The shop’s wall features a quotation from the biblical book of Deuteronomy: “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.”
For owner Doug Walser, the scripture symbolizes the blend of faith and passion that goes into the store.
“I want them to go out with a rock in one hand and Jesus in the other,” he said.
Walser began Angel’s with his daughter Angelyn Davis—nicknamed Angel—to support their Christian ministry. The duo started by touring shows such as the Houston Gem and Mineral Show with a vendor’s table.
However, Angel decided to make time for her children, leaving Walser to run the business, which was aiming for a brick-and-mortar store. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, the Cypress location opened in March 2021.
Walser, who spent his career in the oil and gas industry and still consults for local companies, picked up his mineral knowledge from the geologists who worked under him. When he became a rock shop owner, he also learned the importance of relationships.
“I’ve often built relationships with people over small mistakes when I can talk to them,” Walser said. “That’s how I’ve got partners I’ve worked with for years.”
Walser has contacts all over the world, from Brazil and Uruguay, where he sources amethyst and quartz, to his latest foray, Indonesia, where he buys red jasper. The advent of messaging apps such as WhatsApp means he no longer has to travel to find new wares.
Angel’s sells to other rock shops and welcomes direct customers. Walser said his current clientele is young people interested in “the metaphysical aspect” of minerals.
“People ask me if that goes against what I believe in as a Christian, and to me, it doesn’t,” he said. “I want them to come in. I first came to church because they served hot dogs, not for spiritual advice ... so I don’t care why people come in.”
12918 Malcomson Road, Cypress. 346-336-6986. www.rocksandfossilsluke1940.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
