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

Hi Francesca Cruz, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Bathing Muse Soul Bars at the start of the COVID pandemic. It was a serendipitous process. I wanted to eventually make soaps out of herb baths I would often gift to friends when they felt “energetically stuck”. I just never thought I would have the time to do it. When COVID shut the world as we knew it, down. I found myself leaning back into spiritual wellness and assisting friends that were having a very difficulty time. I’ve always been aware of the power of herbs and oils to heal our energy. Both my grandmothers were “spiritually gifted” and used herbs to heal. During COVID I got orders upon orders for my auric soaps, so I decided to finally give it a proper name and make it, not only a business, but my passion project. Hence, the birth of Bathing Muse Soul Bars in the summer of 2019

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Mini Bio

Francesca Cruz is an award-winning journalist who began her career on television as a host for Univision’s popular music video show Onda Max. She furthered her career when she became the youngest entrainment reporter for Telemundo’s primetime news show, Occurio Asi. She parlayed that into a successful career in publishing. Most recently, she was the Editor-in-Chief, as well as, Production Director for inDoral Magazine and inWeston Magazine. Looking to experience more out of life she ventured to see all 7 Modern Wonders of the World, completing her goal in less than two years. Francesca’s travels have taken her to over 50 different countries and 6 continents, permitting her the opportunity to study with different spiritual masters and healers.

In 2019 when COVID hit, I knew it was time to focus on creating auric cleansing soaps (Bathing Muse Soul Bars). I had been putting it off for many years. With all my travels, I wanted to be able to do a cleansing bath that I could travel with. It could not be in a liquid format because that was to cumbersome. I wanted to create something potent and powerful, that I could easily travel with. I always new that energy healing was a calling I had. I was born an empath, an intuitive, and to a certain extent, an alchemist. I learned from my grandmothers the benefits of plants, herbs and oils–as well as energy, to heal. I had not taken the challenge on earlier, for fear of being perceived as someone dealing in the occult, or perhaps I was concerned that I would not be taken seriously by a larger public. I had been creating healing baths and soaps for my friends for years, but during COVID is when I realized I needed to see this as a business. I think COVID had a great impact on the world. It was a terrible and difficult time, but for me, it was a time when I most turned inward and realized I needed to use my gift, and also see my gift as a talent that I could make my business. I had to overcome a certain level of guilt. It was difficult to associate helping other with a business. I came to terms with being okay with that during a global pandemic. I also was not willing to skimp on quality. I use the very best products–all vegan, organic..I often grow my own herbs. I also understood this is not something you make in bulk because you are dealing with energy. When I make my Bathing Muse Soul Bars, I make love. It’s an act of love. I put all my heart, knowledge, soul and energy into each one. And yes, it’s time consuming. I have to create them based on the cycles of the moon. It takes a lot out of me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to Merida, Yucatan. We’d spend time with my shaman friends, go swimming in cenotes, experience a temazcal (a type of pre-Hispanic sweat lodge). I’d go to one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World: Chichén Itzá. I’d take my friends to La Chaya Maya for authentic Yucatan food…and later stroll the Paseo de Montejo. Just writing this right now makes me want to book a flight to Merida.

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?
I dedicated this Shoutout to my maternal grandmother, Emelina Fondon Arocha, and my paternal grandmother Rosario Vandrel Cruz Perez. Both spiritual healers, and warriors of light–wise and magical women who respected alchemy and the power of prayer. Both, gifted me that DNA.

Website: www.bathingmuse.com

Instagram: @bathingmusesoulbars

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cruz-47941544/

Facebook: Francesca Cruz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cruzthemuse

Image Credits
First Image with sun flowers: Josue Acosta Second image is mine

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