Meet Maeghan Walker Gannon | Owner – Nomadic Minerals LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maeghan Walker Gannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maeghan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In May of 2022, I began traveling the US full-time. It was a pretty spontaneous decision. My fiancé and I were living in Arkansas. At the time, I was working a corporate job in Human Resources. One day, I woke up and said, “What if we sold everything, bought a travel trailer, and just explored and existed for a while?” Within three weeks, we made that happen and began our journey in a small 21ft travel trailer.

Fast forward to January 2023, we were boondocking (which means without electricity or running water) in the middle of the desert in the small town of Quartzite, Arizona – also known as The Rock Capital. Many people in the nomadic community come here during the winter because the weather is sustainable for living off the grid, It’s a simple town without luxuries, and there are also numerous vendor events for gem and mineral shows. I have been collecting mineral specimens for over 10 years now, so this environment was right up my alley.

Around January 15th, 2023, after spending the day exploring all of the shops and vendor booths in town, my fiancé looked at me and said, “Why don’t you do this? You have a lot of knowledge about mineral specimens and you are passionate about it. You should open your own shop.” The fire was lit. I ran with it. Within the next three days, I decided on the business name “Nomadic Minerals,” invested in a small amount of inventory, and by February 6th, 2023, we were a legally registered LLC in the state of Arizona.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

In any saturated market, finding your niche is essential. What sets you apart from other businesses? What makes yours unique?

I realized early on that while it’s relatively easy to source crystals and minerals, doing so ethically and sustainably presents a considerable challenge. By this, I mean considering that these products originate from the earth itself—a testament to natural beauty at its finest. Yet, their acquisition involves mining, an intensive and often overlooked aspect. It’s easy to forget the journey these minerals undergo to reach your hands. To address this, we’ve dedicated a section on our website to elaborate on our Ethical & Sustainability standards, which can be summarized into three key sections:

Transparency and Traceability:
We provide customers with comprehensive information about the origins of each crystal and mineral specimen. By working closely with our suppliers, we ensure traceability, allowing you to make purchases as close to the source as possible.

Fair Trade Practices:
Supporting fair trade is fundamental to our values. We collaborate with mining communities and artisanal miners who uphold fair labor practices. This commitment ensures that those involved in the extraction and processing of our crystals and minerals are treated with dignity and receive fair compensation for their work. None of our products are sourced from China.

Environmental Stewardship:
We actively seek suppliers who prioritize environmentally responsible mining practices. This includes efforts to minimize ecological impact, rehabilitate mining sites, and implement eco-friendly extraction methods. By choosing our ethically sourced crystals, you contribute to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ensuring adherence to these standards requires a significant investment of time and research, and it inevitably limits the range and types of products we offer. I personally hand-pick every single one of our crystals, ensuring that only those meeting my standards find their way into our shop.

What I want everyone to understand about Nomadic Minerals is that it’s not just a business to me. I’m genuinely passionate about what I do, and it’s my mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced crystals, mineral specimens, and artisanal home goods without resorting to price-gouging.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I’m not working, I find solace in nature. I particularly enjoy visiting the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, as well as the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in Sherman.

As a small business owner myself, I prioritize supporting other small businesses. For lunch, I highly recommend Sweet Andi’s Bakery & Cafe in Whitesboro, Texas, or any local food truck to help support someone’s dream.

If you’re seeking a fun escape from reality, I suggest spending the day exploring Meow Wolf in Grapevine. It offers a family-friendly cosmic adventure within a world of immersive art. Personally, I could spend the entire day there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The inspiration behind Nomadic Minerals is my fiancé. Over the years, I’ve attempted to sell crystals and mineral specimens, but it never quite stuck. The market is highly saturated, and achieving success requires significant time, dedication, research, and marketing efforts. Without his validation of my abilities in this venture, I don’t believe Nomadic Minerals would be where it is today. I’m incredibly grateful to have someone who supports my goals and dreams.

Website: nomadicminerals.com

Instagram: @nomadicminerals

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nomadicminerals