I've put my heart and soul into my crystal shop - it's so nice people can find what they want

The business continued to grow and for the past five years, Michelle has been based in Avon Road in Cannock.

As well as being one of the biggest crystal shops in the region, it offers services such as readings, reiki, reflexology and chakra balancing.

“The idea when I first started was to have everything you would find at a spiritual fair under one roof,” explains Michelle.

“It’s taken a long time to build it up to the level it is now where we cater for absolutely everybody and for every idea of heaven.”

The shop has won five awards voted for by members of the public including being named best local independent shop in Cannock last year in a competition run by former MP Amanda Milling.

One of its biggest draws is its huge collection of crystals which have all been ethically sourced and hand-picked by Michelle.

“It’s important to me to handpick everything for the shop so I know what I’m getting but it does mean I fall in love with all the pieces.

“It means there is no pressure to sell them because I like having them around!,” she says.

Every Sunday, the shop owner showcases 70 of the crystals live on Facebook where she talks about the metaphysical properties of each stone.

“It means people can learn about the crystals and their meanings.

“I’m not just showing them a crystal and telling them a price, I’m helping them to understand more about them.

“I think it’s important to pass that knowledge on,” explains Michelle, who also does daily oracle card readings for Facebook followers.

Among the crystals that have recently featured on her page are tourmalated quartz, which is said to offer protection from negativity, focus, grounding and clarity, and rose quartz which is believed to boost feelings of love and harmony.

Another popular feature in the shop is the pre-loved book stall which raises money for Michelle’s rescue animals, Ronnie the pig, Twinkle the goat and a Frenchie cross named Princess, who suffered life-changing injuries after being thrown out of a car when she was five months old.

“Princess will need ongoing care. She suffered a broken tail, spinal nerve damage and had a bowel prolapse.

“We’re also raising money for new shelters for Ronnie and Twinkle at the moment,” says Michelle.

“We’re quite blessed with the books we get donated.

“People will buy a book and then donate it back to us so we can keep raising money,” she adds.

On the first floor of the shop is a large lounge which has been opened up to the community.

“People can come in to write their journals or whatever else they need to do and get tea and coffee.

“It’s peaceful so they can switch off and focus on what they need to focus on,” says Michelle.

Through her business, she also likes to support local makers by giving them a place to sell their products within her shop.

“They wouldn’t be able to afford the overheads of a shop but this gives them the chance to see if their business has the potential to grow.

“Some have gone on to have their own market stalls,” says Michelle. On Christmas Eve, Heavenly Treasures stays open later until 10pm to hold an open house event for anyone wanting a hot drink, a mince pie and some friendly company.

“The reason we do this is that we appreciate that people feel lonely at this time of year,” says Michelle.

“A customer of mine told me she hated Christmas because she had no family or friends to spend it with.

“She also hated Christmas Eve because the shops closed earlier and the buses stopped running earlier so she was forced to go home.

“I was devastated when I heard this and wanted to do something to help.

“Every year we have kept the shop open later so people can come in, have a free tea or hot chocolate and a mince pie.

“They can sit in the warm and have a natter. It’s nice to be able to do something to help people,” she explains.

For Michelle, running the shop and getting to know her customers is very rewarding.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into Heavenly Treasures so it’s nice that people find what they are looking for here.

“It’s a very peaceful place to be. The whole world passes by outside but inside the shop, it’s very relaxing and calming,” she says.

For more information, see www.facebook.com/HeavenlyTreasuresCannock or www.instagram.com/Heavenlytreasures111