At the age of 30, Matt Grabeel decided that he was done with the “rat-race” and quit his decade long career in the restaurant industry. He had always had a dream to dig for crystals and he decided to do just that. After his first successful trip to Mt. Ida, Arkansas, he was hooked. It was then that the dream of having his own crystal shop was born and he created The Wilde Emporium.
Matt, a multimedia artist is very imaginative and creative with his hands. This new adventure gave him an outlet to do and create anything and everything he dreamed of. He has made lawn sculptures and functional pieces made from old car and motorcycle parts, wood carvings, handmade jewelry, driftwood displays, and other creations to go along side of the crystals and other gemstones he has in his shop. It was no surprise that when he took on an apprenticeship at Sweetwater Pottery, he quickly excelled in ceramics as well.
Matt set up The Wilde Emporium booth at music and art festivals across Missouri and Illinois, which is where he met Holly, the love of his life. The two had an instant connection with each other and have been inseparable ever since. Since then, they have joined forces and with their powers combined have created something beautiful and magical at The Wilde Emporium. Whatever they imagine they use their creativity and help from all natural elements to bring it to life. They gain their inspiration from the natural world around them, traveling across the land gathering treasures from the Earth to bring joy and beauty to others.
Matt and Holly rockhound across the U.S. to hand collect the different crystals and minerals they have available at The Wilde Emporium. Matt makes amazing wire wraps with all the different minerals they discover. Holly picks and presses flowers while they are traveling to make beautiful creations with. Together they forage for the different ingredients found in their beauty products, tea blends, sage bundles, jams and jellies, and other products, using only the best that nature has to offer.
The Wilde Emporium truly is where dreams become reality! You can follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @thewildeemporium.
