and personal mythology into your products?

A: I often begin with a feeling or a fragment of a myth, and I build a whole sensory experience around it. For example, a candle might evoke a haunted library filled with ancient tomes, or a soap might capture the idea of spring returning from the underworld. I write little backstories in my head or include symbolic ingredients—it’s a way of offering both beauty and meaning.

Q: How do folklore and the cycles of nature influence your seasonal collections?

A: I observe the Wheel of the Year and let the natural shifts inspire me. My spring inspired lines might reflect themes of rebirth or maiden energy, while autumn is about shadow work and ancestral connection. The folklore tied to each season gives me a rich framework to work within—and it’s a way of grounding the fantastical in the rhythms of real life.

Q: What have been some of the most rewarding or surprising lessons from running Ivy and Bat?

A: That people are deeply hungry for meaning, connection and magic in their lives—and that handmade, intentional work really resonates. I’ve learned to trust my voice more and not shy away from being weird or witchy. The right people will find it, and that connection is incredibly rewarding. I feel the same way about my digital art.

Q: What’s next for Ivy and Bat? Any new collections or creative directions on the horizon?

A: I’m exploring more multimedia storytelling—perhaps a new oracle deck, or a new collection that ties my art, writing, and products together into one mythic journey. I’m also dreaming up seasonal boxes that come with rituals, objects, and artwork tied to a specific theme. There’s a lot I want to create. I just follow the thread where it leads. I never know where the Muses might lead me, but I'm always open to suggestion!

Closing Thoughts

Tabz Jones and Ivy and Bat invite us to honor the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface of daily life. Through storytelling, scent, and shadow, her work reminds us that magic isn’t something we find—it’s something we remember. You can explore her otherworldly offerings at www.ivyandbat.com and follow along on Instagram or Facebook @ivyandbat for behind-the-scenes alchemy.