For Wendy Skelton, Wendy’s Rainbow Rock Shop is full of everything she loves.  

From a wide array of crystals, jewelry, gifts and rocks, the Kalispell shop is a holistic look at Skelton’s passion for good energy.  

“This place is filled with all my very favorite things. So, this has just been a lifetime of self-discovery and reflection and all the things in here represent a piece of that, part of my journey,” Skelton said sitting in her shop, wearing a purple amethyst necklace and a collection of crystal bracelets.  

The idea to open a rock shop developed over time. Originally from Bozeman, Skelton and her family moved to the valley in 2000. Prior to the move, Skelton went to school to become a massage therapist, but soon after gave birth to her first born and focused on family instead.  

Three high school graduations later, Skelton felt she had the time to do something else. After a quick stint as a nail technician, Skelton decided to build onto the passion she had developed throughout life. She already had a big collection of rocks, and a mentor suggested she pursue the idea of selling rocks.  

Skelton first became interested in rocks when she learned of their ability to recharge. Though crystal healing is still considered pseudoscience, some estimations track the practice back 6,000 years ago, according to Forbes.  

Crystals are stones with specific characteristics, such as that their atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern, which affects light refraction and electrical charge.  

The charges, or vibrations, are considered to harness the power of the mind and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. There are different ways to use the crystals too, from decor to keeping the rock in a pocket to using it during meditation.  

For example, the amethyst that Skelton wears every day — a purple quartz wire wrapped around her neck — helps distribute calming energy.  

“I have just always been drawn to them,” Skelton said.  

She began traveling to various rock shows across the state in 2018, including Bozeman and Hamilton and the annual Northwest Montana Rock and Gem Show in Kalispell.  

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, rock shows stopped. Skelton, who had been collecting rocks for the sales, had a huge inventory. If there was a time to open a store, she said, it was then.  

Soon after, a spot in the Ford Block Building downtown Kalispell opened and Skelton jumped on it, officially opening Wendy’s Rainbow Rock Shop in the spot where Smile Labs is today. After a year in that location, the store moved next door to a bigger space. 

“There's not another shop like this, there's other shops, for sure, but nothing quite like this. The community response was amazing at the very beginning, it was just like everybody was so hungry for something new and hopeful,” she said, especially during Covid-19.  

Skelton will often tell people to walk around the shop and see what draws them in. Once they find a crystal or rock that they’re interested in, she’ll explain the attributes or allow the patron to read about it. Almost always, the customers say the rock aligns with their needs.  

“It’s just rewarding to have it help people,” Skelton said.  

The shop features rocks with different shapes, like a small frog, mushroom, Buddha or turtle. There are also spheres and towers, two classic displays.  

But the shop also is home to tarot card decks, candles, keychains, pottery made by Skelton’s daughter, jewelry made by Skelton’s daughter-in-law, singing bowls, sage smudges and more.  

“This place is just here for people to come and recharge,” Skelton said. “Everyone is welcome.” 

Wendy’s Rainbow is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located just off Main Street in downtown Kalispell at 21 2nd Street East.  

To contact Skelton, call 406-314-4306.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].