We recently connected with Astrid Huber Proctor and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Astrid, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?
At our Rock and mineral shop, our passion for geology inspired us to create an interactive and educational experience for our community. Recognizing the joy and curiosity sparked by our unique fossil and mineral collections, we wanted to offer something hands-on. Thus, our gem mining activities were born. This engaging activity allows participants to uncover hidden treasures, fostering a deeper appreciation for geology while providing fun and educational experiences for birthdays, schools, scouts, fairs, and festivals.
Astrid, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Katy Rock Shop is a local treasure trove nestled in the heart of old Katy. As a family-owned brick and mortar shop, we pride ourselves on offering an extensive collection of unique rocks, minerals, and fossils (many were self collected). Our shop is a haven for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone with a passion for Earth’s natural wonders.
In addition to our wide array of geological treasures, the Katy Rock Shop brings the excitement of gem mining to you. We offer engaging and educational gem mining activities perfect for birthdays, schools, scouts, fairs, and festivals. Participants can sift through mining rough, uncover hidden gems (and keep them!), and learn about the fascinating world of geology in a fun, hands-on environment.
Whether you’re looking to expand your collection, find the perfect gift, or create unforgettable memories with our gem mining activities, we are a go-to destination in old Katy.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Our journey began with frequent trips to the mines in Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul, while living in Brazil. The beauty and diversity of these treasures ignited a passion that we wanted to share with others. As our collection grew, so did our vision for something more significant. We already had a relationship with the former owners of the Katy Rock Shop as consigners.
After moving to US Astrid left her career in the oil and gas industry and in 2019 she pursue her career with the Katy Rock Shop, turning the hobby into a business.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
After taking over the Katy Rock Shop, we faced the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. To prioritize the safety of our customers and staff, we made the difficult decision to temporarily close the shop on 2020. During these challenging times, we adapted by offering visits by appointment, and we made a virtual store on our Facebook page. Our sales recovered quickly through adaptation! Come visit us and ask about the “coming-soon” changes to the Katy Rock Shop…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://KatyRockShop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyrockshop?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyRockShop?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: @katyrockshop3156
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/katy-rock-shop-katy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekatyrockshop?_t=8nHQ7fiWXog&_r=1
Image Credits
Jacob Proctor
Astrid Proctor