Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Tess Kalk.
Hi Christa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After 10 years owning a local gem of a shop called Minnesota Makers, I took a giant leap of faith and went in a wildly different direction with a new store concept selling actual gems (and candy!). Rock Candy Shop opened in March 2025. As a silversmith, I have been making jewelry for two decades. My husband, Jay, is a lapidary artist–he cuts stones. Together we make beautiful jewelry and travel to different gem shows to purchase materials. We had a strict focus on purchasing stones for cutting and setting, but always dreamed of bringing home the bigger, statement, and decor pieces. When we travel, we notice tourist towns usually have at least one rock shop and a few candy shops. Finally, the most incredible and fun idea sparked–Rock Candy Shop, where Rocks + Candy = Rock Candy! The store features natural stones, crystals, jewelry, a separate section for candy (no broken teeth here!), and we even host craft classes–a nod to Minnesota Makers.
In Rock Candy Shop, you will find some of the newest rocks discovered in the world, the most beautiful gemstone lamps, impressive and very large decor pieces–great for your home or at least a fun photo op! You will see a wide selection of fantastical pieces like meteorites, fossils, and UV phosphorescent rocks. The store is fun, educational, and pretty!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Anytime you start a new business, there are challenges in the unknown. My previous store was coming to a close, and launching a new business can be both scary and exciting. Going to the gem shows with the new intention of filling an entire store space was intimidating.
The largest gem show in the world is the Tucson Gem Show in January/February. People from all over the world flood Tucson, AZ, to sell, purchase, and learn about rocks. In 2025, I spent 11 days in Tucson, building off familiar connections and making new ones to secure larger quantities and the products I needed. I brought home 6,000 lbs of rocks, which was really exciting, but it took a very long time to unpack and set up the new store.
Then I went to the Denver Gem Show in September and brought back another 2,000 lbs of rocks. This time, success came easily, as nearly everything purchased sold quickly—I had developed a trained eye for the best products for the store.
This year, I spent seven days at the Tucson Gem Show and unintentionally repeated last year’s quantities, with another 6,000 lbs of rocks coming back to Minnesota! Unpacking and processing the new finds isn’t rushed this year. The store is bursting with gorgeous rocks, and opening each box feels like opening the best present—very exciting!
Sales have been incredible over the first year in business. The store environment is fun and educational, with something new added to the shop every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Work doesn’t feel like work when you’re having fun—and that’s exactly the spirit at the shop! The motto at Rock Candy Shop is simple: have a good time. You’ll notice it right away with all the amazing gals who work in the store. There’s always laughter, excitement, and a lot of joy in sharing the love of the items in the store.
The shop is filled with gorgeous finds, and many of them come with a story—where they were discovered, what makes them special, fun facts, interesting details, and sometimes even a few personal stories. Every piece has a little bit of history and a lot of personality.
Come stop in, explore, ask questions, and have fun—you never know what amazing treasure you’ll discover!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We look forward to your visit to our shop at 261 Water St., Excelsior where we are open 7 days a week! Our craft class schedule is available on our website rockcandyshop.com. And we would love a follow on our social media!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rockcandyshop.com
- Instagram: @rock.candy.shop
- Facebook: @rockcandyshopmn
- Other: tik tok: @rock.candy.shop
Image Credits
Christa Tess Kalk
