Catalog - Nature's Expression 2018 | Page 2

It seems like only yesterday that I bought my first crystal… as it turns out, that was thirty years ago. I soon opened my one bedroom apartment to sell a few stones and crystals. Shortly after, I had crystals stored in every nook and cranny that you could imagine, including stones under the bed and quartz in the oven. The seed for natural products was planted in that apartment. I remember sitting on the floor in the middle of my apartment gluing pewter animals on amethyst, originally called Creations on Crystal™. These and many other items that were developed in that apartment have withstood the test of time. My first product was a plant crystal, but then I realized that a crystal could be put anywhere. My goal became to make crystals available to everyone. In this spirit, I enjoyed putting my creativity to work. In 1990, I met Linda-Ann who later became my wife and partner. Together we started forming a bigger vision, shaping our future, and the business along with it. She even traveled to Brazil and Asia with me on buying trips in the early days. Our skill sets were perfect complements and the company started to flourish. Over the next several years, new items were developed with the idea that they would be unique and timeless. Celebrating the journey and still growing... Linda-Ann was incredibly supportive, and knew that these ideas could be big sellers. So, with her nudge (or shove, depends on who you ask), the next item was a little assortment of colourful rocks called Rocks‑in‑a‑Box, followed by Canadian Rocks, and Canadian Rockies. These last two products are still with us. The items we created needed to have some perpetuity and durability, and yet reflect the natural beauty of the earth. I took my talents to the drawing board again and created the Medicine Bag. These bags not only had a crystal, but also offered a bit of indigenous history, and originally were made with deer hide. A vial with pure gold leaf was next, made right here in our warehouse. Many hours of experimentation were required to ensure this product was of the highest quality. Nature’s Expression was the first kid on the block offering natural, unique specimens and souvenirs. We helped to develop this industry, giving us a lot of firsts. We were also the first in Canada to offer Totem Stones. As time passed, these products were no longer enough to satisfy the growing demand for natural products, so I went travelling to find selenite lamps and fossils from Morocco, meditation pillows from India, and singing bowls from Nepal. While at a show in Hong Kong I was referred to an Ashram in India hand making Nature’s Garden incense. We still carry these natural and uplifting scents (with the perfect name too!). I liked India so much, I accidentally missed my return plane. As we celebrate our 30th year in business, we recognize the contribution that you, our customers, have made to our success. Enjoy our Special 30th Anniversary Catalogue, and the many new items that we continually strive to bring our mutual success. Our thirty years of growth can be attributed to our loyal customers, great staff, and the beauty and purity that Mother Nature provides to us. We thank you for being on this journey with us as we look forward to bringing you new items and more timeless sellers for 2018. We wish you a wonderful and prosperous year! Greg Stump, Owner & CEO Being the first kid on the block was quite the undertaking, but Greg Stump knew that he wanted every person to have a crystal... ...and he wanted them to know what these crystals were about. That’s where it all began. Greg's values have turned Nature’s Expression into a pagoda of wisdom. This wisdom is what each and every person at Nature’s Expression is a part of.