ASHWAUBENON (NBC26) — Keith Krosnicki calls himself a ‘worker extraordinaire' at Roxy’s Rock Shop.
“I used to carry a lot of different types of stones in my pockets," he said, laughing. "And I found it started weighing me down.”
Now, he just surrounds himself with stones at his mother Gail Roxy’s store. Krosnicki cuts, carves and creates many of the pieces sold in the store, and can tell customers what different stones are used for.
“The metaphysical side of rocks and the vibrations that they give off are a healing effect, and they do help to heal a lot of illnesses that people do have," said Krosnicki. "Anything that they may ask about any particular stone, we have got write ups on most of them that will tell you exactly what the metaphysical aspects of them are, how they help."
For customers who might not feel comfortable shopping in-person, Roxy auctions items off on Facebook every Wednesday.
“It’s been pretty good actually, she always does good on the auctions," said Krosnicki. "Business coming to the stores, you know, probably got a 50% new customer base that comes in.”
Julie Vanoss began working at the shop just a few months ago.
“I’ve been collecting rocks since I was a little kid," she said. "I find it really enjoyable to be around. It’s a great place to work.”
She creates some of the custom jewelry pieces and teaches classes at the shop.
“Just something that I like to do, and I like to express my creativity that way," she said.
Krosnicki is grateful customers keep supporting local stores and artists, he said.
“I think that it’s fantastic they’re supporting all the small businesses," he said. "I think everybody needs a little support right now.”
