Meet Raquel Beltran-Cruz

We recently connected with Raquel Beltran-Cruz and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Raquel, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Resilience is something I developed through facing challenges and setbacks in my life. My journey with resilience began as early as elementary school. Growing up in a low-income household, I quickly learned that my circumstances didn’t define me. Instead of succumbing to the limitations of my environment, I embraced the mindset that I could rise above any adversity. This early lesson in resilience laid the foundation for my ability to keep pushing forward.
As I grew older, life continued to test my resilience. One significant challenge came when I was laid off from my job. Rather than falling into despair or relying on external assistance, I took the situation into my own hands, took a bold step, and started my own business. This decision was fueled by the same determination and adaptability that had carried me through my childhood.
Each obstacle I’ve encountered has reinforced the importance of perseverance and adaptability. These experiences have not only strengthened my ability to bounce back but have also instilled in me a sense of self-worth. No matter the situation, I remain committed to moving forward and finding solutions, knowing that my resilience will always guide me through.
But I cant take all of the credit. My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I was raised to value hard work and dedication, by the most amazing, hardworking, and God fearing parents. Seeing first hand how hard my dad worked, how creative my mom was with just pennies to our name, and yet how generous they were with everyone around them, those principles have been a guiding force throughout life.
Confidence and self-esteem are intertwined aspects that I continuously nurture. They stem from self-awareness and self-acceptance. Embracing my strengths and acknowledging my areas for growth have empowered me to believe in myself. Positive relationships and surrounding myself with supportive people also play a significant role in maintaining my confidence.
Generosity is a value I hold dear, inspired by the kindness and generosity I’ve witnessed from my parents. Regardless of our financial situation, my mother and father were extremely generous and always so optimistic of our personal lives. They raised us to be givers as well. We wholeheartedly believe in giving back and helping those around us. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being there for someone in need, I strive to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of my community.
Overall, these qualities are a blend of personal experiences, values instilled by my family, and the continuous effort to grow and improve. They are who I am and how I approach life, being a mommy, a wife, and a business owner.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am the founder and owner of Bright & Go, a luxury teeth whitening business I launched in 2016. At that time, teeth whitening services outside of a dentist’s office were virtually unheard of, making our venture quite innovative. Since then, we have established ourselves as a leading business in the industry, in our area, and we are known for our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

One of the most exciting aspects of what we do is seeing the transformative impact our services have on our clients’ confidence and self-esteem. A brighter smile can make a world of difference, and being a part of that positive change is incredibly rewarding.

Over the years, we have expanded our offerings and grown in several exciting ways. We opened a second small location to serve more clients and introduced our own private line of teeth whitening products. This allows us to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness for our customers.

In addition to Bright & Go, we have also launched Jacob Lane Designs, a jewelry boutique that offers unique and stylish pieces. This venture allows us to explore our creative side and provide our clients with another way to enhance their personal style.

We believe in giving back and supporting the growth of others in our industry. To this end, we have developed a mentoring and training program. Through this initiative, we aim to share our knowledge and experience, helping aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals build their own successful businesses.

We are constantly evolving and looking for new ways to innovate and improve. Whether through expanding our product lines, opening new locations, or launching new ventures, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and making a positive impact on our clients’ lives.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are: Resilience, adaptability, and maintain a well-balanced life.
Just having the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial for me. Developing resilience allowed me to embrace failures as learning opportunities, it allowed me to keep a positive mindset, and stay committed to my goals despite obstacles.
For those early in their journey, I would encourage them to try and reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Surround themselves with supportive mentors and peers who can provide encouragement and guidance, to practice self-care to maintain mental and emotional well-being during challenging times.
Another quality would be – being able to adapt to changing circumstances and market demands. I feel like I’ve continued to stay open to new ideas and feedback, and because I’m so hungry to learn I feel like I continue to evolve.
For my mentees, I always tell them to improve adaptability by staying informed about industry trends and to stay flexible and innovative.
Lastly, maintaining a well-balanced life while pursuing entrepreneurship is crucial to my journey. This includes embodying an entrepreneurial mindset—embracing creativity, risk-taking, and a strong work ethic. It also means prioritizing my roles as a wife and mother. I give my all to my business goals, but I give even MORE than my all for my husband and babies. Balancing these responsibilities requires effective time management, prioritization, and a full commitment to both my family and my professional growth.
My advice to new business owners is embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by seeking out opportunities to grow and develop their skills any chance they get– go HARD for their new business. Show up for themselves because no one else will. But at the same time, set clear boundaries and allocate their time and energy effectively. Learn to say no when necessary to avoid overcommitting and burnout. Set boundaries between work and personal life to maintain mental and emotional well-being. Remember what is the most important to them and prioritize effectively.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I have two answers…

Collaborations play a vital role in enhancing our offerings at Bright & Go. Recently, I launched The Experience by Bright & Go packages, designed to provide our clients with unforgettable moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. These packages combine our premium teeth whitening services with tailored experiences that cater to their individual needs and preferences.

I am passionate about working with models, makeup artists (MUA), photographers, barbers, and self-care wellness experts to co-create these experiences. By collaborating with talented professionals across various fields, we ensure that each client receives a personalized service that goes beyond their expectations. For example, I launched a Date Night Experience and collab’d with a local photographer, MUA, and bar in our area for the ultimate Valentines Date night.

If you are a model, MUA, photographer, barber, or self-care wellness expert interested in joining us on this journey, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can continue to innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression on our clients.

ALSO-

I am committed to providing comprehensive training and development for aspiring professionals at Bright & Go. In addition to our core programs, I am actively seeking collaborations with experts in various fields, including lash experts, spa services providers, and other wellness professionals.

These collaborations aim to enrich the educational experience for our trainees by offering additional teachings and classes that complement our existing curriculum. By partnering with industry leaders and experts, we ensure that our trainees receive diverse perspectives and practical skills that prepare them for success in their careers.

If you are a lash expert, spa services provider, or wellness professional interested in sharing your expertise and contributing to our training programs, I would love to explore collaboration opportunities. Together, we can empower the next generation of professionals and elevate standards within our industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brightandgo.com
• Instagram: _bright2018
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagmobile

Image Credits

Jenny King Photography
Haggard Honey Photography
Dolled By Dani
Makeup & Esthetics by Morgan Schmidt
Bright & Go Luxury Teeth Whitening
Jacob Lane Designs