Meet Melanie Franco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Franco.

Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Melanie, most know me by Mel. I am the owner of Black Amethyst Crystals; a tiny crystal shop in downtown Phoenix inside of Pemberton Phoenix.

Almost four years ago, I left a career in corporate finance to spend more time with my family and live life on my terms, by April of 2019, Black Amethyst was born. Starting at farmer’s markets, pop-ups, special events, and sidewalks outside of local downtown businesses.

The more I connected with the community of artists, makers, and customers, the more solid I become in my decision to do this. By April of 2021, the opportunity to open an actual shop arose, and here we are!

I have two sons (10 and 2), two dogs, two businesses (@ahimsahousephx community yoga collective ran by myself and @zomberia), and way too many other hobbies.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall the transition from corporate to creative has been pretty smooth. I came into this knowing I’d have to accept a pretty significant lifestyle change and go without some luxuries for a while. Previous ties that I had with the downtown community strengthened and so many amazing new ones have developed.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Inside of Black Amethyst Crystal Shop, you’ll find a large variety of crystals and minerals like most other crystal shops. But you also find a large variety of items I’ve made using crystals and minerals.

Dream catchers, the sun catches, jacket pins, plant holders, jewelry boxes, bongs, pipes, beaded forged jewelry, cell phone, and car accessories, wind chimes, etc.

I am also a metalsmith and use stones to make silver, copper, and brass jewelry.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in New York where I was constantly exposed to art in a multitude of forms. I was heavily involved in both academic and artistic groups/activities. As a kid and teen back then, I believed that I’d be able to have about five different careers simultaneously.

I wanted to be a vet, author, singer/dancer, artist, scientist, and mother of ten. Though I grew up in the city, my mother made sure I was exposed to nature. We had lots of family vacations to the woods and camping.

I even learned to swim in a lake, and came to live kayaking, still do as an adult. I moved to Phoenix the summer before high school and fell for the city pretty hard. Downtown reminds me of home with mountains close enough to get my nature-filled.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bl_ckamethyst
• Facebook: @blackamethystrocks