Earth Sciences from Rice University. In 2012, he earned a Master of Science in Geoscienc- es from T e University of Texas at Austin.


A Constant Evolution Kallstrom observes that prior to the three Nature’s Treasures locations merging, each had its own unique customer base: the Fiſt h Street location drew people interested in the metaphysical and spiritual properties of quartz crystal, amethyst or other stones, or those seeking sage smudge sticks for cleansing rituals. T e Kramer and Braker location off ered lapidary services and at- tracted people that wanted to cut and pol- ish rocks. T e client base in Georgetown frequently sought fossils for home décor. “T ere’s been a constant evolution of


products we carry,” Kallstrom notes. “At Fiſt h Street, we used to have lots of natural stone beads, and then so many bead stores opened throughout Austin that we didn’t need to be the bead people anymore. Our inventory and products always evolved with the community at large.” Richards adds that Nature’s Treasures


didn’t start out with a metaphysical concept. “I opened it just as rock store. T ere really wasn’t any concept as to what they could do,” she says, although at that time she’d had a mild interest in New Age arts such as astrology. Prompted by customer interest, Richards began researching the healing and wellness properties of stones and gems. When Richards brought all three


locations together, she was able to not only merge their products, but also their com- munities. “I noticed many of our lapidary customers began exploring the spiritual and metaphysical properties of the stones. It became an opportunity for the com- munity to grow their personal interests, as well, because we started seeing people having more conversations with each other and our employees,” Kallstrom says. T e Rock Yard and Depot focuses


on bulk and lapidary materials, as well as larger pieces for landscaping or home dé- cor. “T ere aren’t many places where you can pick your own home décor stone,” Richards notes, adding that they’ve donated landscaping rocks to Zilker Bo- tanical Gardens, neighborhood pocket parks such as Grackle Green Pocket Park


AUGUST Coming Next Month


Tibetan bowls are demonstrated at Nature’s Treasures.


and to Dell Children’s Hospital. In addition to the retail space, the


Rock Yard and the Depot, Nature’s Trea- sures has two event spaces—a 1,200-square- foot room geared toward private events, classes or workshops; and a 2,500-square- foot open space auditorium that is ideal for lectures and large workshops. T e practitioner program features


specialists in healing crystals, reiki, psychic mediumship, astrology, sacral chakra well- ness, tarot card reading and more. “T e practitioners have generated much custom- er interest,” says Richards, who notes that although in-person services are temporar- ily on hold due to the COVID-19 pandem- ic, they’re still seeing clients remotely. “T e practitioners’ remote read-


ings provide people with guidance and comfort during this time, and we en- courage people to reach out to them and utilize their services. T ey may resume in-person services in July, depending on the pandemic situation,” affi rms Richards, who adds that during the Stay Home- Work Safe order, online sales have spiked, particularly in the areas of cleansing incense, sage and oils. Nature’s Treasures is what Richards


has been manifesting and hoping for throughout her life. “It was really scary being closed during the pandemic,” she concludes, “and we appreciate the support of our customers. T ey’ve been phenom- enal ever since I opened 20 years ago.”


Nature’s Treasures is located at 4103 N. Interstate Hwy. 35, Austin. For more in- formation, call 512-512-472-5015 or visit NTRocks.com. See ad, page 15.


Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and con- tributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country.


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