A new business is coming to Snoqualmie, taking over the retail space on Center Blvd previously occupied by the bar portion of Ana’s Mexican Restaurant: EarthLight Rocks & Gems.
Earthlight is owned by Kim and Todd Villines. This will be company’s second location. The Kirkland store has been business for over three decades, started by Kim’s dad in 1988!
Kim said she and Todd have been looking to put down roots in a second location for the past couple of years. She explained their Kirkland shop has 1 1/2 years left on the lease, but that the building is for sale. She said they’re hopeful when that building sells, the new owners will continue their lease, but they wanted to establish the new Snoqualmie store ‘just in case.’
The ultimate goal is to have two stores, though, and spread their expanding inventory throughout the two locations.
Why Snoqualmie? The couple resides in Maple Valley and said they did look at multiple retail spots around the area, but when they saw the Snoqualmie area and experienced the feel of the town, it reminded them of Kirkland before it became so developed… and the rest is history.
Kim commented, “We love the down home kind of feel it [Snoqualmie] has and the gorgeous view.”
Kim and Todd run the shop together. The Snoqualmie store will feature LOTS of items – everything from tumbled stones, break your own geodes, rock stuff for kids, mineral specimens, stone carvings in all sizes and stones, polished stones and spheres, tumblers, grit, books, beads and jewelry of all kinds – as well as rough rock and some lapidary supplies.
Earthlight also makes custom jewelry, and have used the same jewelers for the past 30 years. In addition to the two brick and mortar stores, Earthlight also has a website, Etsy store, and an active Facebook page and group – plus Kim and Todd do about 20 shows a year.
Store hours will be: Monday – Saturday, 11:30AM to 6:30PM; Sunday 12PM to 5PM. Earthlight plans to open their Snoqualmie store doors on Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 30th this year. They also hope to do a soft opening before that grand opening date, but that’s still to be determined.
In the meantime the hard work continues inside the new Snoqualmie store – most done by Kim and Todd. It’s almost hard to believe the spot used to be a bar. Dark walls have become light and bright. Display shelves are being built and display cases are being stocked with product.
Kim said they’re very excited to join the community and can’t wait to meet residents and show them everything EarthLight Rocks & Gems has to offer.
Good Luck and welcome to the Snoqualmie Valley!
Comments
I have purchased from Earthlight Rock and Gems at the Kirkland location, and have always been greeted with smiles and kindness. Of the many items I have purchased, I have always been pleased with special orders of a ring made for my granddaughter, to raw rocks and bracelets for stocking stuffers. I can’t wait to see all the new items in their new location!
That is so kind of you. We are excited to share our lovely stones with everyone.
How far from Tenino is the new shop going to be? Excited.
I looked up where you are at, it is approx. 1 1/2 hours from Tenino to Snoqualmie Ridge, but worth the trip hope to see you soon, you will love it.
very fine natural art shop and nice carvings too .I learned of the rare crystal form sphalerite from her I got all of hers .great powers they have Elmwood tenn. they are pumkin orange with light ,john
This is a must see shop, no matter where it is. The shop is full of amazing and magical things. The quality is high, but not the prices. What ever you are looking for it it will be there. Kim and her husband are some of the most knowledgeable in their field and could tell you anything you need to know about gems, minerals, and stones. She supplies the Great Northwest with the highest quality merchandise around, traveling to the best markets to meet suppliers and purchase her inventory first hand.
They are both such friendly and kind people I love coming to their shop and to their booths, at gem shows, just to chat, but I always have to shop. They make you feel so welcome and Kim’s glowing positive personality and smile are contagious. It an amazing place to be and shop. I encourage all of my friends to visit. You’ll be amazed at the selection of crystals, minerals, gems and jewelry created by locals. It’s a cant miss.
Such a glowing review, thank you so much. That is always so kind to hear. We do try our very best to show off all of natures treasures. I am sure we will see you soon in the new store.
Best wishes to you and your family.