When you put down roots in Central Texas, exciting growth and change comes with the territory. And Nature’s Treasures has adapted and thrived through it all.

A locally owned and operated Austin icon, Nature’s Treasures started as a seed of an idea by founder and owner Karen Richards. The retail store began with a few decorative amethyst crystals on a shelf on East 5th Street that beckoned to decorators and spiritualists alike—a hidden gem treasured by the community for its unique products and friendly staff. Richards expanded into three locations by 2005, all beloved by rockhounds, lapidaries, and fossil fanatics. In 2011 she consolidated the three locations into one 14,000 square foot venue at 4103 N IH-35, with a Retail Showroom, Rock Yard, Rock Depot, Event Center, and an online store. And in 2025, Nature’s Treasures 25th anniversary had a greater cause for celebration, completing their relocation to a bigger and more beautiful campus at 11055 N IH-35.

Growth, Change, and the Road Ahead

The move to the new location was spurred by the IH-35 Capital Express project through central Austin. Nature’s Treasures’ previous footprint was not originally part of the IH-35 expansion project’s scope, but plans changed, and by Fall 2023 the acquisition of the Nature’s Treasures Rock Depot and Yard site was required by the State of Texas. Nature’s Treasures and their landlord then worked with the Texas Department of Transportation on the sale of the property and relocation of the business.

Building a New Home for Nature

In 2024 Nature’s Treasures selected a new location just six exits north of their original location and began a phased move plan. Their Event Center relocated first with a temporary Crystal Boutique to provide a small selection of products while the majority of the original Retail Showroom and Rock Depot remained open to maintain continuity during this major transition. The buildout of the 23,500 square foot warehouse that would become the new store began, overcoming challenges through the combined efforts of tenant, landlord, City and State. After two years of construction, creativity, and collaboration, Nature’s Treasures happily announced their Grand Reopening on August 8 (declared “Nature’s Treasures Day” by City of Austin officials) in collaboration with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Rooted in Nature, Looking Toward the Future

Nature’s Treasures saw the relocation as an opportunity for growth into a space that better reflects the Nature’s Treasures mission. The larger location not only addresses the wish lists of customers, employees, and the business itself, but also provides a natural backdrop featuring lawns, trees, a creek, and local wildlife. And Nature’s Treasures has retrofitted existing light fixtures with LEDs, revitalized the landscape, and reclaimed the lawn with native species of grass and wildflowers. Looking ahead, the company hopes to utilize Austin Energy and Austin Water programs for impactful scenarios benefitting the City, Nature’s Treasures, and Nature herself.

Karen Richards has always believed that nature has the power to revitalize the body, mind and spirit, and has made it her life’s work to share that opportunity with the community. As technology evolves and surrounds us, Richards believes it is now more important than ever to reconnect people with the natural world, be it a memento of nature’s beauty worn as natural textiles or jewelry, placed on the patio or in the garden with plants nestled among rough rocks, or at home—or in the office—as peaceful natural décor. The growth and energetic spirit of Austin, and the timeless wonders of the universe, sit side by side at Nature’s Treasures, ready to embrace the future.

To discover how you can support local, woman-owned businesses while welcoming Nature into your life, please visit NTRocks.com.