Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Cruz.
Mary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started off as an LA-based jewelry designer, and since 2018, I’ve become a sustainable textile designer as well. I’m a true Medicine Woman – an Intuitive, Crystal Guide, Mentor, and Manifestor committed to ascension self-work. I’m an advocate for the planet and for empowering one’s intuition, holding firm in the belief that Intuition is one’s Superpower. My creative soul continues to grow and evolve with time, life experiences and self-realization. I’ve been in the jewelry industry for almost two decades. I’ve done everything from retail, managing, buying, designing, wire wrapping and also production assisting for a fine jewelry company, which is where I learned how to do “lostwax.” Lostwax is an ancient jewelry making casting technique, where wax is carved by hand and then goes into a casting process where the wax is replaced with precious metals. “Open Heart Warrior ” is my second jewelry company – it manifested following a spiritual awakening. I was inspired to create jewelry with intention, based on my new found knowledge of crystal healing, deities, angels, and being guided by the higher spirit with my designs. I kept listening to spirit, I kept staying open and I continue to trust that the universe has my back.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In full transparency, I feel like the road has been a pretty smooth one even with the bumps here and there. I appreciate each opportunity to learn, expand, and grow with trust in the universe.
Please tell us about Open Heart Warrior.
Open Heart Warrior is a luxury wellness brand that began in 2014 as a small, artisanal intentional jewelry line 100% handcrafted by myself and team of skilled local artisans in Los Angeles. In 2018 it grew into a namesake sustainable partnership with West Elm, when I pitched the idea of saving their old textiles to create sustainable meditations cushions to their VP of Conscious Product Development.
All OHW castings are my hand carvings out of wax, and all are made to evoke inspiration, empowerment, and connection. I’m mostly known for my Open Heart Warrior talisman which is incorporated into bracelets, rings, and 108 malas. We’re also known for our quality OHW malas, especially our high-end malas intentionally made with gem grade stones and crystals. Our sustainable line of meditation cushions has also become a popular offering, and is expanding nationally and online in 2020.
The heart of Open Heart Warrior is the yoga community. For the last 6 years, I’ve been traveling nationwide vending at Yoga Festivals and Wellness Conferences like Wanderlust Festivals, Yoga Journal Conference, Hanuman Festivals, The GOOD Fest, The Heart Series, Wellsprings and more.
I’m most proud of all the genuine connections I’ve made throughout the years and how my jewelry, the Open Heart Warrior talisman specifically, has inspired and empowered so many people to heal and love themselves among other things.
What sets OHW apart from the rest is our elevated way of doing business. We are transparent in how we create and produce. All of our products are made by hand, designed by me, with a story and intention that I hope the receiver feels. Our approach is to help our customers by giving them intentional tools to support their spiritual and healing journey , which provide sustainable and green living options (for every OHW product purchase, we plant a tree per our restoration project with https://onetreeplanted.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My angels and spirit for the guidance. The Universe for always providing. My mom who invested $1,500.00 into my very first jewelry production to start. My old and last boss, who inspired me to create again and introduced me to Lostwax and paid for my very first lostwax class. I’d like to thank all who have ever worked with me at events and festivals because I couldn’t have done it without their help and support. My present OHW team because they are slaying it in helping OHW’s current transitional growth. Big thanks to key people at West Elm that have helped me throughout my years as one of their official local vendors and supported my vision. I’d like to thank my team of skilled artisans who work diligently with me and my standards to offer the best quality of jewelry and sustainable products. Last but not the least, EVERYONE who has ever purchased an OHW product. And anyone else I have missed. THANK YOU!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.openheartwarrior.com
- Phone: 323-608-8661
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @openheartwarrior
Image Credit:
Tamara Muth-King and Annie Senechal
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