Since opening in 2000, Nature’s Treasures of Texas has become a destination for those captivated by the natural world. What started as a hobby for Founder and Owner Karen Richards quickly became an entrepreneurial passion, and now the retail store brings together a unique blend of science and spirituality under one roof.

Nature’s Treasures is a 14,000-square-foot venue complete with an event center, rock yard, and retail showroom. The business offers a wide selection of crystals, minerals, fossils, agates, gemstones, jewelry, Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, salt lamps, books, CD's, cards, candles and incense, home and garden decor and unique gifts.

Before opening Nature’s Treasures, Richards had a demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and owned a furniture business. At the furniture store, Richards began staging rooms and used crystals to decorate. Customers quickly became interested in purchasing the crystals, and Richards continued collecting them. Soon, Richards had a new business on her hands: Nature’s Treasures.

In 2010, she consolidated three smaller Nature’s Treasures locations into one large showroom at 4103 N I-35. The business has continued to grow, and the company will soon move to a larger 23,500-square-foot location that will feature a 5,000-square-foot event center, larger parking lot and green spaces.

What makes Nature’s Treasures unique

Store Manager Michael Kallstrom attributes his passion for crystals to his childhood experiences.

"My dad used to bring me gems and crystals from his travels, each with its own legend," Kallstrom said.

It sparked a lifelong fascination that led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and a Master's in Geological Sciences. “At Nature's Treasures, we bridge the gap between the scientific and spiritual aspects of crystals."

Even with his degrees in hard science, Kallstrom said he never stopped being curious about the more socio-cultural and mystical aspects of crystals.

Although there are many metaphysical and rock lapidary stores throughout the country, Nature’s Treasures stands out, because it strikes the perfect balance between the scientific and spiritual aspects of crystals.

“We really do bring to the table something for everyone,” Kallstrom said. “It doesn't matter what your background is. It doesn't matter what your belief system is. We're a haven for anyone who loves the natural world.”

A prime example of the balance between science and spirituality can be seen in the store’s most popular product: amethyst. Known as the stone of well-being, its purple hue comes from trace amounts of iron. Primarily sourced from Brazil and Uruguay, Kallstrom said amethyst is not only beautiful but also believed to open the crown chakra, promoting spiritual growth and connectivity.

“There's not a lot of purple in nature, so people who aren't even necessarily open to the spiritual aspects find it beautiful, and find themselves drawn to it,” Kallstrom said. “...Just because we can't explain it or measure it yet, doesn't mean that it [the magic of crystals] doesn't exist.”



Event center and practitioner program

Nature’s Treasures employs a community-focused approach which allows community members to set up a table and offer their services. The community participation aspect became so popular that Nature’s Treasures started a practitioner program. Participating practitioners offer services including intuitive readings, aura photography, tea readings, massages, and more.

"We've seen an increasing demand for our practitioner events," Kallstrom said. "From astrologers to pet psychics, our diverse range of practitioners has something for everyone."

The program has grown into a vibrant part of the business, and the event center will occupy a dedicated 5,000 square feet for community events and outreach.

Community members who’d like to get involved in the program are welcome to contact the business and interview to offer their services at mini practitioner events on weekends.



Moving to a new location

Nature’s Treasures is one of over 100 businesses being moved due to the TxDoT IH35 Corridor Project. As the store prepares for its move to its new 23,500-square-foot location at 11055 N. IH35 Frontage Road, customers can rest assured that the current location at 4103 N I-35 will remain open through the end of summer.

The new pop-up location at 11055, available Friday through Monday from noon to 5 p.m., offers a fresh selection of products straight from the international gem shows, in Tucson, Arizona and Denver, Colorado.

Want to avoid driving on I-35? From the current location, use the I-35 access road and then turn left on Cameron (becomes Dessau). Take a left on Braker, then a left on Joseph Clayton. Turn right toward WoodSpring Suites and find Nature’s Treasures on the left.

Learn more about the business on the website and plan your visit today. To stay in the loop on Nature’s Treasures news, subscribe to the newsletter.

The above story was produced by Senior Multi Platform Journalist Summer El-Shahawy with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.