We had the good fortune of connecting with Raquel Z. Duarte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raquel Z., how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Portland, Oregon. I was raised on a farm about an hour outside of the city. Every day consisted of learning new things, exploring the land, and hanging out with my six siblings. I was homeschooled all the way through high school and I can attest to that being one of the biggest philosophies of my life – which is, “never stop learning”. Being homeschooled, there was never NOT a teaching moment. And because of my student mindset always being ON, I never stopped seeking knowledge, asking questions, and constantly growing. “What I do” may change on a daily, but “who I am” is rooted in presenting myself as a student to the Universe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I launched Awaken Alma Artistry in August of 2021. I primarily specialized in selling zodiac crystal collections at local farmers’ markets. At the time, I was based in Texas. My business module continued to grow until I was selling crystals online and through social media platforms. I began offering card readings too. And once I moved back to my home state of Oregon, I pursued my certification in Reiki energy healing. After becoming certified as a Reiki Master, I started taking clients at a local 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 this last April (2024) and decided to pursue my license in Esthetics, which I plan to implement energy work into. I will be offering my services at Ginger Road Wellness & Spa in Escondido, California.
I would say that my professional growth wasn’t necessarily “hard” because I had a very clear vision for what I wanted my business to always be focused on and be about – and that is, helping others heal. Whether physically, spiritually, emotionally – or all of the above. We all have our own struggles and areas of personal growth that we want/need to focus on, and we all need support through it! With my expertise in energy work and now, in skincare, I can target both the inner and outer body. My tagline is “An inner cosmic approach to outer beauty”. We are immortal souls having a human experience. Taking time for all parts of our being is essential to living, not just existing.
Some lessons I’ve learned along the way are – 1) find mentors. find individuals whose professionalism and business strategies you admire, and just follow them around haha Ask questions. Learn from them. and 2) Don’t keep your business in a box. Have a main goal and focus, but don’t be afraid to try different routes, products, strategies to bring that vision to fruition. 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!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh well actually my Mama and two of my siblings are coming to visit me next week and I literally have a note on my phone of places I want to take them. I love to support local so I want to take them to some of my favorite little spots that I have discovered in just the 5 months of being here in California –
– My Yard Live (San Marcos) has great live music on the weekends. Their mac and cheese is bomb too.
– Stone Brewery (Escondido) is a beautiful spot for dinner and you can take a nice little walk in the tree grove after eating.
– Double Peak (San Marcos) is the prime sunset watching spot. Don’t ever miss out on going there, if you’re in the area.
– There’s a farmer’s market literally every day of the week, so going to at least one of those, for sure. This is a great way to meet local artists and creatives and support small businesses.
I’m still new to the area, like I said, so I am sure there are lots more that I am missing. I’m always eager to be given suggestions though!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mama is always going to be my first shout-out. Without her diligence, love and direction, I wouldn’t be the creative and successful woman that I am today.
To my man, Angel – my #1 fan, my greatest supporter, and my peace.
To Zohra, Jordenelle, & Greer – three powerhouse women who I admire so much, and whose strategic business mindsets are ones I aspire to have.
To my classmates – Ari, Andrea, CJ, & Morgan. We have been by each other’s side our whole journey through Esthetics school. They have become like sisters to me. They each have such beautiful and unique personalities that shine through in their respective business goals and visions. And I cannot wait to see them all thrive.

Website: https://www.awakenalma.co

Instagram: @itsjustraquel and @awakenalmaartistry

Twitter: @itsjustraquel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquel.z.duarte/ and https://www.facebook.com/awakenalma

Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6bXd7krGZEBDxenSkrE6AD?si=67173780587e452e

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