Meet Raquel Z. Duarte

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raquel Z. Duarte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raquel Z. below.

Hi Raquel Z., thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

It’s all about staying focused on your passion and your vision. WHY are you doing this? WHAT do you hope to accomplish? WHO do you want to reach? Then go into the HOW.
Think back on where your creativity stems from and go back to those roots. If it’s hiking, cooking, reading, swimming… whatever makes you feel in your element – respark that excitement and thrill.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I created my brand, Awaken Alma Artistry, in August of 2021. I started out with selling quality stones and crystals at local vendor markets. I later began offering card readings, and the deeper I dove into the esoteric realm, I was soon introduced to Reiki. I felt called to pursue my certification in Reiki energy healing and after becoming a certified Reiki Master, I began taking clients at a wellness center in Salem, Oregon. I marketed myself through many different medias, and also had booths at local wellness faires. I moved to California just last April (2024) and decided to pursue my license in Esthetics. I now offer my skincare services and energy work sessions at Ginger Road Wellness & Spa in Escondido, California, where I also host and facilitate The Moonlit Collective – a monthly women’s community circle. I also curate the Zodiac Collections, which are essentially crystal starter kits based on each of the zodiacs. These are available through my website and make excellent birthday gifts 😉

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1) Commitment – your business, art, services, education, etc. isn’t going to expand itself. You need to stay focused, do something EVERY day that adds a step to your journey, learn new techniques, meet new people, and network, network, network.

2) Mentorship – find mentors. Find individuals whose professionalism and business strategies you admire, and just follow them around (on social media or in person!). Ask questions. Learn from them.

3) Willingness – to learn, grow, but also, don’t be afraid to try different routes, products, strategies to bring that vision to fruition. Don’t keep yourself in a box. Have a main goal and focus, but be willing to take some scenic routes along the way. Some things will work out, some won’t. But either way, you are learning more about yourself and your business. Even if it’s just something that works out for a little while, you still took a leap of faith. And that’s brave. That’s growth. And that’s how creativity works!

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Well, like in any service-related field, I think the greatest challenge is building clientele. And with being new to SoCal, I am literally starting my business from ground zero. I don’t have any family in the area. The few friends I have made do support me, but my focus is more on reaching organic clients.

I specialize in acne treatments, men’s skincare, back facials, relaxation facials, and lymphatic drain. Energy work is implemented into each of these (upon request), as well. Having been in the marketing industry for 6+ years, I know the vital benefits that social media and an online presence, in general, has for small businesses. So I have been utilizing multiple platforms in order to reach potential clients. And opportunities, like being interviewed by Bold Journey, has been so appreciated. So thank you! I know this article will reach the right people.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Israel Perez

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