Meet Lauren Frias | Student & Rock Dealer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Frias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, starting my business was a happy accident. All my life, I had always appreciated crystals and minerals, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I really learned about their healing properties. I became fascinated with the world of crystal healing during the peak of the pandemic, when everyone was isolated and uncertain. On a late December night of online shopping, I had accidentally purchased six pounds of assorted crystals. When my excess crystals arrived, I took it as a sign and posted them online. When I saw that people were actually interested, it gave me motivation to keep going! It made me happy to provide a way for others to engage in self-care, healing, and community— especially during quarantine.

What should our readers know about your business?
I opened Diwata Crystals when I was 16 and in high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now being a college student at 20, one of the things I am proudest of about my business is seeing how it has evolved throughout the years.

Before it was called Diwata Crystals, it was called Fairy Baguette. Rebranding to Diwata Crystals was one of my proudest moments because I was able to put a bigger focus on my Filipino heritage in my business. The “Diwata” is a Filipino mythical being who resides and looks over nature. As a crystal shop owner, environmental sustainability and human rights are a fundamental part of what influences how I run my business— which is why conscious sourcing of crystals is so important to me. This rebranding is one of my proudest moments because it allows me to share my Filipino heritage in a way that decolonizes my community’s spirituality.

One of the greatest challenges of running a business was balancing it with school and work. It is difficult to chase two dreams at once, but I wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t for my parents and my friends! I am so grateful to them for their unwavering support. I remember having Instagram live sales and my friends happily helping me, my mom tirelessly helping pack orders late at night, my cousins and friends staying with me at hot pop-up markets all day. I owe it all to them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to San Diego, bestie! The first place we’re going is Tea Amo in San Marcos for some quality boba. It’s my favorite spot to study at and talk with friends. For dinner, we’re making the drive down south to Convoy, where all my favorite restaurants are— specifically Kura Revolving Sushi.
We’re also going thrifting and antiquing in Escondido and San Marcos! There are so many gems to be found here.
On a sunny day, we’re going to Carlsbad and getting a treat at Strawberry Shack!
I love San Diego, there are so many things to do here— whether it be eat, hang out at the beach, go shopping, & more. There are so many local businesses that deserve more love!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to first shout out my lovely mom! From the beginning, she’s been my rock and my cheerleader. Whether it be a late night of packing orders or conducting live sales, she’s always there to support me. She is the strongest and most resilient person I know, and I’m lucky enough to be her daughter. I am so endlessly grateful for all the sacrifices and support she has given me. I love you, Mom!
My friends and family are a huge reason I am here today. They can do it all— whether it be helping me pack orders, conduct live sales, or hanging out with me at markets— I appreciate every single thing they do for me. Thank you for everything!
Of course, I want to thank all my supporters and customers for all their love and kindness. I couldn’t continue to do what I do without them. Their support and belief in me is what motivates me to keep going.

Website: https://diwatacrystals.com

Instagram: diwatacrystals