Meet Brittany Guerra

We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Guerra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittany, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I believe that there is only one place to gain resilience, and that has to come first from the presence of adversity. Just as in order to be brave, there must first be the presence of fear. My life, like many others, has had no shortage of adversity. Born to two teenage parents who spent their earliest years struggling to find themselves while raising me and later my sister—selling drugs and battling addiction—meant their choices left no shortage of challenges for me to overcome.

Looking back, I realize that while in the midst of whatever challenge I faced, resilience wasn’t what I was trying to cultivate; it was survival. It is only once you survive that you have the luxury to look back and choose to let the experience create the quality of resilience within you. Early on, my ability to observe my surroundings and watch the consequences suffered by those closest to me allowed me to have something to base my own actions on. While some children have parents to teach them what to do, I learned more about what not to do. This also taught me to trust myself even more than I did authority figures in my life. The ability to trust yourself above all others is a priceless gift in this world.

As a result of not only surviving but also learning from the adversity I faced, I gained a belief not only in myself—because I was still standing despite it all—but I now had a moral compass to navigate my life. Over time, I started to see that I could choose the way I looked at every obstacle. I began to challenge myself to focus on the wisdom I gained rather than the wounds I suffered. I started to look at my own parents in a different light and began to gain empathy for people and situations I hadn’t previously considered.

I think I also gained resilience from knowing that even after one challenge has been met, another one is just around the corner. I understand deeply that life is a process of change and growth. That process isn’t always easy, but it is necessary to evolve the human soul—and isn’t that why we are here?

So, in short, my resilience comes from my attitude toward the adversities I have already faced and the unwavering trust I have in my nature—that I can overcome all that life sends me—because I understand that it only serves to evolve my soul and deepen my character, as well as my experience in this world. In embracing my journey, I find strength in the belief that every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth, teaching me not only about myself but also about what it means to really be human.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Enchanted Moon Soapery was born from the belief that self-care should be a magical experience while prioritizing people and the planet over profit. Inspired by the enchanting beauty of the moon and its transformative power, I, as a small business owner, am dedicated to creating consciously crafted, cold-process soaps that nourish both the skin and the environment. Our formulations feature high-quality ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, mango butter, shea butter, and apricot oil, combined with the finest essential oils to create luxurious soaps you can feel magical about using. Each bar undergoes a meticulous curing process that takes 6 to 8 weeks, allowing the ingredients to fully develop their beneficial properties. This method not only ensures a longer-lasting bar of soap but also preserves the natural glycerin produced during saponification, known for its moisturizing and skin-loving benefits. Handcrafted with love and intention, our soaps invite you to indulge in self-care rituals that are not only good for you but also good for the earth. It is my hope to inspire others to embark on their own small business journey, embracing entrepreneurship as a way to offer more sustainable and creative products to the marketplace. At Enchanted Moon Soapery, we believe in the power of conscious choices, and we’re committed to bringing you products that celebrate both your well-being and the beauty of our planet.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First and foremost, fall in love with the journey of accomplishment. It’s vital to enjoy the process of pushing yourself, exploring new avenues, and igniting your passion. Embrace the challenges that come your way and take joy in watching yourself rise to the occasion. This mindset fosters resilience and creativity, allowing you to discover strengths you never knew you had. Make a promise to yourself to continually grow and evolve; never allow yourself to reach a phase where you believe you know everything. The moment you think you’ve reached your peak is the moment you close the door to new discoveries and opportunities. Instead, approach each day with curiosity and an open heart, ready to learn and adapt.

The second quality is an unwavering belief in yourself and your vision. This conviction is crucial, especially in the early stages when what you seek to create exists only in your mind. Remember that everything around you was once just an idea before it was manifested into the material world. People may doubt, question, and even criticize your dreams, but it’s essential not to let their skepticism deter you from your aspirations. Even your closest friends and family may withhold their support until they see your vision gaining traction. Don’t let this discourage you; stay focused on your goals. The universe often sends you strangers who will believe in your vision when those closest to you do not. As long as you remain committed to growth and the quality of your products, success will inevitably follow. Trust in your journey and the unique path you are carving out for yourself.

Finally, embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. If you can cultivate an attitude that seeks to gain a lesson from every setback and find satisfaction in simply taking that first step, you will ultimately succeed. Do not fear the judgment of others; remember that a writer will never judge you for writing that first paragraph, an athlete will never criticize you for making that initial attempt at working out, and an actor will never belittle you for stepping onto the stage for the first time. Those who are genuinely striving for success will never judge you for your efforts. Don’t allow yourself to be diminished by the opinions of naysayers; often, it is the people doing the least who have the loudest voices. Those who are truly engaged in their own journeys of growth and creation are too busy learning and evolving to criticize others. Cultivate this mindset of resilience and self-belief, and let every experience—whether perceived as success or failure—fuel your passion and drive.

By embracing these three qualities—loving the journey, believing in yourself, and welcoming failure—you are setting a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial path. Remember, every step you take is part of your unique journey, and each challenge is an opportunity for growth and discovery.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One of the most impactful books I’ve ever read is “The First and Last Freedom” by Jiddu Krishnamurti. This profound work unveiled to me the extent to which human beings are often ruled by abstraction and fear. It allowed me to recognize how much authority we blindly relinquish to external forces—whether they be societal norms, institutions, or ideologies. As Krishnamurti powerfully states, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” This statement resonates deeply with me, highlighting the danger of conforming to a world that may not align with our true values or well-being.

One of the most striking insights from the book is when Krishnamurti says, “Freedom is not a thing that can be given to you. It is something that you must achieve for yourself.” This phrase emphasizes that true freedom is an internal journey, one that cannot be bestowed by external authorities but must be cultivated through personal inquiry and self-awareness.

Another that stands out to me is, “The more you know, the more you know that you do not know,” which encourages a mindset of humility and openness to learning. This understanding challenges us to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and to seek our own understanding of reality with a commitment to truth.

Krishnamurti’s assertion that “the mind is a cage” serves as a reminder that our thoughts and preconceived notions can limit our potential. Recognizing this has been crucial for my growth, allowing me to confront my fears and the limitations I’ve placed upon myself. In a world where many seek certainty in prescribed beliefs and traditions, Krishnamurti encourages us to embrace uncertainty and trust our own understanding. This resonates deeply within me.

Through his insights, I’ve learned the importance of self-awareness and the courage to confront my fears. Krishnamurti’s teachings have inspired me to challenge the limitations imposed by society, leading to a greater sense of freedom and purpose. This perspective is invaluable, especially in the entrepreneurial realm, where the pressures to conform can be overwhelming .

“The First and Last Freedom” has not only enriched my understanding of myself but has also profoundly influenced how I approach my journey as an entrepreneur and human being. It has empowered me to embrace my individuality, trust my intuition, and remain open to the endless possibilities that come from seeking my own truth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.enchantedmoonsoapery.com
• Instagram: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Facebook: @enchantedmoonsoapery
• Yelp: Enchanted Moon Soapery

Image Credits

Brittany and Reyna Guerra