Every small business has a wonderful story behind it. And the Village Rock Shop is no exception.
At the young age of 21, Xenia Mateiu came to the United States from Romania to visit her sister. What started as a short vacation turned into a new life journey and one that embodies the American dream. “As an outsider, I saw Carlsbad as a place full of opportunity, freedom, and beauty, which inspired me to make it my home,” Xenia said. “I worked in various businesses in Carlsbad Village while pursuing my green card and unexpectedly found a passion for photography in college. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by the incredible business owners here, constantly learning and adapting. To me, Carlsbad is like the ocean—always evolving, shifting, and allowing people to grow along with it.”
Xenia’s journey resulted in her becoming a small business owner in Carlsbad Village, and an important part of its fabric as well. Her deep appreciation for nature’s beauty coupled with her interest in crystals, rocks, and geodes and how they have been used for centuries in different cultures for healing, grounding, and personal growth helped create the Village Rock Shop. At this unique gift shop you will find stunning geodes, crystals of all shapes and sizes, dreamcatchers, sage and incense, candles, jewelry, books, gift sets, and more. Xenia even raises butterflies in her store and carries a beautiful line of butterfly inspired jewelry.
One of Xenia’s most popular gift items is the Break Your Own Geode. It is more than just a gift; it’s an experience! People love taking them home and breaking them open to reveal the stunning crystals hidden inside, which have been forming for hundreds of years. The excitement of being the first to see the sparkling interior makes it a unique and memorable gift that always leaves an impression.
The Village Rock Shop is also online with almost all in-store items available online, so people can shop anytime, anywhere and never miss out on that special, one-of-a-kind crystal or gift set.
Xenia has recently relocated the Village Rock Shop from State Street to its new home on Roosevelt Street in the Arcade center, across from Pronto’s Gourmet Market. With ample parking at the Arcade, her new, spacious, sunny location is perfect to showcase her gorgeous geodes and sparkling suncatchers.
Xenia embodies the spirit of being a small business owner. She has taken a passion of hers and through hard work has created a unique shopping experience for all of us to enjoy. The Village Rock Shop truly is a gift-giver’s destination.
2815 Roosevelt St.
villagerockshop.com
