Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Quinones.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I found myself experiencing a spiritual awakening in 2020. Once the pandemic swept the world, the heightened anxiety of lockdown paved the way for me to dive deeper into self love, awareness and inner healing. I was faced with a new reality and felt I was guided to do the inner work at that exact time. Divine timing, right?
As I embarked on my spiritual journey (which truthfully, never ends), I picked up new rituals and practices. I found myself meditating consistently, began conducting self oracle-card readings, and of course, invested in my first set of chakra crystals.
I studied the stones, meditated with them, placed them under my pillow and all around my home office. Crystals became my source of intention and helped me take a more centered, targeted approach to my spiritual practices.
Since then, I’ve taken courses, conducted crystal healing sessions on myself, studied crystal feng shui and of course, opened a crystal store here in ATX!
While I believe we have everything we need within us to heal ourselves, crystals and many other practices are a great way to receive a bit more clarity (plus, who can argue with a sparkly stone from Mama Earth?!).
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest, actually running the shop has been the “challenge”. I feel so aligned with my purpose, that I wasn’t totally surprised when this opportunity fell into my lap (though, absolutely elated!). I manifested this opportunity (which might be a story for another time).
Actually running the shop though?!
Look— I work a 9-5 corporate job on top of this. I was the first in my family to go to college and move away from our hometown in northern Ohio. I’ve had my fair share of challenges, but believe me when I tell you that I have learned more as a small business owner than I have in the entire course of my career that we are expected to endure. I have a whole new level of respect for small businesses and all of the hats we are required to wear. What a gift though to be able to learn so much!
It’s challenging to navigate the world of owning a local small business, the operations behind it, the overhead, etc., but it is also incredibly rewarding.
Would I change anything though?
Absolutely not.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own ILLUMINATED Crystal & Metaphysical shop! I’ve been known as the crystal queen, so it only made sense to bring my vision of a crystal healing space to reality. That being said, I’m most proud of working with local facilitators by providing them space to host their own workshops for the community through other healing modalities. The goal is always healing, community, integrity and compassion. If I can help bring that to the space, I will. We’ve had a guest hypnotherapist guide us through an abundance hypnosis, tarot readers are on-site on any given day, and we’re currently in the process of booking a facilitator that will guide us through dances & yoga poses that assist in unblocking our chakras! Events are always on the calendar with ILLUMINATED!
I’m also deeply proud of being a female, LatinX small business owner. I grew up not seeing many people in leadership that looked like me. I decided at a very young age (about 10 years old) that I had to be the example I wished to see in the world. Since then, I’ve remained committed to helping and elevating fellow LatinX artists, creatives, women, young women, etc. live the life they desire and push past the limits that are placed upon us. If there’s anything I can say here, it’s to please not hesitate to message me for help, guidance, or simply be a listening ear. I know how hard it is to break the glass ceiling, but little by little, we’re each cracking it. It is through the collective work of all of us that will break that glass ceiling —together.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Own your magic!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildlyilluminated.square.site/
- Instagram: @wildlyilluminated
