Meet Raquel Z. Duarte | Specialty Esthetician & Energy Artisan

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

Hi Raquel, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After a catalytic event in my life back in 2018, I was launched into a desperate attempt at finding a reason for my existence, my destiny, my life. This led me to seek healing & direction through holistic & metaphysical paths.
Pairing this with my passion for natural beauty & skincare, I was led to pursue multiple tools to help me hone my skills & be able to help all individuals & walks of life to find healing – both physically & spiritually.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I created the Awaken Alma brand in June of 2021.
The name is very special to me – “Alma” is the name of the street I grew up on in Portland, Oregon. It is also the Spanish word for “soul”. Through my business, I hope to not only inspire but help support others on their soul awakening journey.
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 all Reiki energy healing levels. 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 in April of 2024 and decided to pursue my licensure in Esthetics.
Pairing my gifts with my passion for health & wellness, as well as natural beauty, opened many doors for me to curate experiences while also targeting skincare needs. This grew my brand into one of unique offerings.
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 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 have learned along the way are – 1) find mentors. find individuals whose professionalism and business strategies you admire, and just follow them around! 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!
I offer my services virtually, or in-person at Thérapie Day Spa in Ocean Beach San Diego.

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 two of my sisters are coming to visit me next month 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 1+ years of being here in Southern California –

– Thérapie Day Spa (Ocean Beach, San Diego) offers massages, facials, energy work and monthly sound healing circles.
– Sunset Cliffs (San Diego) is one of THE best beaches. Go at sunset for a nice walk on the sand.
– Mission Bay Boardwalk (San Diego) is a beautiful spot to grab coffee at Superbloom, walk around the park and enjoy the Pacific Passage.
– DayDream Gift Shop (Escondido) is a local artisans shopping ‘center’. Vendors booths sell a variety of boutique gift ideas, handmade items, and locally crafted fashion and houseware. Great spot to buy souvenirs.
– Cruisin’ Grand (Escondido) is a car event every Friday evening on Grand Avenue. Old, new and every year in between of all makes and models! The whole city turns out for this. And the restaurants and bars stay open late.
– 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!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
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.
And to women who have supported me on my journey – you know who you are.

Website: https://www.awakenalma.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenalma

Other: https://www.instagram.com/raqueltypeofenergy