Claroscuro Rocks opens offers gemstones and healing options

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Businesses and non-profit organizations regularly open and move in Saskatoon. Today the StarPhoenix talks to Maritza Cano, who opened Claroscuro Rocks at Gather Local Market downtown last May.

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Martiza brings in gems from around the world, including some from different areas of Canada, and creates customized pieces with the different colours and shapes. She believes each stone has different energy and healing powers, and that each effects and helps people differently. She loves connecting with people and also offers Reiki services to help in healing and relaxation.

Q: What is Claroscuro Rocks?

A: Claroscuro Rocks brings in crystals and gems from different parts of the world. Different stones have different colours, shapes and energies that effect and help people differently. But Claroscuro is more than just a crystal shop. I teach people how elements of earth can help us in different situations. We specialize in creating personalized pieces, connecting people and fostering deeper, meaningful relationships. We also work with Reiki behind the scenes to help people heal and relax.

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Q: Why did you open Claroscuro Rocks?

A: I’ve always been passionate about crystals and Reiki. I wanted to create a space where people would experience the magic of these items in an authentic way. My background was in agriculture international business. But after 16 years in the field, I felt a strong calling to do something that makes a big difference for people and really registers with me. Claroscuro Rocks was born from a desire to help people bring balance and a sense of empowerment into their lives.

Q: Why did you call your store Claroscuro Rocks?

A: Claroscuro is a word in Spanish that means light and dark. Everything is about negative and positive and light and dark. We need to get these two balanced in order to grow energy. Clarascuro is a balance of dark and light. Acknowledging and accepting our darkest side is the first step to healing our souls to a personal rediscovery, to forgive, to be forgiven, to love and be loved, and to reconnect with our inner power.

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My name, Claroscuro Rocks, was a little challenging in the beginning because many people didn’t know what it meant or how to pronounce it. But actually it was good because people would ask how to pronounce the name and what we do. That created a little bit of curiosity, and that curiosity created new customers for me.

Q: Where do your crystals and gems come from?

A: We find different styles of crystals and gems all over the world. Here in Canada, we have a stone that is only found in Alberta called ammonite and also known as Iniskim or buffalo stone. The Blackfoot people believed it would bring prosperity in times of struggle. The spirit of the buffalo still lives in its colours. Ammolite is not just a gemstone. It’s a reminder of the earth’s wisdom and the Creator’s presence.

Another Canadian stone we have is labradorite. The name was given because it was first found in Labrador (Newfoundland) by the end of the 18th century. Some of our stones are from South America and Africa and other parts of the world. We work with different companies to bring in gems. I choose every single crystal carefully.

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Q: What else do you sell?

A: We offer a full selection of handmade crystal jewelry that I create, and I also make special personalized pieces that are highly customized. We have books about crystals and also to support well-being. They focus on how to gain confidence and overcome self-doubt. We also offer gifts and sound healing instruments like singing bowls and tuning forks for practitioners that practice sound healings. With sound healings, frequency and vibration will help you to relax from stress and anxiety and ailments.

Q: How do you create personalized jewelry?

A: I suggest different stones and depending on what the client wants, I come up with the right jewelry to suite that person. I teach people about each stone and the energy each provides, and how it might help them as well. Each stone has different energies and colours and shapes. Depending on what a person’s needs are, we go through the stones and I tell them how particular stones are going to help them, how they can use them and how they can interact with the stone. For example, if you are shy, there are some stones that will help you to overcome your fears. I love talking to people and selecting customized pieces for them.

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Q: What Reiki services do you offer?

A: Reiki is a healing technique. In Reiki, you use gentle touch to promote relaxation and well being. Everybody has an energy field, and with the touch of hands we can feel where people have some blockage of the flow of energy. It is about 45 to 60 minutes. When people have a session of Reiki they feel different and it takes a weight off their shoulders. It is based upon the idea that the energy flows through our bodies and that low energy levels can lead to sicknesses. Balancing the energy can help the client feel much better.

Q: You also do intuitive readings?

A: What I do with intuitive readings is similar to the Reiki. I am able to get into the energy field of the person and I can tell them what I see. Depending on why they’re coming to see me, (that) will guide the conversation. People sometimes come in to see how things will unfold in some situations. I just tell them what I feel and what I see in them.

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I can tap into the fields of people, and doing that, I’m able to guide them. I can sense what people are feeling at the moment. There are some people that have a lot of doubt or fears. Talking with them about what is going on in their life, I just tell them what I see. What I create is a space for people to feel safe and to see themselves.

Q: What makes Claroscuro Rocks stand out?

A: There are other places in Saskatoon that sell rocks, but our story is about helping people. The difference is, we are helping people to correct problems. People come to my store because they’re struggling with something. When they are here I can help them to see things in a different way.

There are people in a moment who don’t feel they are valued or don’t feel they belong. I tell them that they have a place, that they have value and help them see where they belong. We provide gems and treasures that align with your energy. We believe in more than just selling — we genuinely care for every person who steps through our doors, aiming to build a warm and trusting community.

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Q: You won some Planet S Best in Saskatoon awards last year?

A: Every year Planet S Magazine has awards that are called The Best of Saskatoon. For being a newer store who just opened last year in May, I was nominated in August. It is the people themselves of Saskatoon that vote for the winners. We received second place in the best specialty shop category and third place in three other categories, including best-kept shopping secret and best holiday shop. I was surprised to win for my store, that was really new in Saskatoon at that time. Just being nominated for me was a surprise. Being there and having people’s votes for the store means a lot, because these people believe in what we do and they like to come to our store.

 This interview has been edited and condensed.

Claroscuro Rocks

Owner: Maritza Cano
Address: 414 Avenue B South, Unit 180 (Gather Local Market)
Hours: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Phone: 306-513-8565
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.claroscurorocks.com
Check: Facebook, Instagram

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