Meet Kara Cross | Owner of Soul Crafted Soap

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

Hi Kara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
While my business still consumes most of my free time, I have learned along the way that taking time to care for my body and mind are nourishing and necessary. I can tell people what I need, I can tell them no, I can take my time, I can ask for help in order to restore balance. My life might look out of balance to those outside of it, but when I feed what I love, that is when I feel balanced, and I love learning, healing, creating…

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born a maker to other hand makers on both sides of the family. They taught me how to think and create. I have always needed to gather materials and bring ideas to life. Drawing and writing while sitting in the grass as a child. Finding artistic mentors in family and teachers, my parents and grandparents. I learned how to cook, sew, draw, design, build; I learned that I can make anything I need, anything I can dream up. I also learned that failure is guaranteed, and when I am brave and know my worth and I do my best, then it’s all just lessons, some harder than others, but still lessons for improvement. I sought out knowledge, graphic design, fine art, art history. I sought out others with the same passion, with different passions so we could build even greater ideas. I think sharing my hand making with others throughout my life is what has kept my art alive, a reason to create, to share beauty and healing, color and light, with others. And I am lucky enough to have found my vibration, a space where doing what I love creates more love and goodness, a space where I take the best materials in the most loving hands to create medicine and art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Food – Tacos El Gordo, Annie’s Burgers, Regent’s Pizza, Mariposa Ice Cream, Flavors of East Africa, Cali Baguette, OB Sushi Spots – Hang gliding in La Jolla, Balboa Park, Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens, San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Torrey Pines Hiking Trails, Sunset Cliffs Pier, Ferry to Coronado, Liberty Station Marketplace

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, John & Kathie Cross, my close friends in San Diego, my support network in both business and recovery have all woven their love, encouragement, support and advice into the fabric of my life. I am better for it, I would be incomplete without my loved ones and my successes are tied to them. Also, the guidance and inspiration I receive from Charlene Sagiao at Spirit Guide Wellness, my sister business, has transformed my business, which has transformed me.

Website: www.soulcraftedsoap.com

Instagram: @soulcraftedsoap

Facebook: @SoulCraftedSoap

Other: Etsy SoulCraftedSoap