Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Beltran-Cruz.
Hi Raquel, We’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, could youlet’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I was laid off from a company I had dedicated over 12 years to. I was devastated and in an uncharted territory, both financially and emotionally. At the time, we had two children to feed and a mortgage significantly higher than our previous rent. To make matters worse, I had just signed the mortgage on our new home a few months before my layoff. In the face of these challenges, I realized that failure was not an option. I began an intensive research period, desperately seeking a new path forward. I knew I wanted to bring something fresh and unique to Victoria, but I needed to figure out where to start. This was 2016, a time before TikTok, and I didn’t even have an Instagram account until 2018. My only connection to social media was through Facebook. To explore opportunities, I joined various Buy, Sale, or Trade groups in major cities across the United States, such as New York, LA, Dallas, Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston. I researched trends in the northern states that had yet to reach the southern region. It was during this process that I stumbled upon teeth whitening. I decided to leap of faith and introduced Bright & Go teeth whitening to Victoria. This endeavor was challenging, as teeth whitening services were mostly confined to dental offices at the time. I encountered numerous learning curves along the way, but each challenge served as a stepping stone for continued growth and small victories that ultimately shaped the trajectory of my business. My journey commenced with me operating out of the trunk of my car, offering Bright & Go exclusively as a mobile service. For an entire year, I traveled from one house to another, brightening one smile at a time. I spent that first year perfecting my craft, relentlessly educating myself, and building trust within our community. My goal was clear: gradually establishing Bright & Go as one of the most trusted services in our area and the industry. In 2019, I reached a milestone by opening the doors to my office and hiring employees. Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching and mentoring several aspiring entrepreneurs in the teeth-whitening field and various startup businesses. It’s been a rewarding journey filled with challenges and triumphs, and it has led me to where my business stands today.
Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth?
In its early stages, Bright & Go encountered numerous challenges, the primary one being establishing trust within our local community. As the first business in our area to offer teeth whitening services outside of a dental office, I immediately set out to build a brand known for remarkable results and exceptional client satisfaction. Navigating these challenges while maintaining high standards of service and safety remained my utmost priority. I quickly embraced adapting to market changes and relentlessly enhancing the client experience to build a valued reputation and cultivate a loyal customer base.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our core values—integrity, honesty, and safe practices – are the bedrock of our operations. We believe in doing good by adhering to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency in every interaction, and upholding the most stringent safety protocols. Our status as the pioneering and original teeth whitening company in our region sets us apart. Our innovative approach and commitment to excellence have set the benchmark for quality and professionalism in the teeth whitening industry. We take immense pride in our transformative impact on our clients’ lives, allowing them to step into the world with newfound confidence. At Bright & Go, we enhance smiles; we illuminate the path to self-assuredness and brighter futures. We are committed to making the world brighter, one smile at a time.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love San Antonio!
I love the beautiful River Walk, all of the traditional shops & Mexican restaurants, and the beautifuldisplay of Christmaslights duringthe holidays. There isnt anything I don’t love about SA!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brightandgo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_bright2018/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagmobile
Image Credits
Jenny King Photography
